Job Description

Outward Bound Australia are seeking a dedicated and hardworking Groundskeeper to maintain and enhance the outdoor areas of our National Base in Tharwa. The ideal candidate will have experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, and general outdoor upkeep. The Groundskeeper and works in partnership with the Operations and Corporate staffing teams to support the effective management of the campus.

We are open to discussing different contract types and welcome applicants interested in casual, part-time, or full-time positions.

ABOUT OUTWARD BOUND

Outward Bound Australia (OBA) was established in 1956 and has a proud history of delivering outdoor education programs. Outward Bound programs provide inspiring and challenging experiences in the outdoors to help people with character development, relationships with others and an appreciation of our natural environment. Since its inception, OBA has delivered programs to around half a million Australians – significantly impacting many lives and creating a passionate community of alumni.

THARWA CAMPUS FACILITIES AND CAMPUS OVERVIEW

Outward Bound Australia’s National Campus is set on 28 acres of natural bushland along the Murrumbidgee River. The site is the organisation’s central hub for program delivery, training, and operations, and includes a mix of accommodation buildings, activity spaces, and service infrastructure that support thousands of participants each year.

The campus comprises a diverse range of built assets, including 6 self-contained cabins, 1 bunkhouse-style group accommodation building, 7 staff accommodation buildings, 10 operational buildings including a dining hall and kitchen, operational equipment storage and administrative offices, and 4 campsite areas with amenities. Program delivery is supported by purpose-built activity spaces such as high-ropes elements, climbing and abseil structures, open initiative fields, bushcraft workshops, equipment sheds, and multi-use covered activity areas.

The site relies on a network of essential services such as septic and wastewater systems, a bore and reverse-osmosis water treatment plant, and has 3 internal roadways, landscaped areas, 15 garden beds, native vegetation zones, and outdoor recreation spaces.

The Groundskeeper plays a vital role in maintaining the safety, functionality, and presentation of this unique campus environment. This includes caring for natural landscapes, maintaining facilities and building surrounds, supporting bushfire mitigation efforts, monitoring utilities and service infrastructure, and ensuring the grounds remain clean, safe, and welcoming for all staff, visitors, and program groups.

In this role, you’ll be working with a close knit team of 3 ground and maintenance crew, and expected to work independently when required.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Grounds & Facilities Maintenance

• Monitoring and managing the Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment plant. Doing daily and weekly checks.
• Maintain lawns, gardens, pathways, and outdoor areas to keep the grounds safe, tidy, and welcoming.
• Monitoring and maintaining compost machine and process.
• Assist with grounds improvement projects, including landscaping, weed and pest control, etc.
• Support environmental care of the site to protect native plants and wildlife.
• Plan and prioritise tasks based on operational delivery needs.
• Keep client and staff areas- cabins, offices, and shared facilities- clean, safe, and presentable, including regular cleaning of toilets, showers, and communal spaces.
• Monitor supplies and consumables and notify management when restocking is needed.
• Report maintenance issues and assist with basic repairs.
• Help maintain high hygiene and presentation standards across the entire site.

Equipment Management and Maintenance

• Keep all equipment and supplies stored safely, tidily, and in the correct locations.
• Ensure machinery and equipment are used safely and only by authorised operators.
• Report any damage, concerns, or service needs for machinery and equipment.
• Carry out basic maintenance on tools and machinery when required.

Team & Culture

• Work collaboratively with the OBA team, sharing goals, solving problems, and taking accountability to support OBA’s vision.
• Help maintain a positive, safe, and productive workplace at Tharwa that reflects OBA’s values and prioritises staff and participant experience.

Safety and Risk Management

• Work independently, writing task lists, Safe Work method Statements and project implementation plans.
• Follow and promote safe work practices across the campus.
• Follow all Safe Work Method statements, and Standard Operating Procedures.

Skills and Experience

Qualifications

• Trade certificate in parks and gardens or relevant field is preferred.
• White Card preferred
• Forklift Licence preferred
• Excavator Operator training preferred
• Working With vulnerable People Check (ACT) required

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, facilities maintenance or a related field

Attributes and Abilities

• Can work well in small self-managed team.
• Strong knowledge of plant care, pest control, irrigation systems and landscape maintenance
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot groundskeeping equipment such as mowers, tractors, and irrigation systems
• Excellent communication skills
• Practical ‘can do’ attitude and problem-solving skills
• Strong work ethic, enthusiasm and passion driven to deliver quality work
• Care for the environment and love of the Australian bush

Apply now to join our dedicated team and contribute to the experience of our clients and guests