Assistant Clerk of Works | Charborough Estate

Dorset Life; Wareham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Charborough Estate is seeking an Assistant Clerk of Works to support a four‑person maintenance team in a traditional rural estate setting. The role involves supervising refurbishment and building works, maintaining safety records, and coordinating contractors while onsite and unsupervised.

Part‑time transition is anticipated with scope for progression to the Clerk of Works role. Relevant qualifications in building construction or project management are desirable, with training provided as needed.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate is likely to have a qualification in building construction and/or project management and/or experience in the sector.
• Key requirements include a strong knowledge of health and safety, technical skills, and experience in construction.
• Training can be provided where required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise refurbishment and building works.
• Ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Maintain risk assessments and safety documentation.
• Manage contractor performance and tender processes.
• Act as estate representative on-site.
• Plan and deliver annual maintenance schedules.
• Manage reactive repairs and keep records.
• Prepare and monitor project budgets.
• Source quotes and manage contractor costs.
• Provide progress updates to estate management team.
• Advise on technical issues and timelines.
• Oversee roads, drainage, and utilities.
• Inspect works and manage snagging.
• Ensure high standards before handover.

Skills

Health & safety knowledge

Project management

Mentoring / coaching

Contractor liaison

Education

Qualification in building construction and/or project management

Job description

Assistant Clerk of Works | Charborough Estate

Contract

• Full Time
• Permanent
• Salary according to experience

Qualifications

The successful candidate is likely to have a qualification in building construction and/or project management and/or experience in the sector.

Key requirements include a strong knowledge of health and safety, technical skills, and experience in construction.

Training can be provided where required.

Team Information

We have a maintenance team of four, comprising a clerk of works, foreman, experienced plumber/maintenance person and a junior.

The estate is a traditional rural estate including:

• Extensive heritage property
• Portfolio of residential properties
• In-hand and let farms
• An expanding number of commercial lets
• Farm buildings and farm infrastructure
• Private water supplies

The maintenance team undertakes much of the routine maintenance across the estate, supported by contractors as required – particularly for larger projects.

Primary roles for the clerk of works include

• Project Oversight
  • Supervise refurbishment and building works.
  • Ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
  • Maintain risk assessments and safety documentation.
  • Manage contractor performance and tender processes.
  • Act as estate representative on‑site.
• Maintenance Management
  • Plan and deliver annual maintenance schedules.
  • Manage reactive repairs and keep records.
• Budgeting & Financial Control
  • Prepare and monitor project budgets.
  • Source quotes and manage contractor costs.
• Reporting & Communication
  • Provide progress updates to estate management team.
  • Advise on technical issues and timelines.
• Oversee roads, drainage, and utilities.
• Quality Assurance
  • Inspect works and manage snagging.
  • Ensure high standards before handover.

The Role

The estate Clerk of Works is transitioning to working part time. We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and energetic individual, with experience in the sector, who can work unsupervised to support the Clerk of Works and undertake all day‑day management of the team’s responsibilities. For the right candidate there is likely to be an opportunity to secure promotion to the Clerk of Works role within a few years.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Practical, hands‑on experience of all aspects of property maintenance.
• An ongoing willingness to support and mentor the team.
• A willingness to work with and assist other departments including the in‑hand farm, forestry team and gamekeeper.
• The ability to work with and manage third party contractors.
• The flexibility to assist with and/or manage a range of estate projects such fencing, landscaping, etc.
• Attention to detail to deliver projects to a high standard.
• The diligence to complete appropriate administrative tasks and record keeping.

A team player with a love of the countryside and appreciation of the function of rural estates is essential.

A detailed understanding of the health and safety implications of their work and an ability to recognise and manage all areas of risk is imperative.