Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance Officer

at  Salesian College Chadstone

SKILLS, COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS

The incumbent will preferably possess appropriate qualifications in horticulture and/or grounds management
and have significant experience and knowledge in these areas. Experience working within a school
environment is desirable. Necessary qualities for this position include strong communication and organisational
skills, an ability to interact well with people, an enthusiasm for the environment and a strong work ethic.
The incumbent will report to the Facilities Manager on a day to day basis, and is expected to be supportive of

the philosophy of Catholic education and must have a:

• Current Working with Children Check
• Current National Police Record Check from Victoria Police
• Diploma qualification in Horticulture is preferred
• Current Victorian Drivers Licence (Light Rigid Licence preferable)
• Chemical Users Certificate is desirable
• Strong understanding of horticultural practices including plant identification and nutrition
• Pest & disease identification
• Strong demonstrated understanding of turf maintenance
• Good Knowledge of garden design
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Use, maintenance and basic repair of various hand tools and machinery
• Operate a range of equipment to complete routine and non-routine tasks
• Strong attention to detail
• Assigned tasks carried out in a safe and effective manner
• School gardens are maintained to the highest standard
• Working as part of a diverse team and working autonomously with limited supervision
• A reliable and dependable person who demonstrates professional integrity at all times
• Strong level of proficiency in the use of computers and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

INHERENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

• Refer to position’s inherent requirements matrix on pages 5

including Work Health and Safety requirements

• Undertake continuing professional development in areas relevant to their employment at the school
• Ensure the college environment is presented in a positive way
• Assist with general property maintenance and other duties as required
• Assist with the preparation of classrooms, furniture, equipment and fittings in preparation for th

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the maintenance of grounds, gardens, • Assist with general maintenance at the College.
playing services and other outdoor areas.

KEY DUTIES

The key duties and responsibilities of the Horticulture & Grounds Maintenance Officer include, but are not
limited to the following:

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO)

• Assist the Facilities Manager in the general administration and management of grounds related
  activities undertaken by the School, working in a cooperative manner with the teaching, maintenance
  and educational support staff to ensure that all the services provided are delivered in the most efficient

and effective way possible to ensure that the overall objectives are met

• Assist with keeping relevant equipment and tools cleaned, serviced and maintained in optimal working

order

• Undertake works in a safe manner in accordance with current relevant legislative requirements,

including Work Health and Safety requirements

• Undertake continuing professional development in areas relevant to their employment at the school
• Ensure the college environment is presented in a positive way
• Assist with general property maintenance and other duties as required
• Assist with the preparation of classrooms, furniture, equipment and fittings in preparation for the

beginning of each school term

• Assist with setting up and dismantling of areas of the College for assemblies and other events during

term

• Support and promote the School’s policies and practices for Occupational Health and Safety and

Equity

• Work in close collaboration with the Facilities Manager and other members of the Facilities Team to

ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the Facilities Team.

INHERENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE - MATRIX

Physical Requirements
Role Predominately Outdoors Role with office-based tasks
Body Posture Comments
Standing x
Sitting x Sitting at a computer
Kneeling / Squatting x Locating entrances / under building
Forward Reaching x
Reaching Above Shoulder Height x Lift / access equipment from shelves
Mobility Comments
Climbing Steps x Buildings (2 levels) and campus grounds stairs
Walking x
Ladder Climbing x Reaching equipment, light fittings, man holes
Manual Handling Comments
Lifting – Both Arms x Boxes, furniture, equipment
Carrying – Both Arms x Boxes, furniture, equipment
Lifting Weight Away From body x Boxes, furniture, equipment
<10kg
Lifting Weight Away From body x Boxes, furniture, equipment

10kg
Lifting 0kg – 5kg x
Lifting 6kg- 10kg x
Lifting 11kg – 20kg x
Lifting 21kg – 30kg x
Lifting 31kg – 40kg x
Pushing / Pulling x Hand trolleys, student chairs, tables
Tool Use x Power tools: drills, whipper snipper, lawn
mowers
Driving equipment/ plant x

The frequency of the physical demands required as part of the role is defined under the following categories:

• (NR) – Not required is defined as being not within the range of duties
• (R) – Rare is defined as less than one task / duty on average per week
• (I) – Intermittent is defined as one task / duty on average every 3 hours
• (O) – Occasional is defined as one task / duty on average every hour
• (F) – Frequent is defined as one task / duty on average every 30 minutes
• (C)- Constant is defined as one task / duty on average every 15 minute