Estates Operative - Part-Time

Retirement Villages Group; West Malling; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday leave

Pension scheme

Wellbeing days

Staff rewards programs

Community environment

Job summary

The Willowbury Retirement Village is seeking an Estates Operative to join their friendly team on a part-time basis (30 hours per week). You will help maintain a safe, comfortable and attractive environment for residents, performing routine maintenance, outdoor care, and supporting facilities projects.

Ideal candidates will have maintenance experience, be confident with hand and power tools, and demonstrate strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in maintenance or a similar role is desirable.
• Confident using hand and power tools safely.
• Strong communication and people skills.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to adapt to new challenges.
• Physically able to lift, carry, and move equipment and materials.

Responsibilities

• Carry out regular inspections of buildings, equipment, and communal areas.
• Ensure lighting, lifts, and emergency systems are in good working order.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests from residents and staff.
• Maintain outdoor spaces – including gardens, woodlands, fences, and paths – to a high standard.
• Keep outdoor furniture and amenities clean and in good condition.
• Support with general decorating, painting, and minor repairs.
• Treat roads and pathways with salt/grit during winter months.
• Communicate clearly with residents and staff about any planned maintenance or service disruptions.
• Work closely with the Facilities Manager to complete regular monthly checks and identify safety concerns.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Hand tool use

Power tool use

Communication skills

Proactive attitude

Physical fitness

Job description

We’re currently looking for a dedicated Estates Operative to join our friendly team at The Willowbury Retirement Village. This role is part-time (30 hours per week).

In this essential role, you’ll help us maintain a safe, comfortable, and attractive environment for our residents. From routine maintenance and outdoor care to responding to requests and supporting wider facilities projects, you’ll be making a real difference in the lives of our residents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out regular inspections of buildings, equipment, and communal areas
• Ensure lighting, lifts, and emergency systems are in good working order
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests from residents and staff
• Maintain outdoor spaces – including gardens, woodlands, fences, and paths – to a high standard
• Keep outdoor furniture and amenities clean and in good condition
• Support with general decorating, painting, and minor repairs
• Treat roads and pathways with salt/grit during winter months
• Communicate clearly with residents and staff about any planned maintenance or service disruptions
• Work closely with the Facilities Manager to complete regular monthly checks and identify safety concerns

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous experience in maintenance or a similar role is desirable
• Confidence using hand and power tools safely
• Strong communication and people skills
• A proactive attitude and willingness to adapt to new challenges
• Physically able to lift, carry, and move equipment and materials

What We Offer:

• Generous holiday entitlement, including birthday leave
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Wellbeing and volunteering days
• Staff rewards and recognition programmes
• A supportive, community-focused working environment

If you’re hands-on, practical, and take pride in creating well-maintained spaces where people feel at home, we’d love to hear from you.