Caretaker

HITCHIN GIRLS’ SCHOOL

POST: CARETAKER
Full time: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year (Grade: H4 (£21,968-£23,194 - pay award pending))

**PURPOSE OF YOUR JOB**
To help provide a clean, safe and secure environment for users of the buildings and grounds of Hitchin
Girls’ School and to make a significant contribution to the maintenance of the buildings, fixtures and fittings by carrying out maintenance and refurbishment of equipment, facilities and resources to a high standard.

**HOURS**
The usual hours 5.30/6.00am - 1.30/2.00pm (which includes a 30 minute unpaid break), Monday to Friday.
Some flexibility in the hours worked may be required to provide cover for the absence of other site staff.
Additional hours outside of these usual hours may occasionally be required on occasions to support school events and eternal use of the buildings. During school holidays, some variation may be required to working hours depending on the use of the buildings.

**MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY**:

- To be a designated key holder with responsibility for the opening up and closing of the buildings, and for emergency access to the premises.
- The security of the school’s buildings and grounds, including opening and closing routines and security alarm use.
- Operation of building equipment including boilers, heating systems, electrical systems etc.
- To undertake the agreed maintenance, repair and decoration of buildings, rooms, equipment and resources to a high standard and in line with safety and legislative requirements.
- To have a proactive approach to the identification and resolution of premises related faults and maintenance work
- To undertake regular premises and equipment checks and tests in accordance with the school maintenance schedule, as designated by the Site Manager.
- To respond to reports of health and safety issues and hazards and resolve as appropriate.
- To carry out general porterage duties, including movement of parcels, furniture and equipment within the school.
- The setting up of furniture, equipment and resources for school events including assemblies, exams, meetings etc.
- Clear and clean up at the end of meetings and/or lets and prepare the areas for normal use.
- To undertake cleaning around the school during the day where necessary.
- To undertake litter clearance, emptying outside bins and sweeping to ensure a clean and tidy site.
- To carry out regular cleaning and maintenance of external areas around the building to include drains and gullies, paths and roadways, steps, courtyards etc.
- To support the letting & other external use of the school.
- To report to the Site Manager any damage or faults to the buildings or fixtures and fittings and carry out temporary repairs or actions to make safe.
- To share with others attendance at the premises outside of normal school hours to support evening and weekend lettings.
- To be an Authorising Officer for asbestos work
- To support the work of the Site Manager and the other members of the site team.
- To ensure the safe use of power and other tools to undertake repairs and maintenance etc.
- To liaise with the cleaning staff and maintenance contractors/builders etc. as required.
- To attend emergency callouts if required.
- To build and maintain good working relationships with staff and users of the school site.
- To maintain a visible presence whilst on duty and remain contactable via the school’s designated mobile phone.
- To carry out any other duties as may from time to time be requested.

**Responsible to: Mr. M. Collins, Site Manager**

March 2023

**Person Specification - Caretaker**

A. **Education, Qualifications and Training**

Essential:

- Completed secondary education

Desirable:

- Training in Health & Safety, PAT testing, working at heights, manual handling etc.
- A clean driving licence which complies with the minimum standards for driving a min bus e.g. D1 entitlement.
- Current First Aid qualification or willingness to undertake training to become a qualified First

Aider.

B. **Experience**

Essential:

- Experience of successfully carrying out basic DIY tasks.
- Awareness of the requirements of health & safety legislation and good practice relevant to the post, including COSHH, Health & Safety at Work, Manual Handling, Working at Heights etc.

Desirable:

- Previous experience of working in a premises role in a school or public building.
- Proven experience in carrying out maintenance in a school or similar site
- Experience of cleaning in a work environment.

C. **Skills and Personal Characteristics**

**Skills**
Essential:

- Proven ability to work both as part of team and alone without supervision.
- Good basic building and equipment maintenance skills.
- Good oral communication and ability to portray a positive image of the school.
- To have an understanding of and a commitment to child welfare and safety.

Desirable:

- Ability to work in an organised manner and use initiative.

**Personal Characteristics**
Essen