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- Tasks: Assist tenants with small repairs and improvements in their homes and communal areas.
- Company: Join Ashford Borough Council, a community-focused organisation dedicated to enhancing local living standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, generous leave, life insurance, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing practical skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Basic carpentry skills and good communication; must pass a DBS check.
- Other info: Exciting yet stable time to join as local authorities evolve.
The predicted salary is between 20700 - 28800 £ per year.
Location: Ashford, Kent
Salary: Up to £27,600 pa depending on skills and experience
Job Type: Full time, Permanent
Working Hours: 37 Hours Per Week
Closing Date: 29th June 2025
We are looking for a maintenance operative to assist our tenants in the borough's general needs accommodation with a range of small domestic repairs and improvements to their homes; and to carry out a range of small works to the communal areas of the general needs flats both internal and external. All equipment and materials will be provided (tools, vehicle etc.)
You will need to have the ability to carry out a range of standard home repairs such as basic carpentry skills and home improvements and have the ability to carry out some standard gardening work e.g. mowing, hedge-trimming, weeding etc.
Duties will include:
- Block inspections
- Cutting edges of lawned areas where grounds maintenance service does not cut neatly to edges.
- Fit shower curtain/rail.
- Refit existing shower rail.
- Re-hang/adjust internal doors
- Fit post baskets
- Put up shelves
- Assemble flat pack furniture
- Removing items stored in communal areas
About you: You will need to be a good listener and have the ability to communicate well with a wide range of people. The post holder must maintain at all times a BASIC satisfactory report from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Benefits:
- Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.
- Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.
Additional Information: With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area. Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities. This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.
Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
To find out further information about the role and to view the full job description, please visit the council's website. Please click the APPLY button and you will be redirected to the council's website to complete your application.
Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Handy Person, Handyman, Plumber, Painter, Decorator, Building Maintenance, Builder, General Builder, Installations, Pipe Repairs, Kitchen Maintenance, Bathroom Maintenance, Kitchen Repairs, Bathroom Repairs, Builder, Property Maintenance may also be considered for this role.
Housing General Maintenance Operative employer: Ashford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Ashford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing General Maintenance Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with common maintenance tasks that are relevant to the role, such as basic carpentry and gardening. Being able to demonstrate your hands-on skills during the interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your communication skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively interacted with clients or tenants in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to listen and respond to their needs, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Ashford Borough Council and their values. Understanding their commitment to community welfare and employee wellbeing can help you align your answers during the interview, demonstrating that you're a good cultural fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions to ask during the interview about the team dynamics and the types of projects you might be working on. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing General Maintenance Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the specific skills and responsibilities required for the Housing General Maintenance Operative position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in home repairs, maintenance, and communication.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles or tasks that involved maintenance work, carpentry, gardening, or customer service. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the job.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that addresses the key requirements of the job. Mention your ability to communicate effectively with tenants and your commitment to maintaining high standards in repairs and improvements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford Borough Council
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with home repairs and maintenance. Bring examples of past work or projects you've completed, as this will demonstrate your capability in basic carpentry, plumbing, and gardening tasks.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves interacting with tenants, practice clear and friendly communication. Think about how you can convey your ideas simply and listen actively to understand their needs during the interview.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties mentioned in the job description, such as block inspections and assembling flat-pack furniture. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Highlight your ability to adapt to different tasks and environments, especially since the job may involve both indoor and outdoor work. Mention any previous experiences where you successfully managed varied responsibilities.
