Operations Assistant in Windsor

We are seeking to appoint an Operations Assistant to join the team at Dorney Lake. Dorney Lake is a modern world-class rowing and flat water canoeing centre set in a spectacular 400-acre parkland near Windsor. This role is to assist in the day-to-day operations and responsibilities involved in all aspects of the site and business which include the grounds, buildings and events, with a focus on on-site security, water safety and the driving and maintenance of the various boats.

For the successful candidate, we may be able to offer accommodation in a two-bedroom flat (which is currently rent free) on Queens Eyot, an exclusive island owned by Eton College and accessed adjacent to nearby Bray Marina. In return for the accommodation, there would be some additional responsibilities supporting the College with the day-to-day management and stewardship of the island. Further details can be provided to candidates who are interested. The accommodation is entirely optional and is not a requirement of the role. Candidates will be selected solely on their suitability for the core Operations Assistant position. If you would like to be considered for the accommodation, please indicate this in your application.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Benefits

Working at Eton College comes with a wide range of benefits that recognise and reward our staff. These include:

• A generous pension scheme with an 11% employer contribution (4.9% employee contribution)
• Salary exchange for pensions and private healthcare
• A confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family-friendly pay
• A cycle to work scheme
• Subsidised lunches during term time
• Free or significantly discounted access to the College's excellent sport and leisure facilities
• Discounts with local retailers and businesses

Main Duties

• Maintenance of the safety, workboats and ancillary equipment
• Maintenance of the pontoon systems, buoy systems, launches, PA system, outfall pipe and water quality of the lake
• Maintenance of the buildings and their surroundings
• Maintaining of the water banks in conjunction with the grounds staff
• Maintaining security of the buildings, grounds and workshop
• Ensuring that safety boats are functional before any authorised users of the lake go afloat
• Managing Lake and boathouse booking system, booking in arrivals and taking payment when required
• Maintaining aquatic weed control
• Covering water safety for external boating clients, small events or water-based activities
• Co-ordination, implementation and adherence of the health and safety of water safety policies
• Dealing with customer service issues with the help of access control, security department and contractors
• Working as a duty manager as required to problem solve any unforeseen issues that may arise during an event hire

All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

• Develop a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as regulated activity
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality
• Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:

• Knowledge and understanding of working with boats on the water in a confident and safe way is essential
• General maintenance skills
• Ability to swim a minimum distance of 50m
• RYA Level 2 Powerboat Certificate is desirable however training will be given
• First Aid at Work qualified is desirable however training will be given
• Customer service experience
• A clear understanding of Health and Safety legislation
• The ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients and staff
• A calm, professional manner with strong communication and interpersonal skills

You may enjoy this role if you:

• Have the ability to deal with conflict and difficult situations with confidence and a calm approach
• Have good interpersonal skills able to liaise with clients, members of the public and members of the Eton College community
• Have a flexible approach to work and a can-do attitude
• Have the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Enjoy working as part of a team and you are happy to get stuck in and support your colleagues
• Have the ability to come up with creative solutions to problems

Working Pattern

You will be employed on a permanent basis. Your working hours will be 40 hours per week. Your working days will be confirmed with your line manager but will include some weekend and evening working on a rota basis. You will be working 52 weeks per year. You will be entitled to 28 days holiday, 3 of these days will need to be reserved for the Christmas shut down period. You are also entitled to 8 bank holidays. (You must use all your entitlement (including any lieu days) during periods of school holidays. If a bank holiday falls during a school term period, you will be required to work this day and you will receive an additional day's holiday in lieu).

About The College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can make adjustments accordingly.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as spent under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.