Assistant Estates Officer

Are you looking to develop a career in Healthcare Estates Management within a complex and rewarding NHS environment? Synchronicity Care Limited (SCL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, providing high-quality Estates and Facilities services across Trust sites. We are seeking a motivated and technically minded Assistant Estates Officer to support the Estates Management team at Darlington Memorial Hospital. This is a developmental role, working closely with Electrical and Mechanical Estates Officers and the Energy Manager, providing exposure to building services systems, compliance, maintenance planning and the Building Management System (BMS). The post offers an excellent opportunity for progression within Estates Engineering and Management.

Main duties of the job

The Assistant Estates Officer will support Estates Officers in the day‑to‑day management of engineering services, compliance and maintenance activities across the hospital estate. You will assist with monitoring planned preventative maintenance, coordinating work activity, supporting contractors and acting as a point of liaison between engineering teams and service users. The role includes gaining knowledge of mechanical, electrical and energy systems, supporting BMS operation and monitoring, analysing plant performance data, and contributing to estates reporting and improvement initiatives. You will work under guidance while developing the skills required to progress towards a full Estates Officer role.

About us

SCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) set up to deliver a range of non‑clinical services. The company is a separate legal body to CDDFT. SCL offers its own Terms and Conditions of employment which differ to the national NHS Terms and Conditions. As an employee in the company you will benefit from:

• Access to a pension scheme - National Employment Savings Trust (NEST). CDD Services will pay a 3% contribution (this is over and above the minimum contribution rate at the present time)
• Night Shift Working Allowances (where appropriate)
• Bank Holiday Working Allowances (where appropriate)
• Bank work is offered on an 'as and when' basis with no guaranteed hours and will be paid on a pro‑rata hourly rate for hours worked only.

Job responsibilities

The Assistant Estates Officer will provide technical and administrative support to the Estates Management team, assisting in the safe and effective operation of the Trusts mechanical, electrical and building services infrastructure. Working under the supervision of Estates Officers and alongside the Energy Manager, the post holder will gain practical experience in estates compliance, maintenance coordination and system performance monitoring. Key duties include supporting planned preventative maintenance programmes, reviewing defect reports, assisting with fault investigation, and coordinating minor works and contractor activity. The role will support the use and development of the Building Management System (BMS), including monitoring plant operation, assisting with fault identification, act as Authorised Person (AP)/Responsible Person (RP) where appointed, reviewing trend data and supporting energy efficiency initiatives. The post holder will assist with record keeping, statutory compliance documentation, contractor permits and estates reporting, while developing an understanding of healthcare engineering systems, health and safety legislation and estates governance. The role requires effective communication with clinical and non‑clinical staff, discretion when working in patient environments and a proactive approach to learning. This is a developmental role designed to build technical competence, confidence and experience, with exposure to both electrical and mechanical estates disciplines and clear progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Good general level of education
• Evidence of technical or engineering aptitude
• HNC/HND, BTEC or equivalent in Engineering, Building Services or a related discipline
• Working towards a professional or technical estates qualification

Experience

• Experience working in a technical, engineering or estates environment
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders
• Experience in a hospital or similar complex organisation
• Exposure to mechanical, electrical or building services systems
• Experience using building management or monitoring systems

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to interpret technical and non‑technical information
• Good organisational and prioritisation skills
• Understanding of health and safety principles
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and contractors
• Knowledge of Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Awareness of estates compliance requirements within healthcare
• Basic understanding of energy management principles

Special Requirements

• Full UK driving licence
• Eligible to live and work in the UK
• Willingness to learn across mechanical, electrical and energy disciplines
• Ability to work in plant areas, confined spaces and occupied hospital environments
• Flexibility to support estates services during operational pressures

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.