Maintenance Assistant Higher

UHS Estates Ltd ( UEL ); Southampton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS terms of service and annual leave

Employee benefits platform discounts

Job summary

UHS Estates Limited (UEL) invites applications for a Maintenance Assistant Higher (Band 3) at University Hospital Southampton. The role covers maintenance of hospital buildings, plant and electrical/mechanical systems, with supervision tasks as needed.

You will work within Estates, focusing on safe, reliable operations. Experience in plumbing, electrical or building repairs is preferred; driving licence and flexibility for seven-day rota and overtime are desirable.

Qualifications

• Base level engineering knowledge and practical maintenance experience.
• Ability to work safely in a healthcare environment and follow procedures.
• Willingness to learn and apply technical training to maintain plant and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out planned preventive maintenance across building systems, plumbing, electrical and mechanical works.
• Perform fault-finding and repairs, and assist skilled craftspeople and contractors.
• Record work and test results using electronic job management systems.
• Respond to faults and support safety and reliability of hospital premises.

Skills

Practical maintenance

Hands-on

Teamwork

Education

NVQ 3 / City & Guilds or equivalent in engineering

CSCS / PASMA / IPAF certification

Job description

Main area Estates, Facilities & Capital Development Grade Band 3 Contract Permanent: x 2 roles available Hours

• Full time
• Part time

37.5 hours per week Job ref 188-UEL020926

Employer UHS Estates Ltd ( UEL ) Employer type NHS Site University Hospital Southampton Town Southampton Salary £25,760 - £27,476 Per Annum, Pro Rata Closing 15/10/2026 23:59

Maintenance Assistant Higher

Band 3

Job overview

UHS Estates Ltd (UEL) is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Job Title: Maintenance Assistant Higher

UHS Estates Limited (UEL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS). The company is responsible for the design and construction of new buildings, and the ongoing provision of services, including estates maintenance, soft facilities management and the management of equipment, consumables and materials, in support of one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England

Main duties of the job

Are you a practical, hands‑on individual looking to make a real difference in a vital healthcare setting? We are seeking a proactive Band 3 Maintenance Assistant Higher to join our dedicated Estates team and help keep our hospital running safely and efficiently.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as an Estates Maintenance Assistant , playing a key role in maintaining the safety, reliability and performance of the Trust’s buildings, plant and equipment. Working within your mechanical, electrical or fabric specialism, you will undertake complex fault‑finding, repairs, planned maintenance and installation work, while also supervising staff and contractors when required.

You will play a key role in our Chief Operating Officer / EFCD Estates team, reporting directly to a Designated Supervisor (Mechanical, Electrical, or Building) as part of a replacement post. Most of your time will be spent carrying out routine, semi‑skilled planned preventive maintenance (PPM), responding to maintenance faults, and assisting our skilled craftspeople. Your immediate priorities will be maintaining critical systems across our premises, including plumbing, drainage, ventilation, and electrical installations.

Working for our organisation

UHS Estates Limited (UEL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS). The company is responsible for the design and construction of new buildings, and the ongoing provision of services, including estates maintenance, soft facilities management and the management of equipment, consumables and materials, in support of one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England.

Employee Benefits:

• NHS terms of service and annual leave
• Access to an employee benefits platform offering discounts on groceries, high street shopping, family outings, holidays, and more

Southampton offers an excellent quality of life, located on the south coast with an international airport and direct train links to London. The area boasts the stunning New Forest National Park, beautiful beaches along the Jurassic Coast, and living costs around 20% lower than London. With 14 Ofsted-rated "Outstanding" schools, it's a great place to live and work.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will carry out routine, semi‑skilled maintenance across the hospital’s buildings, engineering systems and equipment, supporting a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors. Working under a designated Team Leader, you will manage allocated tasks independently within your competence and assist skilled craftspeople and contractors.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Carrying out planned preventive maintenance, basic fault‑finding and repairs across electrical, mechanical and building systems, including plumbing, drainage, lighting, nurse call systems and minor building repairs.

Undertaking equipment testing, fire alarm checks, surveys and audits, following appropriate training and agreed procedures.

Completing maintenance‑related cleaning and supporting specialist tasks within your training and competence.

Recording work, time and test results accurately using electronic job management systems.

Prioritising tasks according to safety, urgency and the needs of clinical services, escalating faults beyond your competence and identifying spare parts required.

Keeping staff informed about equipment safety, restrictions on use and the actions needed to return equipment to service.

Supporting new maintenance colleagues by sharing knowledge of Estates procedures and working practices.

About you

You will have practical experience of plumbing, electrical and building repairs, supported by relevant basic technical knowledge. You will be organised, proactive and able to work independently and as part of a team, recognising when to seek advice. A professional, courteous approach and an understanding of how maintenance supports patient care are essential. Experience across more than one maintenance discipline would be an advantage.

Training and development

We offer a supportive team environment, practical experience alongside skilled craftspeople and access to relevant technical training, including specialist courses where required. Flexible working options can be discussed in line with service needs.

Additional requirements

Flexibility to work across a seven‑day rota and undertake rostered overtime to support extended service hours.

A full, clean driving licence and willingness to collect materials from suppliers.

Residence within 60 minutes' travel of the hospital to respond to out‑of‑hours emergency calls.

Ability to work safely at height, in confined spaces such as ducts and roof spaces, and in clinical areas including operating theatres and infectious disease wards, following appropriate training and safety procedures.

Compliance with relevant engineering standards, Trust policies, infection prevention, health and safety, safeguarding and professional conduct requirements.

Appointment is subject to the required pre‑employment checks.

Person specification

Qualifications / training required

• Knowledge & experience in engineering practises Base level of theoretical knowledge
• NVQ 3, City and Guilds or equivalent experience in performing engineering operations
• CSCS, PASMA, IPAF

Previous or relevant experience necessary

• Relevant and recent experience in similar maintenance organisation
• Demonstrable experience and knowledge of identifying faults and assisting in repairs
• Experience in Minor repairs to Mechanical & Electrical Building installations
• Experience of carrying out Routine Surveys & Audits
• Experience of working within a multi‑disciplinary Estates & Facilities team in a healthcare environment

Aptitudes and skills required

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise own workload
• Knowledge of other Engineering trades

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications. We will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.