Maintenance Assistant Higher

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS terms of service and annual leave

Employee benefits platform discounts

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a proactive Maintenance Assistant Higher (Band 3) to join the Estates team at the University Hospital Southampton site in Southampton. The role covers mechanical, electrical and fabric maintenance to keep hospital buildings, plant and equipment safe and operational.

You will perform planned preventive maintenance, fault-finding and repairs, and support supervising staff and contractors.

Qualifications

• Experience in plumbing, electrical and building repairs across a hospital or similar environment.
• Organised, proactive and able to work independently and in a team.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts and respond to out-of-hours calls.

Responsibilities

• Carry out planned preventive maintenance across electrical, mechanical, plumbing and building systems.
• Perform fault-finding, repairs and routine maintenance on hospital plant and equipment.
• Record work, time and test results using electronic job management systems.
• Assist skilled craftspersons and contractors and supervise when required.
• Prioritise tasks by safety and clinical needs and raise issues if outside competence.

Skills

Plumbing

Electrical work

Building repairs

Full driving licence

Job description

Grade: Band 3

Hours: Full time, Part time - 37.5 hours per week

Job ref: 188-UEL020926

Site: University Hospital Southampton

Town: Southampton

Closing: 15/10/2026

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

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.

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

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.

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