The Sedbergh School Foundation
Sedbergh
Part-time
GROUNDS AND GARDEN APPRENTICE
JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

GROUNDS AND GARDEN APPRENTICE

Responsible to:

Grounds Manager

Purpose

The gardening team of Sedbergh School provide pupils, staff and visitors to the School with gardens
commensurate with the School’s long standing position as a leading Independent School.  There may
be occasions when out of normal hours working will be required, i.e. special school events.  Time can
be taken off in lieu in consultation with the Grounds Manager.

In periods of adverse weather conditions, when outside working is not possible, the candidate may
be required to assist the Clerk of Works with internal maintenance tasks.

Duties

Tasks will vary on a daily basis as determined by the Assistant Grounds Manager or Head Gardener
and will include:

•  Soil cultivation, digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, seed

sowing, bed preparation and planting.
Lawn maintenance and cultivation.

•
•  The use and maintenance of hand tools and basic light machinery and plant.
•  The use of cylinder and rotary mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers.
•  Adjustment of mower height and quality of cut, etc. Oil level checks and checks for damage

to any mower.

•  To respond to emergencies and assist other departments i.e. Sports, Maintenance, as

directed by the Grounds Manager, Assistant Grounds Manager, Head Gardener or Bursar
(Operations).

•  To be aware of Health and Safety requirements noting that all duties must be carried out to

comply with current Health & Safety at Work legislation.
•  To ensure all equipment, machinery and buildings are secure.
•  To keep the mess rooms, tool sheds clean and tidy.
•  To be aware of and report any security risks posed within the school.
•  To undergo training as required.

•  To keep gardens, thoroughfares and highway footpaths clear and free from litter always.
•  To carry out gritting, salt spreading, snow clearing.
•  To complete leaf collection.
•  To assist with chainsaw work.

All training will be given, and an appropriate college course will be supplied

Reporting

The Grounds and Garden Apprentice will from part of the Ground Staff Team under the direction of
the Grounds Manager, Assistant Grounds Manager and Head Gardener.  Ultimate responsibility will
be to the Bursar (Operations).  All staff are expected to work across both sites (Sedbergh &
Casterton).

Health and Safety:

All staff should be aware of the school’s health and safety policy and implement it as appropriate.

Safeguarding:

All staff employed by Sedbergh School are expected to take responsibility for promoting and
safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible or with
whom they come into contact.

These roles and responsibilities provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a
definitive list.  Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the level of this post.

Sedbergh School is committed to safeguarding & protecting the welfare of children. Applicants must be
willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past
employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No 1080672

GROUNDS AND GARDEN APPRENTICE - THE SEDBERGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION | Work In Charities