Gardener / Groundskeeper / Maintenance Person

Gardener / Groundskeeper / Maintenance Person Department of Education Victoria – Mildura VIC 10d ago , from Department of Education & Training Victoria Mildura West Primary is an exciting school. Our students really do have an active role in their education. Parent participation is promoted through regular communication and an "open door" policy. Teachers, parents/carers and students, work together to ensure a quality education is provided for all. Resilience, Respect, Excellence and Pride are the school values which are truly kept "alive" each day. Our school, established in 1922, is one of the largest state primary schools in the Mildura Rural City Council. We have approximately 460 students, with many nations represented. We celebrate our diversity and the richness it brings to our school community. Mildura West teachers are always learning because they want to be the very best teachers possible. They read professionally and every week they collaborate in highly effective Professional Learning Teams. They learn with and from each other, engaging in regular classroom observation, giving and receiving feedback. They plan together, ensuring the curriculum is robust and differentiated. Our experienced and talented teachers coach their colleagues, building the capacity of all staff. Our School is very proud to be part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. The IB aspires to help schools develop well‑rounded students with character who respond to challenges with optimism and an open mind, are confident in their own identities, make ethical decisions, join others in celebrating our common humanity and are prepared to apply what they learn in the real‑world, complex and unpredictable situations. Selection Criteria SC1 Demonstrated experience in building and grounds maintenance, repair, and gardening SC2 A strong work ethic, eye for detail and a sense of pride in efficiently completing work to a high standard as well as the ability to work independently and to follow instructions SC3 Sound understanding of OHS standards and maintenance procedures in a school setting. SC4 Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate advice and support effectively with staff, students, and contractors in respect to the work area. SC5 Commitment to child safety and the values of a government school environment. SC6 A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others. Role Monday to Friday, 7.30am – 11.30am (School holiday attendance is required although some periods could be negotiated). Mildura West Primary School is seeking a reliable, proactive and hands‑on gardener/grounds/maintenance person to maintain the presentation and functionality of our school's facilities. The ideal candidate will be someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys working outdoors, and can work both independently and collaboratively. The successful candidate will carry out a wide range of gardening, groundskeeping and general maintenance duties, ensuring our school environment remains clean, safe, and inviting for students, staff, and the wider school community. Requirements Previous experience in a similar gardening or groundskeeping role (preferred but not limited to) Sound gardening knowledge and ability, including the safe use and operation of relevant equipment and tools A genuine passion for outdoor work and maintaining green spaces Strong sense of responsibility and pride in maintaining the school's indoor/outdoor environment Ability to work independently and as part of a team Reliability, good time management, and a productive attitude Responsibilities The responsibilities of this position will be: The successful candidate will be responsible for the upkeep and general maintenance of all outdoor areas at Mildura West Primary School. This hands‑on role involves ensuring that the school grounds are safe, clean, well‑presented, and conducive to a welcoming learning environment. In addition to maintaining gardens and lawns, the role includes performing minor repairs and general outdoor maintenance tasks as needed. Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Daily duties: Sweeping / blowing of paths and outdoor areas, keeping grounds neat and tidy. Checking/actioning the maintenance tasks. Regular tasks: Mowing lawns and trimming edges. Pruning trees, shrubs and hedges. Weeding and maintaining garden beds and landscaped areas. Maintaining and monitoring irrigation systems. Maintaining synthetic turf areas. Basic repairs to outdoor surfaces, structures, equipment and general maintenance (eg. basic carpentry, painting, plumbing tasks, etc). Identifying and addressing (where possible) any hazards around the grounds. Organise/liaise with contractors/suppliers and completing purchase orders as required. Assist with manual handling tasks, deliveries, moving furniture, setting up school events, etc. Attend training when required (working safely at heights, etc). 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 a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace 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. 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 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: 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