Site Caretaker

Devon County Council; Exeter; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodwater Academy in Exeter is seeking a reliable caretaker to oversee caretaking and maintenance of the buildings and grounds, including opening/closing the premises on school days and during events, and to respond to alarms and emergencies as directed.

You will work with the line manager to carry out repairs, ensure security, supervise cleaning and heating plant, and coordinate with contractors. The role demands flexibility for evenings, weekends, holidays, and adherence to safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Attend opening and closing of the premises at designated times.
• Undertake general repairs, maintenance and improvements to buildings and grounds.
• Maintain security of school sites and manage access.
• Respond to alarms and arrange for reset.
• Be available for emergency calls during evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Prevent unauthorised access and parking on site.
• Co-ordinate with line manager and contractors for a safe environment.
• Ensure cleaners carry out duties to a recognised standard and safely.
• Oversee heating plant and boiler rooms, ensuring access to service isolators.
• Move furniture for meetings and school events, and set up/take down tables and chairs.
• Regular health and safety and premises checks and keep records.

Job description

The main purpose of the job is to be responsible for the caretaking and general maintenance needs of Woodwater Academy. There will be a need to attend the opening and closing of the premises at designated times, to include normal school days and school events.

• Undertake general repairs, maintenance and improvements to the buildings and grounds, inside and out, as directed by the line manager.
• Maintain security of school sites, i.e. opening and closing of the premises for both normal school days and the letting of school premises.
• Respond when a school alarm is set off and arrange for the system to be reset.
• Be available to respond to emergency calls during evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Prevent unauthorised access on school premises and ensure that unauthorised parking of vehicles does not occur.
• Fix or report any problems, attend to contractors visiting or working on site, to ensure a safe environment and liaising with line manager as appropriate.
• Undertake general repairs, maintenance and improvements to the buildings and grounds, inside and out as directed by the line manager.
• Report any repair or maintenance work required which is beyond the role of the caretaking staff.
• Ensure that caretaking and cleaning equipment is in safe working order.
• Ensure the cleaners carry out their cleaning duties to a recognised standard and at the agreed frequencies, ensuring all work is carried out safely.
• Oversee the efficient working of heating plant and lighting.
• Maintain the boiler houses and plant rooms in a clean and tidy order and ensure clear access to all service isolators (gas, electricity, water).
• Ensure any flammable materials are kept out of boiler rooms and away from any heat sources.
• Daily routine to include checking perimeter fencing and fixed play equipment.
• To clean and be responsible for the tidiness of paths, drives and other hard surfaces within the school grounds.
• Ensure outside areas are kept free from litter, sweep leaves and maintenance of outside bins.
• To carry out necessary procedures in the event of snow, ice, minor flooding or similar emergency.
• Carry out any necessary procedures in the event of fire, flood, breaking and entering, accident or major damage.
• Caretakers are required to know the location of first aid equipment and facilities.
• Liaise with cleaning staff to ensure that cleaning operatives are directed appropriately, that the school areas are efficiently cleaned and that urgent calls for cleaning are dealt with.
• To keep paths, access points and entrances free of snow and ice to ensure safe passage.
• In the event of bad weather, to liaise with the Headteacher about the safe opening of the site.
• Maintain a diary of works undertaken and liaise with line manager on a daily basis.
• Any other reasonable tasks or duties as directed.
• Undertake regular health & safety and premises checks as directed (training will be provided), and complete record sheets provided, to include: fire checks including call points; ladders and playground equipment.
• Move furniture and equipment and set up / take down tables and chairs for meetings, school events etc.

Why join us?

You will become part of a dedicated team working to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
• The chance to make a significant impact on pupils' learning and wellbeing.

This role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Successful applicants will be subject to an online search. The Harbour Schools Partnership require all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of Right to Work at interview stage.