Free Position Description (School Groundskeeper) Template

Purpose of the Free Position Description (School Groundskeeper) Template

A clearly defined role is the foundation of a safe and efficient school environment. This Free Position Description (School Groundskeeper) Template provides a structured starting point for schools to articulate the duties, responsibilities, and performance expectations for their grounds staff.

A well-drafted position description does more than just outline tasks; it integrates critical work health and safety (WHS) obligations directly into the role. By specifying responsibilities like hazard identification, safe use of machinery, and chemical handling, you embed a culture of safety from the outset.

Using a formal template ensures all key areas are covered, from routine maintenance of ovals and gardens to event setup and minor repairs. It serves as a vital communication tool during recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews.

This clarity helps groundskeepers understand their contribution to the school’s operations and their personal accountability for safety. It also forms a key document within broader WHS management systems, demonstrating that the school has defined safety-critical roles and responsibilities.

How to use the Free Position Description (School Groundskeeper) Template

This template is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. The DOCX version is fully editable, allowing you to tailor it to the unique context of your school.

It is crucial to adapt the document to reflect the specific hazards, equipment, and procedures relevant to your site.

To use the template effectively:

• Download the DOCX file.
• Review each section and replace the placeholder text with information specific to your school.
• Detail the exact types of equipment the groundskeeper will operate (e.g., ride-on mowers, line markers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers).
• Specify the key result areas and performance indicators you will use to measure success.
• Incorporate your school's values, code of conduct, and specific reporting lines.
• Ensure the WHS responsibilities listed are aligned with your school's safety policies and procedures.

Important Note: This is a template, not a finished document. We have designed it to be a comprehensive starting point, but it must be customised to your specific workplace, equipment, and legal obligations under your state or territory's WHS legislation.

When to use it

A position description for a school groundskeeper is a versatile document that should be used at several key points in the employment lifecycle. Its primary use is during the recruitment and hiring process to attract suitable candidates and provide them with a clear understanding of the role's expectations.

It also serves as an essential reference during the onboarding of a new employee.

Beyond recruitment, this document is invaluable for conducting performance reviews, setting goals, and identifying training needs. It can also be used to clarify roles and responsibilities during an organisational restructure or when new tasks or equipment are introduced.

Periodically reviewing the position description as part of your regular WHS compliance auditing program ensures it remains current and accurately reflects the demands and risks of the job.

Who should use it

This template is designed for use by school leadership and administrative staff responsible for human resources and workplace safety. This typically includes:

• School Principals
• Business Managers or Bursars
• Human Resources (HR) Managers
• WHS Officers or Coordinators
• Heads of Department responsible for facilities and grounds

These individuals can use the template to ensure consistency in role definition and to formally document the integration of safety responsibilities into the groundskeeper position. For schools needing specialised assistance in defining safety-critical roles or enhancing their WHS frameworks, engaging external WHS consulting services can provide expert guidance and support.

You can find more helpful documents in our free WHS resources library to support your school's safety management.