Multi-skilled Builder in Taunton

Fixed-term contract until 31 March 2027.

Role summary: You’ll be playing a critical role in ensuring that Somerset Council’s housing stock is repaired and maintained. Working to council standards and statutory requirements, you’ll be helping to service over 5,600 communal areas, tenanted properties and empty homes. You’ll be responsible for a range of repairs to walls, floors, fencing and brickwork. You’ll be responsible for resolving defects causing damp and mould. You will also be asked to complete various other trade repairs, such as tiling and painting. You will also be skilled in rendering and skimming as key tasks. We’re looking for a multi-skilled builder who is flexible with their work and confident in all facets of the role. You will need to be confident in multiple aspects of the job, with the ability to problem solve and make decisions on appropriate courses of action.

What you’ll do - key responsibilities:

• Carry out various repairs services, including but not limited to: stonework repairs, fencing repairs, repairs to paths and floors, patch plastering and re-plastering of entire walls/rooms.
• Carry out repairs to properties affected with damp and mould.
• Ensure all works timelines are planned and managed, ensuring follow up visits are avoided.
• Provide support on contracts or project work, oversee works carried out by contractors and raise concerns regarding any poor performance.
• Liaise with repairs and voids supervisors, other trade teams, and external contractors.
• Have commercial awareness when costing jobs.

What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills:

• Good general standard of education (minimum to GCSE standard or equivalent, including English and Mathematics Grades C/4 or above).
• Evidence of continuing development of professional and management skills, e.g. through training, qualification and/or experience.
• Relevant qualifications in the built environment/construction for example: BTEC or HNC, HND or equivalent experience.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrates a range of management skills - able to deploy resources and staff, manage change and respond flexibly.
• Organised, conscientious, energy, drive, confident and assertive.
• Knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety legislation such as Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety Regulations.
• Working knowledge of relevant regulations e.g. building regulations, decent homes and Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 compliance requirements in relation to housing and communal areas.
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral, with a good telephone manner.
• Use of electronic systems for workload, completion of repairs and reporting of concerns.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Problem solving & decision making.
• Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS).
• City and Guilds maintenance operations NVQ2 (plastering, tiling, carpentry, painting, and decorating, kitchen fitting, flooring, screeding etc).
• Membership of a professional body, where such a relevant body exists.
• Health and Safety Qualification.
• A demonstrable track record and consistent achievement at professional level within an organisation of comparable scope and complexity.
• Able to demonstrate understanding, experience and knowledge of policy and activities within your area of expertise.
• Relevant Local Government experience and understanding of the whole Local Government sector and its current challenges.
• Facilitates organisational, individual, and personal learning and development.
• Political sensitivity and commitment to public service ethos.
• Experience with working with elected members, or in a political environment.

Additional Information: This role is a fixed-term contract until March 31 2027. This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week. A significant part of the role involves working away from the office in all weathers when safe to do so. The types of building will vary and conditions may be poor. You may encounter working in confined spaces or working at height. 28 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays). Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship. A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.