Groundsperson - Full-time

The Duke of York's Royal Military School, Dover

• Ref:KCC886-6918-129S
• Posted:20/11/2025
• Pay:DOYRMS Band 6: £26,263-£28,421 per year
• Start Date:Spring 2026
• App Close Date:18/12/2025 at 15:00
• Interviews:w/c 12 January 2026

Advert

The Duke of York' s Royal Military School seeks to appoint a Groundsperson, qualities such as attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to the upkeep of historical and functional aspects of the School site will be highly valued. Experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or related fields will be essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake Grounds Maintenance tasks including mowing, strimming, fine cut, chainsaw work and hedge trimming.
• Close liaison with the Head Groundsman with regard to any ground’s maintenance issues, including equipment, or unavailability of pitches in accordance with the School calendar.
• Ensure all sports pitches are available for School matches and that any external lettings have pitches available.
• Maintain the site grounds to a high standard especially for special events i.e. Grand Day and Remembrance Weekend.
• Tree maintenance.
• Grounds winter preparation work.
• In conjunction with the FM department’s snow and ice plan, carry out gritting and snow clearance as required, including working flexible hours (early mornings or late evenings) to maintain safe conditions for all site users, particularly during adverse weather.
• Undertake repairs as necessary to any road, hedges, fences or other grounds areas.
• Assist maintenance staff in other maintenance tasks as required.

Person Specification

• Effective communicator – good oral & written skills.
• Proven IT skills or ECDL or equivalent.
• Experience of undertaking general grounds maintenance activities.

Desirable Experience/Skills

• Previous experience of working in a school environment and a team.
• CS30/31 chainsaw tickets.
• CS38 Tree climbing and aerial rescue operations.
• CS39 use of chainsaw from rope and harness.
• Ride on mower and tractor tickets.
• The ability to carry out arborist tasks, or the willingness to undertake training to develop these skills, including tree climbing.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work to tight and ever-changing deadlines according to the business need.
• Able to use initiative and prioritise tasks.
• An excellent team player but equally able to work alone.
• High level of integrity.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours as required (including, evening and weekend work).

Further Information

Full-time, permanent role (37 hours per week). Salary: DOYRMS Band 5, £26,263–£28,421 per year, based on experience.

Application Process

An application form can be downloaded from the School website. In order to apply, candidates are required to fill out an application form, provide a supporting statement and send the completed documents via email to recruitment@doyrms.com.

Completed application packs should be sent by email to the HR Department at recruitment@doyrms.com by Friday 19 December 2025. Interviews will take place at

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School week commencing 12 January 2026 and candidates will be contacted via email with interview details if they are shortlisted.

Please note that the School reserves the right to close the application deadline earlier than stated, so we encourage candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

CVs alone will not be accepted.

Information about the school

Established in 1803 by His Royal Highness Frederick, Duke of York, The Duke of York's Royal Military School has a rich history rooted in educating the children of military personnel. Originally located in Chelsea, the School relocated to its current site in Dover, Kent, in 1909.

Today, the School offers full, weekly, and flexi boarding options for over 500 students aged 11 to 18. Operating on an independent School model, it provides high-quality education, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and outstanding facilities.

The School enjoys academic success way above the national average with well over half of all of grades being A* – B, BTEC with an average of Distinction, and 85% achieving A – C grades. 95% of students move on to university, with 73% achieving their aspirational first choice and 40% moving to Oxbridge and Russell group universities. Ranked in the top 5% of Schools nationally, students make outstanding progress at GCSE, achieving over two-thirds of a grade higher than the national average. The progress students make during their time at the School is a significant strength. Factors contributing to high academic standards include supervised prep, Saturday morning lessons, small class sizes, and proactive encouragement for each student to achieve their best. The School operates on an independent model, with a dynamic schedule that includes Saturday morning classes and afternoon activities such as sports and performances.

The School's aim is to provide an all-round education with an academic focus, encapsulated in the Dukies; motto: "Looking forward with confidence, looking back with pride." An extensive co-curricular programme with over 60 clubs and societies offers a wide range of opportunities, exposing students to new experiences and setting them apart as they embark on their next life stages, well-equipped with essential skills for success.

The Duke of York's Royal Military School continues to honour its rich heritage while embracing innovation, providing a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and personally.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Miss Phoebe Morgans
• Address:The Duke Of York's, Royal Military School, Guston, Dover, Kent, CT15 5EQ
• Telephone: 01304 245023
• Email: recruitment@doyrms.com

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description