Job Description

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Occupation: Land, asset, resources and facilities management

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Location: Gippsland - East Gippsland

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Reference:

Selection Criteria n

SC 1 Demonstrated experience in grounds maintenance, gardening or a related field

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The successful applicant will bring practical, hands-on experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, landscaping, a relevant trade, or a closely related area. They will be able to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of plant care, pruning, weeding, mulching, seasonal planting and general garden upkeep.

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In your response, please address:

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SC 2 Capacity to maintain outdoor infrastructure and carry out general maintenance tasks

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The role requires the ability to carry out routine maintenance across school grounds and buildings, including minor repairs to fences, gates, paths, playground equipment and outdoor furniture, and to undertake basic painting, plumbing and handyman tasks. The successful applicant will be able to identify, assess and report hazards or safety concerns promptly.

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In your response, please address:

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¿ Examples of maintenance, repairs or trade work you have completed in similar settings.

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¿ How you identify and prioritise maintenance issues or safety hazards and the steps you take to address them.

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¿ Your experience keeping work areas, equipment and storage spaces clean, organised and safe.

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SC 3 Sound knowledge and application of workplace health and safety practices

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The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong understanding of WHS principles as they apply to grounds and maintenance work, including the safe use and storage of equipment, chemicals and garden materials, and correct manual handling techniques. They will take personal responsibility for safety and model safe practices consistently.

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In your response, please address:

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¿ Your understanding of WHS obligations relevant to grounds maintenance and equipment operation.

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¿ Specific examples of how you have managed safety risks in previous roles, including chemical handling or equipment use.

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¿ Any relevant licences, certificates or training you hold (e.g. chemical handling, first aid, equipment operation).

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SC 4 Ability to work collaboratively with students and staff, including in a Kitchen Garden Program context

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One day per week the Groundskeeper works alongside the Kitchen Garden Program teacher and students, supporting hands-on garden learning. The successful applicant will bring a warm, patient and encouraging approach when working with primary-school-aged students, and the capacity to work cooperatively and respectfully with teaching and support staff.

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In your response, please address:

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¿ Any previous experience working with children or young people, in a school, community or program setting.

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¿ How you would approach guiding students to safely use tools and participate in garden activities.

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¿ Examples of how you have worked collaboratively within a team to achieve a shared goal.

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SC 5 Self-management, time management and ability to work independently across a varied workload

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The Groundskeeper works across a wide range of tasks and must be able to plan, prioritise and manage their own workload effectively across a three-day week. The successful applicant will demonstrate reliability, initiative and the capacity to organise their work to meet seasonal and operational demands without close supervision.

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In your response, please address:

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¿ How you plan and prioritise tasks when managing a varied workload, including seasonal demands.

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¿ An example of a time you identified a task that needed to be done and took initiative to complete it.

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¿ How you manage your time when responsibilities span multiple areas or locations.

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SC 6 Commitment to contributing positively to a school community

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Clifton Creek Primary School is a small, community-oriented school where all staff contribute to the tone and culture of the school environment. The successful applicant will demonstrate a respectful, approachable manner, a willingness to work positively alongside students and colleagues, and an understanding of the responsibilities that come with holding a current Working with Children Check.

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In your response, please address:

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¿ What draws you to working in a school setting and how you would contribute to school culture.

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¿ How you demonstrate respect and professionalism in your interactions with others.

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¿ Your current Working with Children Check status, or your willingness and capacity to obtain one.

Role n

The Groundskeeper is responsible for the general upkeep, cleanliness and presentation of the school's grounds, gardens and outdoor facilities, ensuring a safe, welcoming and well-maintained environment for students, staff and the wider school community. This is a 3 day per week position.



The role combines general maintenance, cleaning and gardening duties with one day per week supporting the school's Kitchen Garden Program, working alongside students and staff to maintain the kitchen garden and support hands-on student learning.

Responsibilities Selection Criteria n

SC 1 Demonstrated experience in grounds maintenance, gardening or a related field

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The successful applicant will bring practical, hands-on experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, landscaping, a relevant trade, or a closely related area. They will be able to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of plant care, pruning, weeding, mulching, seasonal planting and general garden upkeep.

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In your response, please address:

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¿ Your relevant work history and the types of grounds or garden environments you have worked in.

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¿ Specific skills you have developed in horticulture, landscaping, maintenance trades or related areas.

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¿ Your experience maintaining a wide variety of garden beds, trees, shrubs and outdoor spaces.

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SC 2 Capacity to maintain outdoor infrastructure and carry out general maintenance tasks

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The role requires the ability to carry out routine maintenance across school grounds and buildings, including minor repairs to fences, gates, paths, playground equipment and outdoor furniture, and to undertake basic painting, plumbing and handyman tasks. The successful applicant will be able to identify, assess and report hazards or safety concerns promptly.

n

In your response, please address:

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¿ Examples of maintenance, repairs or trade work you have completed in similar settings.

n

¿ How you identify and prioritise maintenance issues or safety hazards and the steps you take to address them.

n

¿ Your experience keeping work areas, equipment and storage spaces clean, organised and safe.

n

SC 3 Sound knowledge and application of workplace health and safety practices

n

The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong understanding of WHS principles as they apply to grounds and maintenance work, including the safe use and storage of equipment, chemicals and garden materials, and correct manual handling techniques. They will take personal responsibility for safety and model safe practices consistently.

n

In your response, please address:

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¿ Your understanding of WHS obligations relevant to grounds maintenance and equipment operation.

n

¿ Specific examples of how you have managed safety risks in previous roles, including chemical handling or equipment use.

n

¿ Any relevant licences, certificates or training you hold (e.g. chemical handling, first aid, equipment operation).

n

SC 4 Ability to work collaboratively with students and staff, including in a Kitchen Garden Program context

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One day per week the Groundskeeper works alongside the Kitchen Garden Program teacher and students, supporting hands-on garden learning. The successful applicant will bring a warm, patient and encouraging approach when working with primary-school-aged students, and the capacity to work cooperatively and respectfully with teaching and support staff.

n

In your response, please address:

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¿ Any previous experience working with children or young people, in a school, community or program setting.

n

¿ How you would approach guiding students to safely use tools and participate in garden activities.

n

¿ Examples of how you have worked collaboratively within a team to achieve a shared goal.

n

SC 5 Self-management, time management and ability to work independently across a diverse workload

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The Groundskeeper works across a wide range of tasks and must be able to plan, prioritise and manage their own workload effectively across a three-day week. The successful applicant will demonstrate reliability, initiative and the capacity to organise their work to meet seasonal and operational demands without close supervision.

n

In your response, please address:

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¿ How you plan and prioritise tasks when managing a varied workload, including seasonal demands.

n

¿ An example of a time you identified a task that needed to be done and took initiative to complete it.

n

¿ How you manage your time when responsibilities span multiple areas or locations.

n

SC 6 Commitment to contributing positively to a school community

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Clifton Creek Primary School is a small, community-oriented school where all staff contribute to the tone and culture of the school environment. The successful applicant will demonstrate a respectful,



approachable manner, a willingness to work positively alongside students and colleagues, and an understanding of the responsibilities that come with holding a current Working with Children Check.

n

In your response, please address:

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¿ What draws you to working in a school environment and how you would contribute to school culture.

n

¿ How you demonstrate respect and professionalism in your interactions with others.

n

¿ Your current Working with Children Check status, or your willingness and capacity to obtain one.

Role n

The Groundskeeper is responsible for the general upkeep, cleanliness and presentation of the school's grounds, gardens and outdoor facilities, ensuring a safe, welcoming and well-maintained environment for students, staff and the wider school community. This is a 3 day per week position. The role combines general maintenance, cleaning and gardening duties with one day per week supporting the school's Kitchen Garden Program, working alongside students and staff to maintain the kitchen garden and support hands-on student learning.

Responsibilities General Maintenance n

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Carry out routine maintenance and minor repairs across school buildings, fixtures and outdoor infrastructure.

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Identify and report maintenance issues, hazards or safety concerns to the appropriate staff member in a timely manner.

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Maintain fences, gates, paths, playground equipment and outdoor furniture in protected working order.

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Undertake basic painting, minor plumbing and general handyman tasks as required.

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Cleaning n

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Maintain the cleanliness of external areas, including walkways, entrances, car parks and outdoor communal spaces.

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Keep sheds, storage areas and maintenance equipment clean, organised and safely stored.

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Respond promptly to spills, litter or other cleanliness issues around the school grounds.

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Gardening and Grounds n

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Maintain garden beds, trees and shrubs, including pruning, weeding and mulching.

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Monitor and maintain irrigation systems and manage watering schedules across garden and grounds areas.

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Maintain a tidy, safe and visually appealing school grounds that reflects well on the school.

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Plan and undertake seasonal garden maintenance, including planting and turnover of garden beds.

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Kitchen Garden Program (one day per week) n

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Work alongside the Kitchen Garden Program teacher and students to maintain the kitchen garden, including planting, harvesting and general upkeep.

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Support students to safely use basic gardening tools and techniques during program sessions.

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Assist with preparing garden beds and materials ahead of student sessions, and with maintenance between sessions.

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Help foster students' engagement with and enjoyment of the kitchen garden, working cooperatively with teaching staff.

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Who May Apply n

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

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Previous experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, horticulture or a related trade.

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Sound knowledge of gardening practices, including plant care, irrigation and seasonal maintenance.

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Experience operating and maintaining grounds and gardening equipment.

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Current Working with Children Check, or willingness to obtain one.

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Sound understanding of workplace health and safety practices, particularly around equipment use, chemicals and manual handling.

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Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and prioritise tasks across a varied workload.

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A friendly, approachable manner and willingness to work positively with students, particularly during Kitchen Garden Program sessions.

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Diversity and Inclusion n

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department.The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces.It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines ).

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Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via

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Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be nego

📌 Groundskeeper (East Gippsland Shire)
🏢 State Government Of Victoria, Australia
📍 East Gippsland Shire