Estates Caretaker

Cambridge City Council; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning and Development

Flexible Working

Generous annual leave 25–30 days + 8**

Local Government Pension Scheme

Volunteer hours

Job summary

Cambridge City Council is seeking an Estates Caretaker to keep residential estates clean, safe and welcoming. The role covers multiple sites across Cambridge, with a 37-hour week and a permanent contract.

You will manage outdoor maintenance, operate equipment, and drive a 3.5T tipper vehicle, while engaging with residents to support community events and improvements.

Qualifications

• Practical outdoors role with ownership and initiative.
• Strong health and safety awareness.
• Independence to work across multiple locations.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to drive a 3.5T vehicle.
• Basic IT reporting and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness across communal areas and estates.
• Conduct site inspections to keep residents safe.
• Undertake minor repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Operate site equipment (pressure washers, leaf blowers, sweepers).
• Drive a 3.5T tipper vehicle to remove bulky waste and transport materials.
• Build positive relationships with residents and act as on-site contact.

Skills

Outdoor work

Self-motivated

Customer focus

Health and safety awareness

Independence across sites

Full UK driving licence

3.5T vehicle driving confidence

Basic IT skills

Tools

Pressure washers

Leaf blowers

Mechanical sweepers

3.5T tipper vehicle operation

Job description

We're looking for a proactive and reliable Estates Caretaker to help keep our residential estates clean, safe, and welcoming for residents. This is a varied, hands-on role where you'll work across multiple sites, take pride in your environment and support some of the city's most vulnerable residents.

What you'll do

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across communal areas, estates and outdoor spaces.
• Carry out site inspections and help keep residents safe.
• Undertake minor repairs and basic maintenance tasks.
• Operate equipment such as pressure washers, leaf blowers and mechanical sweepers.
• Drive a Council 3.5T tipper vehicle to remove bulky waste and transport materials.
• Build positive relationships with residents and act as a key point of contact on site.
• Support community events and estate improvement projects.

What we're looking for

• A practical, self-motivated individual who enjoys working outdoors.
• Someone who takes ownership, shows initiative and has a strong customer focus.
• Good awareness of health and safety.
• Ability to work independently across multiple locations.
• Full UK driving licence and confidence driving a 3.5T vehicle.
• Basic IT skills for daily reporting and communication.

The sucessful candidate will be subject to a Basic Disclosure.

Why join us?

Join a team where your work makes a difference. We’re committed to creating a supportive, inclusive and rewarding workplace where you can develop your skills, achieve your ambitions and make a real impact. Alongside meaningful work and opportunities to grow, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your wellbeing, work‑life balance and future, including:

• Learning and Development– A range of learning opportunities and resources to help you build your skills and progress your career, with achievements recognised through Digital Badges where applicable.
• A great pension- access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with the option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions through Shared AVC.
• Flexible Working– Agile and flexible working options to help you balance work with life outside work.
• Generous annual leave- starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days after five years’ service, plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time), with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Family-friendly benefits- A range of family-friendly policies and Flexible Bank Holidays.

• Make a difference beyond your role - Paid volunteering hours each year, giving you time to support a cause that matters to you.
• Support for your wellbeing- Confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme and access to the Your Care wellbeing platform.
• Recognition and appreciation- Opportunities to celebrate achievements, recognise colleagues and receive awards; including through our annual staff awards ceremony.
• Professional Development– Professional membership fees covered where applicable to your role.
• Savings on everyday essentials- Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work, gym membership and home & electronics purchases.
• Exclusive lifestyle discounts– Access to more than 750 discounts across leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more.
• Free swimming– Enjoy free swimming at CCC swimming pools.
• Help with commuting– A subsidy towards public transport.
• Relocation support– Relocation assistance may be available in approved cases.
• Pay progression– Pay and award progression negotiated annually.

Hours: This is a full‑time role, for 37 hours per week.

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday 8am to 4pm and Friday 8-3.30pm.

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £30,515 - £33,119 per annum (City Pay Band 3), pro rata for part time.

Location: Russel Court, Bermuda House and other Camridge City Homes Housing estates.

More Information:

You can click on the links here to find out more information about Staff Pay and Benefits, Working for the Council, our Values & Behaviours, Equality & Diversity in Recruitment or Our People & Culture Strategy.

Cambridge City Council recognises the value of digital badges in evidencing skills, knowledge and competencies, and welcomes their inclusion within job applications as verifiable indicators of achievement and capability.

Cambridge City Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.