Groundsperson - Stella Maris School, MAROOCHYDORE

Stella Maris is a primary school of 770 students, located in a rainforest setting at Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast. Staff members are committed to having our students achieve their individual and collective potential through curriculum which is differentiated and learning and teaching which is collaborative, contemporary and high quality. Year Level Teaching Teams are expected to work in a collaborative way. This year’s Explicit Improvement Agenda (EIA) is Sentence Construction. We offer a wide range of co-curricular activities, including singing and choirs, dance, instrumental music, speech and drama, art, chess and sport as well as many cultural groups and events. The Stella Maris School community is inclusive and welcoming and seeks to live the Gospel message through commitment to the person of Jesus Christ.  Explore our school website to learn ore about us.

We are seeking a Groundsperson with a genuine passion for your work to deliver a range of services for the upkeep, maintenance and development our school grounds.

Essential Requirements:

• A capacity and willingness to work outdoors, performing manual tasks on a daily basis.
• Previous experience in caring for large garden and lawn areas.
• Knowledge of the requirements for the safe use and storage of horticultural chemicals.
• Experience in the use of hand tools and power equipment used in the maintenance of gardens and lawn areas.
• An ability to work independently as well as a part of a small, dedicated team.
• An ability to plan and prioritise work based on seasonal conditions and school routines.
• General knowledge and skills in carpentry, plumbing and electrical issues.
• Current Open driver’s licence.
• The ability to obtain a Positive Notice for child-related employment in Queensland.
• Completion of core compliance training for all BCE staff prior to commencement of duties

Grounds Duties

• Mowing, whipper snipping all areas
• Weed spraying
• Using the blower to keep all walkways and eating areas clear of debris
• Unlocking and locking of gates
• Weeding garden beds
• Keeping garden beds topped with mulch
• Trimming of hedges and shrubs
• Watering and fertilising as required
• Planting out / thinning of garden beds
• Repairing damaged walkways and potholes
• Keeping all drains clear and functioning
• Marking of the oval for sporting events
• Assisting with the setting up of outdoor events such as athletics carnival
• Assisting with setting up of cultural or social events as required
• Daily inspections of playground equipment and softfall.

Maintenance Duties

• Managing and recording maintenance of all plant and equipment including but not limited to: school ute, ride on mower/tractor, push mower, whipper snipper, hedge trimmer.
• Liaising with tradespeople when required
• Minor repairs (leaking taps, plaster repairs, stuck doors etc) that do not require the turning off of utilities (water or power).
• Washing down of painted surfaces
• Sanding and painting of worn areas.
• Monitoring and changing of light bulbs as required.
• Responding to maintenance tasks logged on the school portal.
• Maintain tools and equipment to a safe standard

Applications should include:
1. A letter of application addressed to the Principal, Mrs Nicole de Vries.
2. A statement addressing the key selection criteria.
3. Current resume outlining your career and education history.
4. Contact details of at least two professional referees.
Applicants should not provide original documents within their application.

The successful applicant will be subject to employment screening, which will include:
1. Reference checking and verification of employment history
2. Criminal history check
3. Verification of qualifications.

To be eligible to be considered for this role you will:

• hold a Paid Employee Positive Notice Blue Card prior to commencement;
• be eligible to work in Australia for the duration of the appointment; and
• have a commitment to and understanding of the ethos and traditions of Catholic Education.

Estimated start date:  Commencing December 2022

Position tenure:  Fixed Term

Weeks worked:  Up to 52 weeks per year including school holidays

Tenure duration (where Fixed Term):  For the 2023 school year

Total Paid Hours (per week) & days required: 38 hours per week

Salary level, range or hourly rate: Services Staff Level 3 - $30.97 per hour

Employment conditions: Diocesan Catholic Education Employing Authorities in Queensland Single Interest Agreement

Everyone at Brisbane Catholic Education models and fosters a commitment to the safeguarding of children and promotes a culture where student protection is everyone’s responsibility. Successful applicants will complete requisite Working With Children (WWC) pre-employment screening, in accordance with legislation, prior to appointment.

Equity and inclusion are at the core of our Catholic values and we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce. We encourage and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this role.


Contact:   Nicole de Vries

Contact number:   07 5409 8900

Contact email:   ndevries@bne.catholic.edu.au

Closing date:     01-Dec-2022

Statement of Principles for Employment - Schools Opens in new window