Student Casual – Estates Services Support Operative – Student Accommodation – Grade 2 – 905863 in Birmingham

This is an important opportunity to support the Estates Team in preparing student accommodation for summer conferencing activity and the forthcoming academic year. The role will involve assisting with accommodation audits across both The Vale Village and Selly Oak Village to help identify maintenance requirements, repairs and presentation standards ahead of new student arrivals.

Summer is an exciting and busy period within Student Accommodation, and this role plays a key part in ensuring our accommodation is fully prepared to a high standard for conference guests and students. Working as part of the Estates Team, you will assist in carrying out detailed accommodation room audits to identify maintenance issues, repairs and presentation concerns across the estate. You will be expected to take a proactive and organised approach to your work to ensure all audits are completed accurately and within required timescales. The role requires excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records using digital devices. Successful candidates will be reliable, self-motivated and committed to delivering an excellent customer experience during a demanding operational period.

Main duties:

• Assist the Estates Team in auditing accommodation areas to identify maintenance issues, repairs and other defects.
• Carry out accommodation surveys in a timely and detailed manner and upload findings on a daily basis using tablets.
• Record and report outstanding repairs accurately and consistently.
• Support the Customer Service Team with end-of-contract and vacation activity, including rubbish removal and preparation of accommodation prior to cleaning, refurbishment or redecoration works.
• Maintain regular communication with reception and operational teams throughout shifts to provide updates on progress and completed work.
• Ensure full compliance with all Health and Safety and Security procedures at all times.
• Work flexibly across different accommodation sites and operational areas as required.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties requested by the Estates or Customer Service Teams to support the successful delivery of accommodation operations and ensure an excellent arrival experience for residents and conference guests.
• Attend all team/briefs/training and department meetings as required and to contribute constructively.
• You will need to be flexible in terms of working patterns as some overtime and weekends will be required.
• You will be expected to treat everyone with dignity and respect, support equality and value diversity.

Required knowledge, skills, qualifications & experience:

• Previous experience is not essential as full training will be provided. However, experience of basic DIY tasks or manual work would be advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Confidence in engaging with residents in a professional and approachable manner.
• Comfort working within occupied student accommodation.
• A positive attitude and strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
• You must be able to work well under pressure, with a proven ability to adjust to changes in work schedules and environment.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

This role does not directly manage others and does not own a budget. You will need to maintain an awareness of how your work links with others, and ensure all assigned activities are completed within a shift. You will demonstrate an enthusiasm and willingness to engage with team members to meet challenging and competing demands. When required, you will be expected to be flexible and use your initiative, prioritising and managing your work in accordance to the needs of the University. This may mean weekend work, early mornings and evenings on occasion.

You will be in contact with departments and individuals throughout the day; a customer focus approach to problems and queries is expected.

The University of Birmingham restricts all students to working up to 20 hours per week during term time for a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks. If your application is successful and your course does not follow the usual academic term timetable (e.g. PGT, PGR or PhD student), you and your supervisor must formally agree vacation periods if this role exceeds 20 hours per week. In addition to this, please be aware if you are an international student you will be required to apply to the Registry for the appropriate authorised absence. You are only eligible to apply to this role if you are a current University of Birmingham student. If you are not a University of Birmingham student your application will not be considered.

To work you will need to carry out a right to work check. These checks will need to be completed prior to work commencing.

Regarding the use of AI in applications, we review hundreds of applications and shortlist candidates based on their unique perspective, motivations and potential. Cover letters generated through, or edited by, AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT or CoPilot) are easy to identify. They produce generic answers and will not score highly enough to progress. You may use AI tools for research, but all written content in your application must be your own work. Authenticity and originality are key to standing out in this process.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we’re unable to contact all applicants individually. You can check the progress of your application by logging into the Worklink jobs portal using the same email address you used to apply. If you haven’t heard back within six weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.