Site Maintenance Operative / Caretaker

Extend Learning Academies Network; Weston-super-Mare; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational organization in the UK is seeking an energetic Site Maintenance Operative to join their estates team. The role involves ensuring a safe and clean environment across multiple sites, performing maintenance tasks, conducting compliance checks, and managing site security. Candidates should have practical building maintenance experience, knowledge of health and safety regulations, and good communication skills. The position offers 25 hours per week, a competitive salary, and excellent benefits including a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Additional hours opportunities

Ongoing training

Paid carer days

Qualifications

• Experience in property/building maintenance.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations essential.
• Ability to use a range of tools safely.

Responsibilities

• Perform planned and reactive maintenance tasks.
• Conduct compliance inspections and maintain service records.
• Complete minor repairs across various disciplines.
• Manage site security and respond to emergencies.
• Assist with cleaning and maintain hygiene standards.

Skills

Literacy and numeracy skills

Property/building maintenance experience

Knowledge of health and safety regulations

Ability to use tools and equipment safely

Communication and organisational skills

Independent and team working abilities

Education

Trade qualifications (City & Guilds or equivalent)

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an energetic and motivated Site Maintenance Operative (formerly Caretaker) to join our central estates team at Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN). You'll play a key role in ensuring our schools provide a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for pupils, staff, and visitors. This is a hands‑on position involving building and grounds maintenance, compliance checks, and security duties across multiple ELAN sites, all within a few miles of each other. Access to transport is essential.

Responsibilities

• Carry out planned and reactive maintenance tasks to high standards.
• Perform compliance inspections and maintain accurate service records.
• Complete minor repairs (carpentry, painting, decorating, plumbing).
• Ensure health and safety compliance, including asbestos, fire, and legionella awareness.
• Support cleaning contractors and maintain hygiene standards.
• Manage site security, including opening/closing buildings and responding to callouts.
• Assist with porterage duties, furniture moves, and small project work.
• Maintain outdoor areas, playgrounds, and equipment.

Qualifications

• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Practical experience in property/building maintenance.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Ability to use a range of tools and equipment safely.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Trade qualifications (City & Guilds or equivalent), desirable but not essential.
• Experience in school premises maintenance, desirable but not essential.

Personal qualities

• Flexible, friendly, and proactive approach.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to work at height and respond to unexpected situations.
• Excellent self‑management and problem‑solving skills.

Hours and salary

• Hours: 25 hours per week (plus 25 INSET hours annually), Monday to Friday.
• Salary: E3 £17,285.81 or E4 £17,839.19 per annum (dependent on qualifications).
• Permanent role with opportunities for additional hours.
• Excellent benefits including generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Supportive team environment and ongoing training.Five days paid carer days (pro‑rata).