Residential Services Assistant

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK seeks a Residential Services Assistant to support various areas, ensuring legal compliance and safety for college residents. The role requires skills in communication and teamwork, and a love for working within buildings and estates services. You will help set up meeting rooms, address welfare concerns, and conduct minor repairs. This full-time role offers a flexible roster, an annual salary of £23,205, and potential allowances for night/weekend shifts, totaling around £28,000.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

On-site nursery

Discounted transport

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Good spoken and written communication skills are vital.
• Basic digital skills including internet and email are required.
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills are essential.
• Experience of working in a team is necessary.
• Time‑management skills to meet deadlines are important.
• Ability to follow instructions accurately is needed.
• Must adhere to health and safety guidelines.
• Interest in working in buildings and estates services is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support multiple college areas ensuring legal compliance.
• Set up meeting rooms as needed.
• Undertake minor repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Act as the first point of contact for welfare and building issues during out-of-hours.
• Provide emergency response and reception cover.

Skills

Good spoken and written communication skills

Basic digital skills

Basic numeracy and literacy

Experience working in a team

Time-management skills

Ability to follow instructions accurately

Ability to follow health and safety guidelines

Interest or understanding of working in buildings, estates & services

Job description

Job Title – Residential Services Assistant (Job No.: 25001789)

Operations Directorate – Open‑Ended / Permanent, Full Time

Closing Date: 18‑Jan‑2026, 11:59 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

Background

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions and are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. Adjustments will be made wherever reasonable.

About the University

Durham University values equality, diversity and inclusion. We inspire a culture where everyone can flourish and we attract people whose values align with ours.

The Operations Directorate

The Operations Directorate provides a world‑class experience for our diverse student and staff communities. Our team delivers services and facilities across 15 colleges, including catering, housekeeping, reception, security and maintenance.

All staff support environmental and social sustainability initiatives such as water and energy conservation, re‑use and recycling.

The Directorate is organised into three key areas:

1. University Catering – a team of 500 ensuring fresh, exciting, diverse dining experiences throughout the colleges.
2. College Operations – over 200 professionals providing residential services and supporting student and non‑student‑led events.
3. Retail Services – branded retail catering and merchandise outlets.

The Role

Residential Services Assistants (RSAs) support multiple college areas, ensuring legal compliance (e.g., Legionella checks, security patrols) and safety of buildings and residents. Responsibilities include:

1. Setting up meeting rooms.
2. Undertaking minor repairs and maintenance tasks.
3. Reporting larger maintenance issues to Estates & Facilities.
4. Acting as the first point of contact for welfare and building issues during out‑of‑hours.
5. Providing emergency response and reception cover, liaising with College/Duty Officers and staff.

Specific Role Information

Contracts: up to 5 days a week (including bank holidays, nights and weekends). Full‑time, permanent, 35 hours per week. Indicative roster may change with two weeks’ notice.

Salary: Basic starting salary £23,205 per annum; additional allowance up to £4,900 for weekend/night shift, maxing at circa £28,000.

Indicative Roster:

Sample shift patterns:

• Pattern 1: 16:00–00:00 (Mon), 00:00–08:00 (Tue), … (35 hrs total).
• Pattern 2: 08:00–16:00 (Mon), 09:00–17:00 (Tue), … (35 hrs total).
• Pattern 3: 16:00–00:00 (Mon), 17:00–00:00 (Tue), 00:00–12:00 (Wed), 00:00–12:00 (Thu), 35 hrs total.
• Pattern 4: 16:00–00:00 (Mon), 17:00–00:00 (Tue), 12:00–00:00 (Wed), 12:00–00:00 (Thu), 35 hrs total.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave + 8 public holidays + 4 customary days = 39 days total.
• Parking across campus, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted local bus and train fares.
• Discount portal for supermarkets, retail, IT products, cinema and attractions.
• On‑site nursery and holiday camps for children 5‑16.
• Health and wellbeing support, discounted sport and gym membership, 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunities to volunteer and develop skills (qualifications, IT courses, apprenticeships).
• Family‑friendly policies, generous maternity and adoption leave.
• Generous pension schemes.

What You Need to Demonstrate

1. Good spoken and written communication skills.
2. Basic digital skills (internet, email).
3. Basic numeracy and literacy.
4. Experience working in a team.
5. Time‑management skills to meet deadlines.
6. Ability to follow instructions accurately.
7. Ability to follow health and safety guidelines.
8. Interest or understanding of working in buildings, estates & services.

Full Driver’s Licence required in certain colleges/roles.

Experience of working in buildings or estates services areas.

How to Apply

Applications are preferred online. Submit a CV and/or statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria above, or complete the application form including all required information.

We will update you at various points via automated emails from our e‑recruitment system. Check spam/junk folders regularly.

Contact for More Information

Systems and Administration Team – [e-mail].

Typical Role Requirements

The following activities are expected:

Service Delivery

• Provide excellent service to students, colleagues and others.
• Follow health and safety regulations, wear protective clothing/equipment.
• Perform tasks that may require specialist skills and are physically demanding.
• Maintain specialist equipment and tools.

Teamwork

• Assist and cooperate with the team.
• Support colleagues with key activities.
• Help move, set‑up and dismantle equipment or tools.
• Learn new skills and practices from experienced colleagues.
• Escalate problems to senior colleagues.

Communication / Personal

• Show commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and university values.
• Respond to routine information requests.
• Use digital devices and apps (e.g., email) to communicate with students, colleagues and others.
• Perform other reasonable duties.

Applicants will be subject to data processing in accordance with Durham University’s Privacy Statement.

Appointment must meet immigration requirements, including salary thresholds for some visas.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions. Adjustments will be made wherever reasonable, including within the role.

Contact for Reasonable Adjustments

For adjustments in the application process, contact [e-mail].