Building Maintenance Technician in Oxford

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised, and technically skilled Senior Building Technician to support the day-to-day operations of a busy Chemistry estate. Reporting to the Building Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring that research, teaching, and building support services operate safely, efficiently, and effectively. This is a hands‑on position requiring a broad range of technical, maintenance, and facilities management skills. Working independently and as part of a team, you will help maintain a high‑quality environment for research, teaching, staff, students, and visitors.

Working Arrangements

Due to the need for close collaboration with colleagues and alignment with core operational requirements, this role is available on a full‑time, on‑site basis only.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Equipment
  • Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory and research equipment.
  • Liaise with academic staff and technical teams to support research activities.
  • Coordinate and oversee the safe movement and relocation of large, specialist, or fragile laboratory equipment.
• Building Maintenance & Facilities
  • Support laboratory refurbishment and construction projects, including contractor supervision, performance monitoring, quality control, and technical input.
  • Maintain and repair building fabric and infrastructure, responding promptly to maintenance requests.
  • Plan and undertake preventative maintenance activities, fault‑finding, inspections, repairs, and escalation of issues where required.
  • Install, relocate, and modify laboratory furniture and associated services, including compressed air systems, gas and cryogenic supplies, water services, air handling and extraction systems, vacuum systems and pumps.
  • Manage and replenish stocks of liquid nitrogen, dry ice, and gases.
  • Ensure waste management procedures are followed in accordance with environmental and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide technical support for teaching laboratories and departmental facilities.
  • Work across multiple buildings within the Chemistry estate as required.
• Security & Emergency Response
  • Monitor and support building security systems, fire alarm systems, and associated equipment.
  • Liaise with security personnel, emergency services, staff, and building users regarding incidents and system activations.
  • Provide first‑line response to building emergencies and operational issues.
  • Act on behalf of the Building Manager or Deputy Building Manager when required.
• Administration & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, health and safety requirements, and organisational policies.
  • Support risk assessments and method statements to minimise risk to staff, students, contractors, and visitors.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance, inspection, expenditure, and inventory records.
  • Manage stock levels and procurement of consumable materials and equipment.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Develop effective working relationships with technical teams, academics, facilities staff, students, contractors, and other stakeholders.
  • Collaborate across departments to support operational excellence and service delivery.
  • Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as required by management.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• City & Guilds, HNC, HND, NVQ Level 3, or an equivalent trade qualification.
• Proven experience servicing, fault‑finding, and repairing laboratory equipment and carrying out mechanical and/or electrical repairs.
• Experience using a wide range of mechanical engineering and woodworking hand tools.
• Sound knowledge of health and safety legislation and building regulations.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience using Building Management Systems (BMS) and PAT testing software.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage competing demands.
• A flexible, customer‑focused approach with the ability to work independently and support colleagues when required.

The following would be advantageous:

• Experience installing, maintaining, and repairing compressed air, vacuum, gas, and water distribution systems.
• Experience servicing and repairing vacuum and rotary pumps.
• Manufacturer training certification or equivalent practical experience relating to pump maintenance.
• Previous experience supervising contractors or teams within a building services or facilities environment.
• First Aid at Work qualification.
• Advanced practical maintenance and DIY skills.
• Experience handling, maintaining, and repairing cryogenic gas installations.

What We Offer

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic technical services team supporting world‑class research and teaching facilities. You will work in a varied and rewarding environment where your technical expertise and problem‑solving skills will have a direct impact on operational success.