Grounds and Maintenance

About the School Sebastopol Primary School was established in 1873, and is located in a residential area on the southern side of Ballarat. The school is an innovative design with classrooms that are clustered around a bright atrium and an open plan learning environment encouraging collaboration and sharing. The student population of 96 consists of children mainly from low socio-economic backgrounds. We have an inclusive student enrolment with a diverse enrolment. We support students to respond to high expectations, work effectively with others, and acknowledge that students learn best when they have confidence in their own abilities and a sense of personal worth. The focus is on effective teaching and learning aimed at providing successful student outcomes with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. We provide specialist programs in Indigenous Culture, Physical Education, Art and Music. In addition, a range of high quality intervention programs are provided, including a Wellbeing Hub and Music Therapy. We strive to create a friendly and safe environment for our students and welcome and encourage the support of both our local community and our parents. Our school uses the School Wide Positive Behaviour Process to ensure consistent approaches to developing student citizenship skills. We also practice a restorative approach when dealing with problem solving with our students and families. We focus on seeking ways to restore and strengthen relationships. Selection Criteria SC1 – Demonstrated ability to work independently and efficiently when completing general maintenance, gardening tasks and repairs. SC2 – Demonstrated ability to regularly liaise with contractors on the school site. SC3 – Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position. SC4 – Demonstrated ability to identify and assess potential risks, provide advice and support to management, and work within OHS policy and guidelines. Role The officer triages all maintenance requests, prioritising tasks based on safety, urgency, and impact on learning. They communicate regularly with leadership about major works, hazards, and contractor activity, while keeping accurate maintenance records. The role supports school operations by assisting with event setup, monitoring compliance with safety standards, and ensuring a welcoming, well-presented environment for students, staff, and visitors. Responsibilities The Grounds and Maintenance Officer ensures the school environment is safe, clean, and well maintained. Key responsibilities include conducting daily safety checks, responding to hazards, and keeping all buildings, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces in good condition. The role involves general grounds work such as mowing, gardening, waste management, and yard presentation, as well as minor repairs to buildings and equipment. Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position. Diversity and Inclusion 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). 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*******@education.vic.gov.au. 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 negotiated on a case‑by‑case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school. Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at: DE Values The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at: Other Information All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre‑employment conditions check. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at Conditions of Employment All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre‑employment conditions check. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at #J-18808-Ljbffr