At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep the Calanais Visitor Centre clean and welcoming for everyone.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy fair pay, development opportunities, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to work outdoors in a beautiful setting.
- Why this job: Make a difference at a historic site while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in cleaning or maintenance is a plus; enthusiasm is key!
The predicted salary is between 15413 - 15413 £ per year.
Join our team at the Calanais Visitor Centre and help us maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment for our visitors and staff. We are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic and hardworking individual who takes pride in their work and has excellent attention to detail.
About the Calanais Visitor Centre: At the Calanais Visitor Centre, we are committed to preserving, researching and sharing the rich archaeological heritage of the Calanais Standing Stones. Our vision is to create an outstanding visitor experience while maintaining a deep connection between the site, the community and the wider world. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, operates within a culture of respect and creates a welcoming environment for all employees.
Role Purpose: The Site Caretaker plays an important role in maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment for visitors, staff and volunteers. The role combines cleaning, caretaking, grounds maintenance and general maintenance duties to ensure the Visitor Centre buildings, grounds and facilities are maintained to a high standard. The successful candidate will be proactive, practical and able to work independently, taking pride in the presentation and upkeep of this internationally significant visitor attraction. This role will involve a combination of planned routine tasks and responding to day-to-day operational requirements.
The role is 20 hours per week over 5 days and may include working on a Saturday. Preferred hours are 8am-12noon, but hours can be flexible for the right candidate. The role is fixed term until 31st March 2027, however there is a possibility this may be extended.
Reports to: General Manager
Direct Reports: None
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Cleaning and Housekeeping: Clean public, staff and operational areas in accordance with cleaning schedules and operational requirements. Vacuum, sweep, mop and maintain floors and surfaces to a high standard. Clean and sanitise toilets and washrooms, replenishing consumables as required. Empty waste and recycling bins and dispose of waste appropriately. Undertake periodic deep-cleaning tasks and clean internal windows and glass surfaces. Maintain entrance and external visitor areas, including litter picking and presentation of outdoor spaces. Monitor cleaning stock levels and advise when replenishment is required. Use cleaning products and equipment safely and in accordance with COSHH procedures.
- Facilities and Maintenance: Carry out minor repairs and general maintenance of buildings, fixtures, fittings and furniture. Assist with routine maintenance tasks across the site and grounds. Conduct regular inspections and report defects, hazards or maintenance issues promptly. Support the setup and breakdown of events, meetings and conferences where required. Assist with the unloading and storage of deliveries. Undertake routine building checks and maintain accurate records as required.
- Grounds Maintenance: Ensure the Visitor Centre grounds are well presented at all times. Undertake routine grounds maintenance, including vegetation control. Carry out minor repairs to outdoor furniture, benches, fencing and visitor infrastructure. Ensure pathways, entrances and external areas are clean, safe and fit for purpose.
- Health, Safety and Security: Follow all health and safety policies and procedures. Support routine safety inspections and checks including fire safety, emergency lighting and other building compliance checks as required. Report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly. Follow lone-working, keyholding and alarm procedures where required. Assist in maintaining a safe and secure environment for visitors, staff and volunteers. Participate in emergency procedures and evacuation processes when required. Act as key holder and respond to emergency call outs as part of a team.
- Visitor Experience: Contribute to delivering a high-quality visitor experience through the presentation and upkeep of the Centre. Provide a friendly and helpful presence for visitors when required. Support colleagues across the organisation during busy periods and special events. Assist with car park and site operations when required. Provide Duty Manager Cover when required.
Requirements
- PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Essential Skills and Experience: Experience in a janitorial, caretaking, facilities, maintenance, cleaning or similar role. Ability to undertake general maintenance and practical repair tasks. Ability to maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation. Good understanding of workplace health and safety. Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively. Good communication and teamwork skills. Ability to undertake the physical requirements of the role, including lifting, carrying, bending and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Flexible approach to working hours, including occasional early morning, evening or weekend work.
- Desirable Skills and Experience: Experience working in a visitor attraction, hospitality venue or public building. Knowledge of COSHH and safe working practices. Experience of keyholding responsibilities. First Aid qualification. Experience carrying out routine building checks and maintenance inspections. Relevant practical or trade qualification.
- Personal Attributes: Reliable, trustworthy and punctual. Practical and proactive approach to work. Takes pride in maintaining high standards. Strong attention to detail. Able to work using initiative and solve problems. Flexible and adaptable to changing operational requirements. A collaborative team player who values inclusivity and respect.
Benefits
At the Calanais Visitor Centre, we believe in creating a supportive, rewarding and inspiring workplace. We offer: Fair Work Scotland Accreditation and Living Wage commitment. Personal and professional development opportunities. A supportive and inclusive working environment. Recognition and reward for contributions and achievements. The opportunity to help care for one of the UK’s most important heritage sites.
Questions? No query is too small or not worth asking, so please get in touch with Claire Purdy, General Manager, at careers@calanais.org for more information.
Site Caretaker employer: Calanais Visitor Centre
At Calanais Visitor Centre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values every team member's contribution to creating memorable experiences for our visitors. With a supportive work culture that emphasises respect, kindness, and teamwork, we offer flexible employment opportunities in a stunning location steeped in heritage. Join us during our busy season and be part of a dedicated team where your enthusiasm and commitment to customer service will be celebrated and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Caretaker
✨Tap into Local Networks
For temporary roles in janitorial and cleaning services, it's super effective to connect with local property managers, event venues, and schools. These places often need temporary staff for events or seasonal cleaning, so don’t hesitate to reach out directly and see if they’re hiring!
✨Check Out Community Job Boards
Don’t overlook community job boards and local Facebook groups focused on gig work. Many times, businesses post short-term openings there. Join those groups, keep an eye out for postings, and be ready to jump on opportunities when they come up!
✨Show Up in Person
For temporary jobs like these, sometimes showing up in person can make a big difference. If you spot a business in your area that looks like they might need cleaning help, pop in and ask if they’re looking for short-term workers. A friendly face goes a long way!
✨Post Your Availability Online
Create a quick profile on platforms popular in the cleaning services sector, like Gumtree or local job sites, and list your availability. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience. This can help businesses find you quickly for temporary work opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Site Caretaker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in janitorial and cleaning services, make sure to showcase any previous cleaning or maintenance jobs you've held. We want to see your skills in action, so mention specific tasks you've completed, like floor care or waste management, and any equipment you're familiar with!
Certifications Matter!:If you've got any certifications that relate to health and safety, or specific cleaning techniques, flaunt them in your application. These can really set you apart from the crowd, showing that you know the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Tailor Your Availability:Since this is a temporary position, it’s super important to be clear about your availability in your cover letter. Let us know when you can start and how flexible you can be with hours. The more straightforward you are, the easier it is for us to see if you’re the right fit for our needs at Calanais Visitor Centre.
Keep It Straightforward:For a temporary role, we aren’t looking for a lengthy novel in your CV or cover letter. Stick to the essentials — your experience, skills, and a brief personal touch about why you want to work with us at Calanais Visitor Centre. Short and sweet is the way to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calanais Visitor Centre
✨Know Your Cleaning Techniques
In a janitorial role, it's key to showcase your knowledge of different cleaning methods and products. Be ready to discuss your experience with various tidying techniques, whether it's deep cleaning, waste management or floor care. They might even ask you about how you handle specific cleaning challenges, so having a couple of examples up your sleeve will help us shine!
✨Safety First!
Understanding safety protocols is crucial in cleaning services. Make sure you're familiar with health and safety regulations relevant to the industry, like using personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling chemicals safely. Prepare to share how you ensure a safe working environment, as this will definitely resonate with your interviewers at Calanais Visitor Centre.
✨Flexibility Over Everything
Since you're applying for a temporary role, emphasise your availability and adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can adjust to different cleaning environments, shifting schedules, and varying tasks. Highlighting your willingness to jump into any assignment will make you stand out and show us you're the right fit for Calanais Visitor Centre.
✨Show Off Your Past Experience
If you’ve done janitorial work before, bring along your references or any previous feedback you've received. Temporary roles often rely heavily on past performance, so having tangible examples or even a brief portfolio of your work can help us demonstrate your ability to meet and exceed expectations at Calanais Visitor Centre.
