Technical Support Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited are assisting a Local Authority in Hackney to recruit a Building Maintenance Surveyor on a 6-month contract. You will inspect properties, prepare specifications and estimates, monitor contractor works, support Section 20 consultations, and ensure health and safety compliance across circa 5,000 social housing properties.

You should have a building-related qualification (HNC/HND or equivalent) or substantial relevant experience, with strong knowledge of construction

Qualifications

• HNC, HND or equivalent in building-related field, or substantial relevant experience.
• Experience in building maintenance, responsive repairs, or surveying.
• Knowledge of CDM 2015 and health and safety requirements.
• Ability to prepare specifications, estimates and reports.

Responsibilities

• Undertake inspections and surveys of Council properties after repair requests.
• Prepare specifications, estimates, and contract documentation.
• Monitor progress of works by contractors and Council Direct Labour Organisation.
• Maintain repair histories and prepare survey reports and orders.
• Engage contractors in line with procurement procedures and ensure value for money.
• Support Section 20 consultation with leaseholders and residents.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and statutory requirements.
• Communicate effectively with residents and stakeholders.

Skills

Inspection planning

Technical reporting

Stakeholder liaison

Budget management

Health and safety

Communication skills

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent

Building-related qualification

Job description

Job Description

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To support the Building Maintenance and Estate Environment service in delivering an effective responsive repairs service across a portfolio of approximately 5,000 social housing properties, including estate environments and leaseholder liabilities. The postholder will undertake inspections, investigate defects, identify appropriate remedial works, prepare technical documentation and estimates, and monitor repair projects delivered by contractors and the Council’s Direct Labour Organisation. The role will ensure works are delivered to a high standard, provide value for money, comply with statutory and health and safety requirements, and minimise inconvenience to residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake inspections and surveys of Council properties following repair requests, including visits to tenanted properties to investigate defects and plan programmes of work.
• Provide technical advice on building defects, damp, specifications, estimates, labour requirements, and health and safety matters.
• Prepare specifications, estimates, contract documentation, correspondence, measurements, and re-measurements as required.
• Maintain accurate repair histories, records, databases, and information relating to works undertaken.
• Prepare and submit survey reports, estimates, and work orders, ensuring value for money and commercial viability.
• Engage specialist services and contractors in accordance with Council procurement procedures.
• Monitor and oversee the progress of works undertaken by contractors and the Council’s Direct Labour Organisation.
• Undertake post-inspections to ensure completed works meet required standards and comply with health and safety and statutory requirements.
• Support effective Section 20 consultation with leaseholders and contribute to income maximisation in partnership with Tenancy and Leasehold Services.
• Support the Repairs Service and Repairs Call Centre to ensure a coordinated and positive repairs journey for residents.
• Take ownership of repairs projects from initiation through to completion, maintaining effective communication with residents throughout.
• Investigate and respond to complaints and enquiries from residents, Councillors, and external organisations within required timescales.
• Attend Area Panel and other meetings, preparing reports and providing technical information as required.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Housing, Asset Management, and other Council directorates.
• Support the collection of stock condition information and the development of programmes, priorities, and investment plans.
• Prepare and quality-check technical reports for committees, public meetings, and senior management.
• Monitor contractor performance, payments, variations, and the application of relevant schedules of rates.
• Operate within Council financial, procurement, process control, and budget management procedures.
• Ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, CDM 2015, corporate health and safety policies, and other relevant legislation.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and fair access to housing services.
• Provide additional support across Area teams when required and undertake other duties consistent with the role and grade.

Requirements

• HNC, HND, or equivalent building-related qualification, or substantial relevant experience in a similar building maintenance or surveying role.
• Relevant experience working within building maintenance, responsive repairs, housing maintenance, surveying, or a related construction environment.
• Extensive technical knowledge of construction details and building defects and pathology across domestic properties, including high-rise developments.
• Sound knowledge of health and safety legislation and regulations, including CDM 2015.
• Knowledge of disrepair, Environmental Protection Act requirements, Party Wall legislation, and/or Section 20 consultation would be advantageous.
• Experience of preparing specifications, estimates, contracts, reports, and technical documentation.
• Experience of monitoring contractors and overseeing repair or maintenance projects through to completion.
• Experience of working with residents, tenants, leaseholders, contractors, and internal and external stakeholders in a diverse environment.
• Experience of consultation and engagement with tenants and leaseholders.
• Ability to prepare spreadsheets, maintain databases, and accurately manage technical and financial information.
• Ability to monitor contractor payments and apply relevant schedules of rates.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters clearly to residents and other stakeholders.
• Strong customer service skills and a resident-focused approach, with the ability to manage difficult conversations sensitively and professionally.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a complex workload, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
• Proactive, accountable, and collaborative approach with a commitment to delivering high-quality services and value for money.
• Ability to identify health, safety, safeguarding, and other risks and take appropriate action.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Ability to attend evening meetings and work flexibly according to service requirements.
• Full current driving licence and willingness to use own vehicle for travel between sites would be desirable.

Additional Information

• Location: Within the London Borough of Hackney.
• Hours per week: To be confirmed.
• Bi-Weekly Payments: Payment made every two weeks.