At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of caretakers, ensuring the Council Offices are secure and well-maintained.
- Company: Join a supportive council team dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic public service role.
- Why this job: Be a key player in maintaining a welcoming environment for the public and staff.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in team management.
The predicted salary is between 20.99 - 20.99 £ per hour.
35 hours per week
Permanent
£35,553 – £38,309
£19.48 – £20.99 per hour
All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application. The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to Fiona Ratter, Team Manager Business Support/Elections. Your working pattern is 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to supervise and manage a team of Caretakers and a Caretaker Assistant, provide security, functional and administrative services and support premises management. We are seeking a highly organised and dependable Senior Council Caretaker to support the effective day-to-day operation of the Council Offices.
This role combines team leadership, building security, facilities management and a range of practical maintenance duties, ensuring our premises remain safe, functional and welcoming for staff, elected members and the public.
The post holder will provide daily supervision of the Caretaker team, overseeing task allocation, rotas, holiday and sickness cover, and applying HR policies including recruitment, annual good conversations, performance management and absence procedures.
As a key holder, you will be responsible for opening and closing the Council Offices on a daily basis, ensuring the premises is secure at all times including monitoring corridors, buildings access/exits, storage areas within the Council Offices and grounds ensuring that there are no unacceptable fire or health and safety risks.
The role includes carrying out minor repairs, monitoring boilers and heating systems, replacing fittings where necessary, and maintaining external areas such as pathways and entrances. You will also support meeting and event setups, manage daily mail and parcel services.
Additional responsibilities include Legionella water testing, monitoring oil tanks and managing flag-flying duties in line with Council policy.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual who thrives in a varied role and takes pride in maintaining high standards across a busy public building.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
This post involves a contractual requirement to participate in a standby rota, covering out of hours.
This post requires a Level 1 Disclosure check.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 28 June 2026, with shortlisting taking place week commencing Monday 29 June 2026 and interviews scheduled for week commencing 6 July 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Fiona Ratter, Team Manager Business Support/Elections at or on Ext. 2230.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, we would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Senior Council Caretaker - ORK10431 employer: Orkney Islands Council
As a Senior Council Caretaker at the Council Offices in Kirkwall, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for both staff and the public. We offer competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth within a community-focused organisation that values high standards and employee well-being. With a commitment to fostering a positive work culture, we ensure our employees feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Council Caretaker - ORK10431
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Orkney Islands Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Orkney Islands Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Council Caretaker - ORK10431
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Orkney Islands Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Orkney Islands Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Orkney Islands Council.
