At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our maintenance team to tackle diverse building repairs and improvements.
- Company: Balliol College, a prestigious institution in Oxford with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, free meals, and gym access.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive team environment, and great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in maintaining historic buildings while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 or equivalent experience in multiple trades required.
The predicted salary is between 31254 - 36914 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 5 - £31,254 - £36,914 per annum (with potential to increase to £40,318 within discretionary points)
Contract type: Full-time, permanent
Location: Balliol College, Oxford, OX1 3BJ
Department: Maintenance
Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to work longer hours during specific periods, and also Bank Holidays if necessary, for which time in lieu can be taken. Normal hours of work will be during office hours, Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm, however work outside these normal hours, including weekend work, may be required at busy times. Working hours will be mutually agreed between the post-holder and line manager.
Holiday: 6 weeks (30 days), plus Bank Holidays, during a complete holiday year, five of which are taken during the Christmas period when the College is closed. The College reserves the right to require staff to work on Bank Holidays during full term, receiving a day in lieu.
Notice period: 1 month on either side (during probation) 3 months on either side (after probation)
The maintenance department is responsible for the effective maintenance and repair of the buildings ranging in date from 1425 to 2020, and as such, the staff need to have knowledge and experience of working with a variety of buildings. The team consists of skilled and unskilled post-holders who undertake a variety of maintenance work including reactive, planned and proactive maintenance. The College operates over three sites and includes Fellows’ housing and properties owned by the College.
Purpose of the Post
Balliol College seeks to recruit a dynamic individual to join our busy maintenance team. We are looking for a multi-skilled maintenance operative with experience across the building industry with a good knowledge of all trades. This role will suit someone who is comfortable working on their own as well as within a team and has a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Working with the Buildings Manager and Maintenance Supervisor to respond to reactive daily tasks
- Carry out planned, preventative maintenance activities, as assigned
- Work flexibly and support other trades within the department
- Plaster and carry out minor patch repairs
- Undertake small carpentry and joinery repairs including lock repairs and installation of new locks, replacement ironmongery and window repairs
- Adjust and rehang doors
- Carry out all works in a safe manner compliant with relevant legislation and college policies
- Working in a tidy and efficient manner at all times
- Participate in the call-out rota, one week per month plus provide cover for colleagues during absence
Person Specification – Skills and Experience
- Qualified minimum NVQ level 2 in a suitable discipline or evidence of time served experience
- Experience / knowledge of multiple trades, with a focus on carpentry, plumbing, painting and decorating
- Good time management skills
- Excellent team player with a positive attitude
- Able to work effectively alone, using own initiative, whilst also knowing when to seek advice
- Ability to quickly and effectively diagnose and problem solve
- Able to work effectively in a fast paced environment, prioritising and multi-tasking workload/assigned tasks
- Full clean UK driving licence
Desirable
- Health and Safety qualifications e.g. PASMA, Asbestos Awareness, Abrasive wheels.
- Experience of working within listed buildings
- Experience of working in an institution such as schools, colleges, hotels
Employee Benefits
- Staff meals: A free two-course lunch is available in the Hall, when the kitchens are open.
- Pension: Oxford University Staff Pension Scheme (OSPS). This is a contributory pension scheme, with contributions from both the employee and the College.
- Travel: Interest-free ticket loans enabling the purchase of bus passes and annual rail season tickets to Oxford. Discounted travel is available on some services. Cycle to work scheme offering discounted rates on bicycles and accessories. Electric vehicle leasing scheme (salary sacrifice - eligibility criteria apply).
- Healthcare: Free flu jabs and eye tests for computer/VDU users. Free use of the College’s onsite gym and the University swimming pool. Preferential rates for other University sports facilities and the Nuffield Health gym on Woodstock Road.
- University Club: Free membership of the University Club, which offers food, drink and accommodation in an exclusive space for staff, postgraduates and alumni.
- Learning and personal development: In addition to training organised by the College, resources are available from the University.
- Visitor access: Free visitor access to the 45 colleges and halls of the University, the University’s Libraries, Botanic Gardens, Arboretum and Museums.
- Employee discounts: Available at local and national retailers and online services using exclusive discount codes for University staff and with a TOTUM (formerly NUS) card.
- Balliol nursery: A day-time nursery on Rawlinson Road, subject to availability. Subsidised rates are available for Balliol staff.
Application Procedure
- Informal enquiries: Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation about the role should in the first instance contact Jodi Thomas, Buildings Manager jodi.thomas@balliol.ox.ac.uk to arrange a confidential discussion.
- Written applications: Applications should be made online at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/careers. This vacancy will close when sufficient applications have been received. Early applications are encouraged.
- Interviews: Candidates selected for interview will be notified as soon as possible following the application deadline.
- Right to Work: Shortlisted candidates will be expected to supply original documentation proving that they have the right to work in the United Kingdom (UK).
Equal Opportunities
Balliol College is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants are asked to complete a separate confidential Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to help us fulfil our duties in this regard. Applicants should let us know if they require reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process.
Data Protection
Personal data is processed in accordance with Balliol College’s Privacy Policy which is available at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/privacy-policy.
Skilled Maintenance Operative - Building in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Balliol College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and individual initiative. With generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowance, and access to various health and wellness resources, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. Located in the historic city of Oxford, staff enjoy unique perks such as free access to university facilities and discounts at local retailers, making it a rewarding place to build a career in maintenance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skilled Maintenance Operative - Building in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Balliol College and its maintenance department. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on showcasing your multi-skilled experience and how you can contribute to the team’s success.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your skills! Bring along examples of your past work or even photos of projects you've completed. This will give you a chance to talk about your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Skilled Maintenance Operative - Building in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience across multiple trades in your application. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Skilled Maintenance Operative, so don’t hold back on showcasing your carpentry, plumbing, and other relevant expertise!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your written application to the job description. Use keywords from the listing to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the position and have done your homework!
Be Yourself:Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone with a positive ‘can do’ attitude, so don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to our maintenance team.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we’ve received enough interest. Head over to our website and get your application in – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Trades
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the various trades mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with carpentry, plumbing, and painting, as well as any specific projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just a jack of all trades, but someone who truly understands the nuances of each.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've diagnosed and solved maintenance issues in the past. Think of specific scenarios where you had to think on your feet or adapt to unexpected challenges. This will highlight your ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, which is crucial for this role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
While it's important to showcase your ability to work independently, don't forget to emphasise your teamwork skills. Share instances where you've collaborated with others in a maintenance setting, and how you supported your colleagues. A positive 'can do' attitude goes a long way in a team-oriented environment like this one.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, be prepared to ask questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the college. Inquire about the types of projects the maintenance team is currently working on or how they handle maintenance in listed buildings. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
