At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep student homes safe and running smoothly with hands-on maintenance and repairs.
- Company: Colby River Student Living, creating welcoming homes for students in Exeter.
- Benefits: Earn £14.48 per hour plus an annual bonus and other perks.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy varied tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by ensuring their homes are well-maintained.
- Qualifications: Experience in maintenance, problem-solving skills, and a friendly approach.
The predicted salary is between 14.48 - 14.48 £ per hour.
Colby River Student Living | Part-Time | Site Based in Exeter | £14.48 per hour
Help us create safe, welcoming homes for our students. Shift Pattern - 22.5 hours a week covering Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to meet business needs.
At Colby River Student Living, we provide purpose-built student accommodation communities where residents can feel safe, comfortable and at home. We're looking for a practical, reliable and customer-focused Maintenance Operative for our Student Accommodation Development, The Barn, in Exeter to join our Operations team and help keep our buildings running at their best.
This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are quite the same. From completing everyday repairs and planned maintenance to carrying out safety checks and supporting our busy summer turnaround, you'll play an important part in the experience our residents have with us.
What you'll be doing:
- Working closely with our site teams, you'll take responsibility for a range of maintenance and caretaking activities across one or more of our student living locations.
- Completing planned and reactive maintenance and repairs.
- Helping maintain our buildings, grounds and communal areas to a high standard.
- Tackling practical repairs including plumbing, doors, guttering, electrical and general building maintenance where appropriately qualified and competent.
- Carrying out and recording PAT testing and other statutory checks where trained and certified.
- Identifying potential safety issues and making sure they are dealt with quickly.
- Supporting contractors on site and checking work has been completed to the required standard.
- Keeping accurate maintenance and compliance records.
- Managing materials and stock effectively and helping control maintenance costs.
- Providing practical support during our important summer turnaround period.
- Keeping residents informed about repairs, access and progress.
- Supporting the wider site team during urgent incidents and busy periods.
Most importantly, you'll take pride in keeping our student homes safe, presentable and running smoothly.
About you:
You'll be someone who enjoys solving problems and getting things fixed properly. You'll be comfortable working independently but equally happy being part of a busy accommodation team.
Ideally, you'll bring:
- Previous experience in a maintenance or facilities role, preferably within student accommodation, residential property, hospitality or another large operational building.
- Around three years' experience in a similar maintenance position.
- Good general building and maintenance knowledge.
- An understanding of planned and reactive maintenance.
- Strong practical problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- A professional, friendly and resident-focused approach.
- The ability to organise your workload and meet deadlines.
- Confidence working with contractors, colleagues and residents.
- Basic IT skills, including Microsoft applications.
- A plumbing, electrical or building-related qualification would be particularly welcome. Commercial plumbing, Part P electrical and PAT testing qualifications would also be advantageous.
You don't necessarily need every qualification listed. What matters is that you have the practical experience, attitude and understanding to work safely and recognise when a job needs to be escalated to a specialist.
A role where you can make a visible difference. Our Maintenance Operatives are an important part of the resident experience. A quick repair, a well-maintained communal area or simply keeping someone informed when something goes wrong can make a real difference to how students feel about their home.
You'll work alongside colleagues across our accommodation teams, helping us deliver buildings we're proud of and a service our residents can rely on.
A DBS check will be completed following a successful appointment where required.
What We Offer:
- £14.48 an hour.
- Annual discretionary bonus.
- Other benefits to be discussed at the interview.
Maintenance Technician employer: Colby River
Colby River is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a competitive salary and a range of benefits including an annual discretionary bonus and generous leave entitlement. Our collaborative work culture in Altrincham fosters professional development, allowing you to play a vital role in shaping high-quality residential communities while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model after probation. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering outstanding service and creating sustainable value for our residents and investors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Technician
✨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 Maintenance Technician
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 Colby River'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 Colby River. 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 Colby River
✨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 Colby River.
