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- Tasks: Help maintain school facilities and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
- Company: Join a supportive team in a vibrant school setting.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and onsite perks like lunch and parking.
- Other info: Optional onsite accommodation available and a chance to earn rewards for referrals.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in maintenance or handyman work; practical skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
We are seeking a reliable and proactive Facilities Assistant. Working in a team of four, you will help ensure that the school buildings, grounds, and facilities are maintained to a high standard, providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for pupils, staff, and visitors.
This role is ideal for someone with 1–2 years’ experience in maintenance, facilities support, or general handyman work who enjoys a varied, hands-on role within a team.
Key Responsibilities- Assist with the day-to-day maintenance of school buildings and grounds.
- Carry out basic repairs, maintenance tasks, and general handyman duties.
- Support the setup and breakdown of rooms for school events, activities, and examinations.
- Conduct routine inspections of buildings and report faults or safety concerns.
- Assist with minor plumbing, carpentry, painting, and decorating tasks.
- Support contractors on site and ensure safe working practices are followed.
- Help maintain the security of the school site including opening and locking buildings when required.
- Participate in the team’s on-call rota (one weekend per month).
- Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.
- Assist with general site duties including deliveries, moving furniture, and waste management.
- 1–2 years’ experience in maintenance, facilities support, or handyman work.
- Basic practical skills across general maintenance (e.g. minor repairs, painting, basic plumbing/carpentry).
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Good problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to work.
- Physically capable of undertaking manual tasks.
- Full UK driving licence – essential due to limited public transport access.
- Experience working in a school, college, or similar environment.
- Basic knowledge of health and safety practices in maintenance work.
- Optional Onsite Accommodation: 2- or 3-bedroom apartment available on site with subsidised rent.
- Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 4:00pm - 34 weeks per year during term time; Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 4:00pm - 18 weeks per year during school holidays.
- On-Call Requirement: One weekend per month (paid £100 per weekend).
The successful candidate will be required to undergo appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check, in line with school safeguarding policies.
Refer a friend and earn £100! If you have a friend who is also searching for a new opportunity in the local area, recommend Optima and if we place them (providing they complete their 3-month probation period), you will receive a £100 retail voucher of your choice!
Please note that if you have not been contacted within 5 working days, then unfortunately on this occasion your CV has not been shortlisted.
By applying for this vacancy, you accept Optima Recruitment Limited’s Privacy and GDPR Policy which can be found on our website and therefore gives us consent to contact you.
Optima Recruitment Limited are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy and are an equal opportunities employer.
Locations
General Assistant/maintenance Assistant in Guildford, Surrey employer: Optima Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Optima Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Assistant/maintenance Assistant in Guildford, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school environment! If you can, visit the site before your interview. Familiarising yourself with the layout and facilities will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on skills! During interviews, be ready to share specific examples of maintenance tasks you've tackled. Whether it's fixing a leaky tap or painting a room, we want to hear about your practical experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Teamwork makes the dream work! Highlight your ability to work well in a team. Share stories of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles, especially in a school or similar environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye out for any referral bonuses if you know someone else looking for a job!
We think you need these skills to ace General Assistant/maintenance Assistant in Guildford, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your practical skills in maintenance and any relevant experience you have. We want to see how your background fits with the hands-on nature of the role!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send out the same CV for every job. Tailor it to match the key responsibilities and person specification in the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in this position.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and get straight to what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optima Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your maintenance skills and knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with basic repairs, plumbing, and carpentry. They’ll want to know how you’ve tackled similar tasks in the past, so think of specific examples to share.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a small team, highlight your ability to collaborate. Share experiences where you’ve worked well with others, especially in a hands-on environment. It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the team dynamic.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with health and safety practices relevant to maintenance work. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety on the job, especially when working with tools or during inspections. This shows you take responsibility seriously.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the types of projects you might be involved in or how the team handles unexpected maintenance issues. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the school environment.