At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety inspections and maintain communal areas for tenant satisfaction.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working available after probation; be part of Team Reading's vision for a vibrant community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while working in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: GCSE in English, driving licence, and experience in community engagement required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
As an Estate Block Maintenance Officer, you’ll be the vital link between the Council and its tenants. You’ll carry out safety inspections, monitor communal areas, and ensure that blocks of flats are well-maintained and compliant with health and safety standards. You’ll also work closely with tenants, housing officers, and external agencies to drive improvements and support community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct health and safety checks including emergency lighting and fire safety inspections.
• Report vandalism and criminal damage.
• Monitor and enforce Service Level Agreements.
• Support multi-agency interventions and community engagement initiatives.
• Assess and process repair work and monitor decorating programmes.
• Respond to tenant enquiries and complaints.
• Promote tenant participation and environmental improvements.
About you
We are looking for someone who thrives in a hands-on role and enjoys working with people. Proactive and organised, you’re confident in making decisions that positively impact residents’ quality of life. Bring at least one year of experience working directly with the public—ideally in housing or a similar setting—and have strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Work independently, manage your workload effectively, and collaborate with a range of stakeholders. Be IT literate (Word, Outlook, databases), flexible in your approach, and willing to attend meetings outside normal hours and undertake site visits.
We are also looking for someone who will be confident in liaising with tenants, councillors, and contractors, and able to handle sensitive issues with professionalism. Have the ability to stay calm under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and take initiative will be key to your success in this role.
Essential requirements include:
- GCSE or equivalent in English
- Valid driving licence and daily access to your own vehicle
- Experience of community engagement and partnership working
- Ability to interpret and apply legislation and procedures
- Willingness to undertake relevant training and development
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Hybrid working will be offered once passed probationary period. After this period, Hybrid working can be arranged by working at the estates in the morning and hybrid working in the afternoon.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years\' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
Closing Date: Sunday 10th August 2025
Interview Date:Wednesday 27th August 2025
Interview Process: To be Confirmed
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Estate Maintenance Officer in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises diversity and inclusion, fostering a supportive work culture where every team member can thrive. As an Estate Maintenance Officer, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and flexible working opportunities, all while contributing to the community's well-being in a modern environment at the Civic Offices in Reading. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, you'll have the chance to innovate and make a meaningful impact on residents' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estate Maintenance Officer in Reading
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Reading Borough Council, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Estate Maintenance Officer at Reading Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Estate Maintenance Officer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
