College Caretaker & Maintenance Technician

Abbey College; Hartford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a maintenance worker responsible for the upkeep and care of the premises. The role includes performing repairs, health and safety inspections, and ensuring security during off-hours. Candidates must possess a full UK driving licence and experience in minor building maintenance. You will work 37.5 hours a week and enjoy numerous benefits including annual leave, a pension plan, and discounts on school fees. This role is an opportunity to contribute to a safe and enjoyable environment for students.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Free lunch, tea, and coffee

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Employee assistance programme

Group personal pension plan, 7% employer contribution

Discounted school fees

Regular social events

Season ticket loans

Eye care

Gym scheme

Workplace nursery scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Access to discount schemes

Secure bike storage

Free parking

Qualifications

• Basic computer literacy is essential.
• Ability to interpret technical information is required.
• A full UK driving licence is mandatory.
• Experience in minor building maintenance is necessary.
• Experience in keeping records in a work setting is needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily building and grounds checks.
• Carry out general repairs and maintenance.
• Ensure cleanliness of premises and grounds.
• Conduct weekly fire alarm tests and H&S checks.
• Assist in setting up exams and events.

Skills

Basic computer literacy

Ability to interpret technical information

Full UK driving licence

Experience in minor building maintenance

Experience in record keeping

Job description

Overview

Responsible for the care and upkeep of Abbey College Cambridge buildings and their grounds, including the main teaching buildings, Block A & Block B, Homerton Gardens and the on‑site and off‑site boarding accommodation. You will also provide assistance with other independent residences used by Abbey students. You will take pride in your work, helping to create a safe, enjoyable workplace and College.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintenance
  • Daily building and grounds checks.
  • Undertaking general repairs, maintenance and improvement works, changing light bulbs, unblocking drains, heating changes, groundwork etc.
  • Making sure the premises and grounds are clean and that rubbish is collected and taken away on a daily basis, and any graffiti is cleaned up.
  • Regular touch‑up painting of interior and exterior areas to make good ‘wear and tear’.
  • Calling in specialist help when needed which will usually involve external contractors.
  • Escorting contractors as required to carry out works.
• Security
  • Have a full understanding of the buildings at all times and may be required to unlock buildings in the absence of Security.
  • May be called outside of office hours in the event of an emergency (burst pipe, break in etc.) to attend and assist as required.
• Health and Safety
  • Carry out the weekly fire alarm tests and general H&S checks of fire exits, fire extinguishers and escape routes in each building and ensure all paperwork is completed.
  • Work alongside the Site Manager and Deputy Site Manager to ensure H&S regulations are adhered to across the site.
  • Understand fire safety regulations, health and safety regulations, emergency procedures and the rules for evacuating a building.
• Other Tasks
  • Setting up and clearing exams, assemblies and College events.
  • Storing equipment and supplies safely.
  • Maintaining a variety of records, including health and safety, fire safety and monitoring meter readings and fuel usage.
  • Delivering parcels and packages.

Qualifications and Experience

• Basic computer literacy.
• Ability to interpret technical information.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Experience of carrying out minor building maintenance work, within the reasonable capacity of a normal handyperson.
• Experience of keeping records in a work setting.

Knowledge Essential

An understanding of H&S legislation, including good practice in relation to caretaking, hygiene and general safety.

Desirable

Some understanding of building construction and design would be advantageous.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills Essential

Good verbal communication skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and contractors.

Hours

37.5 hours per week (8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday).

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave entitlement, plus additional days over the Christmas period and Bank Holidays.
• Free lunch, tea and coffee.
• Family‑friendly policies, including enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Group personal pension plan, 7% employer contribution.
• Discounted school fees.
• Regular social events.
• Season ticket loans.
• Eye care.
• Gym scheme.
• Workplace nursery scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Access to discount schemes.
• Secure bike storage.
• Free parking.

About the Employer

Abbey DLD Colleges Ltd (ADCL) is a constituent college of Abbey DLD Colleges Ltd (ADCL). ADCL consists of three award‑winning independent international colleges based in London, Cambridge and Manchester. With over 1000 students from over 50 different countries, ADCL provides an outstanding global environment for students striving for universities. We remain committed to providing the best education for all students in our care, and our colleges have high aspirations and expectations for every member of our community.

Safeguarding

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children. All staff are trained in child protection and are expected to follow the safeguarding policies. All candidates are properly police‑checked, and the successful candidate will need to obtain an enhanced disclosure via the DBS.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and encourage applications from all individuals.