Maintenance Assistant

NHS; Brighton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking healthcare provider is seeking a Maintenance Assistant to join their dynamic Estates team. This entry-level position offers a unique opportunity to support the maintenance and repair of essential mechanical and electrical systems within a vibrant hospital environment. You will receive extensive training and development opportunities, ensuring your professional growth while contributing to meaningful work that directly impacts patient care. With a comprehensive benefits package, including an NHS pension scheme and health programs, this role is perfect for those eager to start a fulfilling career in healthcare maintenance.

Benefits

NHS Pension Scheme

Generous Annual Leave

Health and Wellbeing Programs

Training and Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Entry-level role; relevant qualifications in maintenance or engineering are advantageous.
• Demonstrable aptitude and good attitude towards training are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Participate in the out-of-hours 'on-call' rota for emergencies.
• Establish effective communication with stakeholders and manage complaints.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Commitment to Personal Development

Understanding of Equalities Issues

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Maintenance

Mechanical or Electrical Qualifications

Job description

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

We have a fantastic opportunity for you to join our hospitals as a Maintenance Assistant, supporting our busy Estates team. You will assist with the maintenance and repair of a wide range of mechanical and electrical plant, equipment, services, and minor building fabric repairs.

You will work as part of the wider Estates team to achieve site-wide engineering compliance, maintaining all building systems and supporting the strategic aims set by the site Head of Estates.

We offer extensive training and development opportunities, including courses and certifications to advance your career, along with a comprehensive benefits package—such as the NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave, and health and wellbeing programs. You can also earn additional income through participation in the on-call rota, increasing your earning potential.

This is a great opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful work.

Before applying, please review the job description and person specifications to ensure your qualifications and experience meet the criteria.

Note: Interviews will be held in person, and a workplace-based assessment may be required.

Main duties of the job

1. Carry out routine work such as:

• Plant room checks and reporting defects
• Changing filters on Air Handling Units
• Replacing lamps
• Checking the condition of fire doors
• Planned maintenance tasks
• Painting and replacing locks
• Investigating and rectifying minor faults
• Assisting craftspersons in their work
• Other semi-skilled mechanical, electrical, and building repairs or maintenance as directed by Trust Estates officers and team leaders/supervisors
• Water sampling for legionella control (once trained and qualified)
• Changing taps, showers, minor copper pipework alterations, and drainage pipework
• Assisting with isolation on mechanical ventilation systems
• Assisting with medical gas systems work under direction (after training)
• First response air conditioning checks
• Working outside normal hours (overtime) during emergencies or operational constraints
• Participating in the out-of-hours 'on-call' rota

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength. We promote inclusion to help us always put the patient first. Your unique experiences will contribute to our innovative community. We offer staff networks, a buddy system, and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat patients and staff with compassion and empathy. Our Wellbeing Programme supports staff, including flexible working options to promote work-life balance. As a university trust and healthcare research leader, we value learning, teaching, and training to support your growth and development. We hope you choose a long and fulfilling career with us, where your contributions are valued.

We look forward to your application and to welcoming you to UHSussex.

Job responsibilities

Communication and Relationships:

Establish effective communication with all stakeholders, both internal and external. Manage verbal and written complaints effectively, reporting remedial actions to senior team members.

Knowledge, Training, and Experience:

This is an entry-level role; previous experience is not necessary but desirable. Relevant qualifications in maintenance, building, or engineering are advantageous. Demonstrable aptitude for the role and a good attitude towards training are essential. Ongoing training and development will be provided to ensure competency.

Analytical and Judgemental Skills:

Assist in decision-making regarding maintenance issues. Understand building systems, identify performance or maintenance issues, and review documentation to decide on actions.

Planning and Organisational Skills:

Organise and plan your workload, assist in long-term planning of estate assets, and liaise with stakeholders to coordinate tasks and access within a hospital environment.

Person Specification

Experience:

• Previous experience in a similar role is desirable but not essential.
• Knowledge of hospital operational estate issues and maintenance procedures is advantageous.
• Mechanical, electrical, or building qualifications, NVQ Level 2 or equivalent are desirable.

Skills:

• Commitment to personal development and understanding of equalities issues.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

• Experience in championing diversity and undertaking personal development in equalities issues.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

This role is subject to a DBS check in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.