Maintenance and Grounds Coordinator

UniLodge Living Group; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UniLodge John Grey Hall on James Cook University Cairns campus is seeking a motivated Maintenance and Grounds Coordinator to maintain accommodation facilities, gardens, and safety standards, ensuring a welcoming environment for around 300 residents.

Reporting to the Property Manager, you will perform repairs, inspections, and preventative maintenance across apartments and common areas, coordinate with residents and contractors, and support fire safety and emergency readiness.

Qualifications

• Proven maintenance and repairs experience across buildings and grounds.
• Knowledge of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and painting basics.
• Trade qualification highly regarded.
• Current Queensland Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Perform general maintenance across property facilities and grounds.
• Inspect and rectify maintenance issues including basic plumbing and carpentry.
• Maintain gardens and external areas to a high standard.
• Coordinate repairs with contractors and residents professionally.
• Support fire safety compliance and training as required.
• Assist with safety and emergency readiness initiatives.

Skills

Maintenance

Groundskeeping

Plumbing

Carpentry

Painting

Electrical systems

Workplace safety

Fire safety

Training

Customer service

Communication

First Aid

Driver licence

Police check

Trade qualification

Education

Trade qualification (Builder/Electrician/Plumber)

Job description

About UniLodge

UniLodge is the leading student accommodation provider in Australia and New Zealand, with over 110 student accommodation properties across major cities. As part of the broader UniLodge Living Group, we manage more than 130 properties across student accommodation, build-to-rent, hotels, and affordable housing sectors, providing exceptional living experiences for our residents.

About The Role

We are seeking a motivated and hands‑on Maintenance and Grounds Coordinator to join the team at UniLodge John Grey Hall, a vibrant student accommodation community home to approximately 300 students located on the James Cook University Cairns campus.

Reporting to the Property Manager, you will play a key role in maintaining the overall presentation, functionality, safety, and welcoming atmosphere of the property. This varied position is responsible for carrying out general maintenance and repair works across student apartments, common areas, and external facilities, while also overseeing the upkeep and presentation of the property’s gardens and grounds.

More than a maintenance role, this position contributes significantly to the resident experience. By ensuring the property remains safe, functional, and well‑presented, you will help create a welcoming and supportive environment where students can live, study, and thrive.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys building positive relationships with residents, and is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive community.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform general maintenance, repairs, and preventative maintenance across the property.
• Inspect, identify, and rectify maintenance issues including basic plumbing, carpentry, painting, plastering, and general building repairs.
• Conduct routine property inspections and investigate potential maintenance concerns.
• Assist in ensuring the efficient operation of the property and compliance with workplace health and safety requirements.
• Maintain gardens, landscaping, and external grounds to a high standard.
• Complete apartment departure inspections and coordinate any necessary repairs or maintenance work.
• Liaise professionally with residents, contractors, and team members to ensure maintenance requests are addressed promptly.
• Support the delivery of a safe, clean, and well‑presented living environment for residents.
• Contribute to creating a welcoming, safe, and positive living environment for residents, supporting the overall student experience.
• Build positive relationships with residents and respond to maintenance requests in a professional, timely, and customer‑focused manner.
• Assist with fire safety compliance activities, including routine inspections, testing coordination, evacuation preparations, and maintaining relevant records.
• Provide fire safety and emergency response training and guidance to after‑hours and on‑call staff as required.
• Support emergency preparedness initiatives and act as a key point of contact during maintenance‑related incidents.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, service excellence, and community engagement across the property.

About You

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Demonstrate

• Previous experience in a maintenance, facilities, groundskeeping, or similar role within accommodation, real estate, hospitality, or a related industry.
• Proven experience in general property maintenance and repairs, including knowledge of building services, plumbing, electrical systems, and grounds maintenance.
• A trade qualification (Builder, Electrician, Plumber, or similar) will be highly regarded.
• A current Queensland Driver Licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• A customer‑focused approach with a genuine commitment to providing exceptional service and creating positive resident experiences.
• A sound understanding of Workplace Health and Safety principles and safe chemical handling practices.
• Experience or willingness to participate in fire safety compliance processes and emergency management activities.
• Confidence in providing training, guidance, and support to team members where required.
• A current First Aid Certificate, or willingness to obtain one prior to commencement.
• The ability to provide a National Police Check and Blue Card.

Why Join UniLodge?

At UniLodge, we foster a culture built on trust, collaboration, and engagement. We are committed to creating a positive workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.

In Return, We Offer

• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Recognition, rewards, and employee benefits programs.
• A diverse and multicultural working environment.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Opportunities to contribute to a vibrant student community.
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.

UniLodge is a Circle Back Initiative Employer and is committed to responding to every applicant.

All final applicants will be required to provide evidence of a National Police Check. Having a criminal record does not automatically exclude applicants from consideration. Applications will be assessed on an individual basis, taking into account the inherent requirements of the role.