At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep residential estates clean, safe, and welcoming while supporting community events.
- Company: Join Cambridge City Council, committed to inclusivity and community impact.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy free swimming and exclusive discounts while progressing your career.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Practical, self-motivated with a full UK driving licence and basic IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 30515 - 33119 £ per year.
We're looking for a proactive and reliable Estates Caretaker to help keep our residential estates clean, safe, and welcoming for residents. This is a varied, hands-on role where you'll work across multiple sites, take pride in your environment and support some of the city's most vulnerable residents.
What you'll do:
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness across communal areas, estates and outdoor spaces.
- Carry out site inspections and help keep residents safe.
- Undertake minor repairs and basic maintenance tasks.
- Operate equipment such as pressure washers, leaf blowers and mechanical sweepers.
- Drive a Council 3.5T tipper vehicle to remove bulky waste and transport materials.
- Build positive relationships with residents and act as a key point of contact on site.
- Support community events and estate improvement projects.
What we're looking for:
- A practical, self-motivated individual who enjoys working outdoors.
- Someone who takes ownership, shows initiative and has a strong customer focus.
- Good awareness of health and safety.
- Ability to work independently across multiple locations.
- Full UK driving licence and confidence driving a 3.5T vehicle.
- Basic IT skills for daily reporting and communication.
The successful candidate will be subject to a Basic Disclosure.
Why join us?
- Join a team where your work makes a difference.
- We’re committed to creating a supportive, inclusive and rewarding workplace where you can develop your skills, achieve your ambitions and make a real impact.
- Alongside meaningful work and opportunities to grow, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your wellbeing, work‑life balance and future, including:
- Learning and Development– A range of learning opportunities and resources to help you build your skills and progress your career, with achievements recognised through Digital Badges where applicable.
- A great pension- access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with the option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions through Shared AVC.
- Flexible Working– Agile and flexible working options to help you balance work with life outside work.
- Generous annual leave- starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days after five years’ service, plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time), with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Family-friendly benefits- A range of family-friendly policies and Flexible Bank Holidays.
- Make a difference beyond your role - Paid volunteering hours each year, giving you time to support a cause that matters to you.
- Support for your wellbeing- Confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme and access to the Your Care wellbeing platform.
- Recognition and appreciation- Opportunities to celebrate achievements, recognise colleagues and receive awards; including through our annual staff awards ceremony.
- Professional Development– Professional membership fees covered where applicable to your role.
- Savings on everyday essentials- Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work, gym membership and home & electronics purchases.
- Exclusive lifestyle discounts– Access to more than 750 discounts across leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more.
- Free swimming– Enjoy free swimming at CCC swimming pools.
- Help with commuting– A subsidy towards public transport.
- Relocation support– Relocation assistance may be available in approved cases.
- Pay progression– Pay and award progression negotiated annually.
Hours: This is a full‑time role, for 37 hours per week. Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday 8am to 4pm and Friday 8-3.30pm. Contract: Permanent Salary: £30,515 - £33,119 per annum (City Pay Band 3), pro rata for part time. Location: Russel Court, Bermuda House and other Cambridge City Homes Housing estates.
Estates Caretaker in Cambridge employer: Cambridge City Council
Cambridge City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Customer Service Advisor, you will have access to a variety of learning opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a Local Government Pension Scheme and annual leave purchasing options. Working in the heart of Cambridge, you'll play a vital role in assisting residents while enjoying a collaborative environment that values resilience and adaptability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Caretaker in Cambridge
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Caretaker in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Cambridge City Council's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Cambridge City Council. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Cambridge City Council.