At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain the school's beautiful grounds and buildings while supporting events.
- Company: Join King’s College School, a top-tier institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Earn £14.80 per hour with flexible working hours and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Fixed-term role from July to August 2026 with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a prestigious school while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Be a team player with a proactive attitude and problem-solving skills.
We are seeking to appoint two enthusiastic estates operatives to assist the team with the general condition, maintenance, and upkeep of all the school’s infrastructure, which includes the King’s College School buildings and grounds, from mid July to the end of August 2026.
Reporting to: Site Manager
Main duties and responsibilities:
- upkeep of hard surfaces, footpaths, and roadways, using the road sweeper and jet wash
- undertaking minor repair tasks, particularly related to signs, fixtures, and fittings
- keeping the gardens and footpaths clear and free from litter
- managing and disposal of waste
- accessing the site maintenance ticketing system to pick up tasks
- general support for events and activities
- assisting external contractors with appropriate tasks
- routine maintenance of the school minibuses
- maintenance of carpets and furniture
- room changes and clearing rooms
- fire emergencies by carrying out duties as set out in the school’s policies
- emergency situations e.g. school closures due to adverse weather conditions
- seasonal work including gritting and snow clearance
- other departments within the Estates team
- undertaking general duties and dealing with estates issues as directed by the site manager
- maintaining gardens and lawns as instructed
Person Specification
The ideal candidates will:
- be co-operative and approachable individuals who work effectively both as part of a team and independently
- be able to use their initiative and take responsibility for tasks with minimal supervision
- be organised and capable of working efficiently to deadlines
- be flexible and willing to undertake a wide range of duties as required
- have a logical approach to solving problems
Terms and Conditions
- Fixed-term contract
- Working hours - 37.5 hours per week, 8.30am - 4.30pm (with half an hour for lunch)
- Salary - £14.80 per hour
To apply for this role, please register your details online via our website www.kcs.org.uk (under useful information / career opportunities). Once you have registered your details with us, you can apply for vacancies by logging into the candidate area using your email address and chosen password. You will be asked to fill an online application form which includes a covering letter.
Closing date: Friday 5th June 2026 at 9am
Interviews will be held week commencing: 8th June 2026
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.
Estate Operatives employer: KINGS COLLEGE SCHOOL
King's College School Wimbledon is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees can thrive. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on maintaining the school's beautiful grounds and facilities, staff enjoy a fulfilling role that contributes to the overall success of one of the world's leading educational institutions. Located in the picturesque setting of Wimbledon Common, employees benefit from a vibrant community and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estate Operatives
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around King’s College School and its grounds. Familiarising yourself with the environment shows genuine interest and helps you chat confidently about how you can contribute to maintaining it.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your teamwork skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Being co-operative and approachable is key for this role, so let them know you’re a team player who can also take initiative when needed.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for practical questions! Since the job involves maintenance and upkeep, expect some scenario-based questions. Think about how you’d handle minor repairs or manage waste disposal, and be prepared to discuss your logical approach to problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure you register your details on the King’s College School careers page. It’s super easy, and once you’re set up, you can apply for this role and any future vacancies with just a few clicks!
We think you need these skills to ace Estate Operatives
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get familiar with King’s College School. Understanding our values and what we stand for will help you tailor your application to fit right in with our team.
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your covering letter, let your passion shine through! We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to contribute to the upkeep of our beautiful school. Share why you’re excited about this role and how you can make a difference.
Be Specific:In your application, be sure to highlight any relevant experience or skills that relate to the duties listed in the job description. Whether it’s maintenance tasks or teamwork, specific examples will help us see how you fit the bill.
Follow the Application Process:Make sure to apply through our website as instructed. Register your details, fill out the online application form, and don’t forget to attach your covering letter. Following the process helps us keep everything organised and makes it easier for you!
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGS COLLEGE SCHOOL
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of an Estate Operative. Understand the tasks like maintaining gardens, managing waste, and assisting with events. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key for this role, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight your co-operative nature and how you can contribute positively to the existing team at King’s College School.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss situations where you've had to use your initiative or solve problems independently. This could involve minor repairs or dealing with unexpected challenges. Showing that you can think on your feet will impress the interviewers.
✨Be Flexible and Open-Minded
The job requires a willingness to undertake a variety of tasks. Be prepared to talk about your adaptability and how you've successfully handled diverse responsibilities in previous roles. This will show that you're ready for the dynamic environment at the school.
