At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the council's response to damp and mould issues in housing.
- Company: Harlow District Council, committed to improving housing conditions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible on-site work, and impactful community service.
- Other info: First come, first served application process.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enhancing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in local authority housing with strong damp and mould expertise.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Harlow District Council is supporting the recruitment of a Building Surveyor (Damp & Mould) on a 12-month temporary basis.
This is a key role within the housing service, focused on leading the council's response to damp, mould and condensation issues across the housing stock. You'll carry out detailed property inspections, diagnose root causes, and produce clear technical reports with practical recommendations. You'll also specify and oversee remedial works, manage contractors on site, and ensure works are delivered to a high standard. Just as importantly, you'll communicate clearly and supportively with residents, keeping them informed throughout each case while ensuring compliance with housing standards and statutory requirements.
Key responsibilities:
- Undertake inspections relating to damp, mould and condensation
- Diagnose defects using strong building pathology knowledge
- Specify, oversee and sign off remedial works
- Manage contractors and monitor quality, cost and performance
- Maintain accurate case records and technical reports
- Ensure compliance with housing legislation and council policies
- Support wider service improvements relating to housing conditions
Key requirements:
- UK resident (right to work in the UK is essential)
- Minimum 3 years' experience working within a local authority housing environment
- Strong experience dealing with damp, mould and building defects
- Proven ability to manage contractors and remedial programmes
- Sound knowledge of housing standards and compliance
- Excellent communication skills, particularly when working with residents
Please note this job is on a first come, first served basis.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Damp and Mould Surveyor in Harlow
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Carrington West.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Carrington West appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Damp and Mould Surveyor in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Carrington West know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Carrington West is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
