Groundsman - Full Time - Temporary - Hurlstone Agricultural High School

The NSW Department of Education provides, funds and regulates education services for NSW students from early childhood to secondary school, delivering world-class education through its public schools and providing funding support to non-government schools. We employ, develop and support teachers, leaders and other staff to deliver the best outcomes for students and to advance the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

About the Role

You will work mostly independently within a broader team environment. You will need to have strong planning, prioritisation, communication skills and experience with lawn & gardening equipment to work effectively, and perform a range of tasks relating to the routine care of the school grounds, gardens, grassed areas and sport fields, along with the maintenance of departmental equipment, such as lawnmowers, other lawn equipment & gardening tools, and watering systems.

You will identify and report maintenance and safety issues, and undertake other related duties, within the skills and competencies of the position as directed by the Principal or Business Services Manager.

Click here for the role description

Talent Pool

A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process. A talent pool is a group of candidates who have undergone an assessment process and have been identified as suitable for this role or similar roles for a period of 12 months. Being part of a talent pool means that you may be considered for ongoing or temporary employment for a range of similar roles. This offers exciting opportunities for you to gain a wide range of experiences to build your public service career.

NOTE: This is a temporary role for 12 months with possible extension or ongoing employment.

Essential requirements

• Certificate III in Sports Turf Management, Horticulture or similar and/or relevant experience maintaining grounds and playing fields;
• Previous experience operating mowers, tools and equipment associated with the maintenance of grounds and watering system.

About the NSW Department of Education

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion

Additional Information

Hurlstone Agricultural High School (HAHS) is the only NSW government coeducational selective agricultural High School with boarding facility and large school farm. There are just under 1000 students enrolled, with a boarding facility able to accommodate at least 180 students, and multi-enterprise farm.

is five minutes from the M5 entry/exit and 250m adjacent the Glenfield rail station. It borders the Hume Highway M5 on the western side, residential homes on the north farm boundary, and adjoins the NSW Transport boundary on the eastern and southern sides.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role please apply online and attach a covering letter (max 2 pages) and your resume (max 5 pages) which clearly details how your capabilities, knowledge and experience can contribute to the success of this role. It is a requirement that you include the name and contact details of two referees.

You must answer both targeted questions which should be included in your cover letter.

We are looking for you to demonstrate your competence in the focus capabilities as outlined in the role description in your answer, so please develop your responses with this in mind.

Note: it is a requirement that all candidates submit their applications online via No paper based, email based or late applications will be accepted.

If you are successfully progressed to interview, you will be required to provide your proof of identity information and complete a CRIMTRAC declaration. As this is a child-related position, you will also be required to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number as a condition of employment (if you do not already have this). For more information, visit Working with Children Check | Office of the Children's Guardian

Targeted Question 1

Provide an example of an outdoor area you have been responsible to maintain, and how you prioritised tasks to ensure you completed the objectives as a groundsman in a timely manner. (max 300 words)

Targeted Question 2

Provide an example of your experience & Skills in the operations of various lawn management equipment, and how you may work independently and/or collaboratively to achieve common work goals in a timely and efficient manner (max 300 words)