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- Tasks: Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming campus environment for students and staff.
- Company: Dearne Valley College, a vibrant educational institution in Rotherham.
- Benefits: Up to 41 days annual leave, local government pension, and health & wellbeing schemes.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career development available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the college community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in maintenance or caretaking preferred; Level 2 qualification in English and Maths required.
The predicted salary is between 25456 - 25456 £ per year.
Hours: Full time (37 hrs per week, all year round) on a shift pattern basis of morning and afternoon shifts.
Duration: Permanent
Salary: Up to £25,456 per annum + benefits.
Location: Dearne Valley College, Rotherham
About The Role: The Caretaker and Estates Operative fulfils a key role at the College by ensuring that all buildings are available, accessible and suitable for the use of students, staff and visitors. This role is critical to ensuring a safe, clean and welcoming campus environment. Your interactions will shape staff and visitor feelings about the campus.
Responsibilities:
- Participate in shift rota to ensure an Estates presence on all campuses whenever buildings are open and conduct procedures to open and maintain security, keeping premises and equipment secure during the day.
- Assist in maintaining the cleanliness of college buildings and grounds by removing refuse and emptying bins.
- Promote general health and safety by keeping corridors and fire exits clear from spills, trips or hazards noticed during campus walks.
- Ensure rooms are prepared for use, set up curriculum or meeting rooms, and assist with staff room moves or furniture rearrangement.
- Deliver goods, documents, post and parcels quickly to the correct areas or departments so they can work effectively.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs, advise on suggested improvements, support risk assessments and pre‑planned maintenance programmes.
- Respond to college emergencies, including evacuation during fires or drills and directing emergency services, and handle lift breakdowns to release trapped persons.
- Provide First Aid as required.
You Will:
- Prior experience in a maintenance, security or caretaking role, ideally within education but not essential.
- Hold a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in English and Maths, or be willing to work towards one.
Benefits & Rewards Package:
- Access to local government pension scheme.
- Up to 41 days annual leave per year, including closure during the Christmas period.
- Access to gyms, restaurants and salons.
- Staff health & wellbeing schemes including in‑house Occupational Health service.
- Full, part‑time and flexible working hours available in many roles.
- Parking available at all sites.
- Career development opportunities, including funding for teacher training, apprenticeships and various industry‑recognised qualifications.
- Funding for up to £6,000 in STEM subjects for new FE teachers (conditions apply) through the levelling up premium payments initiative.
- Recruitment referral scheme: £200 for each referral.
Equal Opportunities: We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, faith or disability. All candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK. All new employees will undertake a DBS check and other safeguarding checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Closing Date: Tuesday 5th May 2026 – if shortlisted you will be contacted within a week of the closing date.
Caretaker and Estates Operative in Rotherham employer: onlyFE
Contact Detail:
onlyFE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker and Estates Operative in Rotherham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college! Before your interview, take a stroll around Dearne Valley College if you can. Familiarising yourself with the campus will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the key responsibilities of the Caretaker and Estates Operative role and prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills. This will help you stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! This role involves working closely with staff and students, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous jobs. We love seeing candidates who can work well in a team!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings there, making it easier for us to connect with you about opportunities that fit your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker and Estates Operative in Rotherham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight any previous experience in maintenance or caretaking roles. We want to see how your background can contribute to keeping our campus safe and welcoming!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your cover letter and CV to match the job description. Mention specific responsibilities from the role that excite you and how you can fulfil them.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Caretaker and Estates Operative position.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at onlyFE
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Caretaker and Estates Operative. Familiarise yourself with tasks like maintaining cleanliness, ensuring safety, and responding to emergencies. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Think about any previous roles you've had that relate to maintenance, security, or caretaking. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled similar responsibilities, especially in an educational setting if possible. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Awareness
Since this role involves promoting health and safety, be prepared to discuss how you've maintained safe environments in past positions. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have, and be ready to talk about how you would handle potential hazards on campus.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the shift patterns, team dynamics, or any ongoing projects at the college. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.