Semi-Skilled Labourer

Reading Borough Council

Reading

On-site

GBP 27,000 - 32,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle for work use

Tools provided

Disability Confident Employer

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking a practical Semi-Skilled Labourer to join the Property Services team in Reading. You will perform repairs and maintenance across council properties, working independently and with skilled tradespeople to keep homes safe and well‑maintained.

The role is full‑time, on‑site at Reading Depot, with a standard 8:00am–4:00pm schedule, plus a company vehicle and tools for work use. A full driving licence and a proactive, safety‑minded approach are essential.

Qualifications

Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Knowledge of building trades and construction, with experience of general building repairs and refurbishment.
The ability to operate small plant and power tools safely.
Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to handle challenging situations calmly and professionally.
The ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
A flexible approach to work, with the ability to support and supervise other labourers where required.
The flexibility to participate in an emergency call‑out rota when required.
A full, current driving licence.
Experience in domestic painting and decorating, certification to drive relevant equipment, and the ability to tow and operate a cherry picker would be advantageous.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Responsibilities

Carry out general labouring, basic repairs and maintenance across houses, flats and maisonettes.
Be comfortable working at height and willing to assist in undertaking roofing‑related duties following appropriate training and safety procedures.
Undertake tasks including rubbish and debris clearance, small‑scale demolition, excavation, drainage, garden clearance, concreting and the removal and reinstatement of shuttering.
Assist with planned programmes of work, major repairs and one‑off maintenance jobs.
Use small plant and power tools safely and effectively.
Support the transportation of materials, goods and waste, ensuring work areas are kept clean, tidy and safe.
Assess material requirements and ensure relevant records and paperwork are completed accurately.
Work in occupied properties, treating residents and their belongings with care, courtesy and respect.
Work independently and alongside colleagues to complete jobs efficiently and to a high standard.
Follow all relevant health and safety procedures and participate in an out‑of‑hours emergency call‑out rota when required.

Skills

Basic literacy

Basic numeracy

Building trades experience

Power tools safety

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Driving licence

Emergency shift rota

Tools

Small plant and power tools

Job description

Are you practical, hardworking and looking for a role where no two days are the same? Do you enjoy hands‑on work and take pride in seeing the results of your efforts?

We’re looking for a Semi‑Skilled Labourer to join our Property Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in maintaining and improving council‑owned properties across Reading, helping us provide safe, high‑quality homes and services for our residents.

Working both independently and alongside skilled tradespeople, you’ll undertake a variety of repair, maintenance and improvement works across occupied homes and communal areas.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About The Role

Join a team whose work has a direct impact on residents and their homes. You’ll have the opportunity to use your skills across a varied workload, contribute to the quality of local housing and play an important role in delivering a reliable, professional property maintenance service.

The role will be based at our Depot at 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX

The position is full‑time Monday to Friday on site by 8:00am and leaving site at 4:00pm

You will be supplied a company vehicle for work use only, specialist tools, mobile phone/ PDA, and all other items that will allow you to perform to the highest standards.

Responsibilities

Carry out general labouring, basic repairs and maintenance across houses, flats and maisonettes.

Be comfortable working at height and willing to assist in undertaking roofing‑related duties following appropriate training and safety procedures.

Undertake tasks including rubbish and debris clearance, small‑scale demolition, excavation, drainage, garden clearance, concreting and the removal and reinstatement of shuttering.

Assist with planned programmes of work, major repairs and one‑off maintenance jobs.

Use small plant and power tools safely and effectively.

Support the transportation of materials, goods and waste, ensuring work areas are kept clean, tidy and safe.

Assess material requirements and ensure relevant records and paperwork are completed accurately.

Work in occupied properties, treating residents and their belongings with care, courtesy and respect.

Work independently and alongside colleagues to complete jobs efficiently and to a high standard.

Follow all relevant health and safety procedures and participate in an out‑of‑hours emergency call‑out rota when required.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is hands‑on, adaptable and takes pride in delivering a good service to residents.

Requirements

Basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Knowledge of building trades and construction, with experience of general building repairs and refurbishment.

The ability to operate small plant and power tools safely.

Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.

Strong communication and customer service skills, with the ability to handle challenging situations calmly and professionally.

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.

A flexible approach to work, with the ability to support and supervise other labourers where required.

The flexibility to participate in an emergency call‑out rota when required.

A full, current driving licence.

Experience in domestic painting and decorating, certification to drive relevant equipment, and the ability to tow and operate a cherry picker would be advantageous.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme