Assistant Groundsperson or Groundsperson

• Reference: NHS511
• Division: Crawley Homes
• Salary: £29,448.00 - £32,070.00 per annum
• Contract type: Permanent
• Posted on: 08 April 2026
• Interview date:05 May 2026 - 06 May 2026
• Extra payment(s): Not applicable

• Positions: 1
• Category: Community and streets
• Grade: D - E
• Working hours: 37 per week
• Closing date: 28 April 2026
• Location: Metcalf Way, Crawley
• Location type: Onsite

About the role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our dynamic sports grounds team of eight at an exciting time of transformation. We are redefining the future of our playing fields by embracing innovative ways of working, enhancing biodiversity and investing in sustainable, high quality facilities. From 2026, you’ll be at the heart of delivering a six year Football Foundation maintenance programme, working with the very latest equipment and techniques. This role offers the chance to actively demonstrate our values and behaviours while playing a key part in developing and showcasing both our summer and winter sports programmes.

We are looking for a committed, flexible and adaptable individual to join the sports ground and playing field team either as an Assistant Groundsperson or Groundsperson (dependent on experience). Successful shortlisting for interview will be on the basis of meeting the essential criteria in the job description and person specification, and selection will focus on experienced candidates in the first instance.

You will be responsible for general maintenance of the parks and playing fields, assisting and learning about maintaining fine turf sports surfaces, cricket squares, pitch and putt, and winter pitches for football and rugby across the town. Where required, you will also support other teams in the patches with duties associated within Neighbourhood Services.

The role of Assistant Groundsperson allows the successful applicant to learn these skills and work towards becoming a qualified Groundsperson which will be funded by the council. Due to the study aspect, you must be able to evidence your commitment to learning in your application and at interview. For the role of Assistant Groundsperson we will be looking to appoint individuals on a starting salary of band D with the potential to move up to salary band E, with a maximum salary of £32,070 per annum depending on experience and performance.

To be successful you will have:

• good horticultural skills, grounds maintenance skills and horticultural machinery operational skills
• a certificate of competence such as NPTC to operate and a qualification (qualified NPTC PA1, 2 and 6 chemical application)
• experience using related tools and machinery
• experience of working in small teams to deliver high quality maintenance work
• good knowledge of workplace health and safety
• good communication skills, both verbal and written
• good organisational skills and ability to plan your own work if necessary

You will be expected to help deliver improvements to the service using innovative and creative solutions where a flexible approach is essential.

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible, as we may close this advert before the stated closing date if enough applications are received.

Additional information

The hours of work will be 37 hours per week, to be worked Monday to Friday. Working hours will be agreed with the Sports Grounds Manager. You will be starting at 7am and finishing no later than 3pm Monday to Thursday and finishing at 2.30pm on Fridays. Some extra hours may be required during the week, weekends and over Bank Holidays and over the Christmas period.

Applicants will need to be able to deal with the physical requirements of the role and must hold a current, valid driving licence which would allow you to drive in the UK.

Employee benefits

We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

At Crawley Borough Council, you will have access to a structured programme of learning from day one, designed to help you succeed in your role and grow your career.

Our way of working

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Safer recruitment

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

How to apply

Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form.

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email peter.harsum@crawley.gov.uk, Sports Grounds Manager, or call on telephone 07583 975719.

Related documents

• Assistant Groundsperson and Groundsperson job description (PDF, 146.49 KB)