Nursery Caretaker

**This Nursery Caretaker role is to be undertaken across 2 sister settings. Moorwell Miracles Nursery (DN17 2TX) and The Happy Homestead Outdoor Eco Nursery (DN17 3PL).**

**Purpose of Job**

To work across both sites to help develop and maintain our outstanding learning environments and to support the smooth running of the settings.

You must be able to relate well to staff and children, effectively prioritise, and show initiative by seeking and actioning improvements to our settings. You must be a team-player who can act with integrity to make Moorwell Miracles and The Happy Homestead better places for the children, staff and community. You must have practical caretaking, gardening and maintenance skills to make a difference to our environments.

You must be positive and professional as well as being flexible to meet the demands of the role.

**We are looking for an individual that**:

- Takes pride in their work and helps create a welcoming learning environment inside and outside the nurseries.
- Shows initiative, is proactive and a team player.
- Has extensive DIY knowledge.
- Has a good level of maintenance experience.
- Is proactive in resolving problems.
- Has a sound understanding of Health & Safety and is willing to receive further training.
- Can work under own initiative and under pressure with a willingness to contribute to the continued improvement of our wonderful nurseries.

**Schedule**
- 20 hours per week, 52 weeks per year - split between both settings.
- Working hours to be decided and managed by the individual.
- Overtime is available where required and authorised by Directors.
- 7 days per week - hours are mandatory on a weekend to turn out and turn back in the animals.

**Main Responsibilities**
- To support the ethos of the nurseries and to create welcoming, family friendly environments.
- To contribute to the ongoing development of the nurseries.
- To care for the animals on site (chickens, pygmy goats, sheep and horse) - including feeding, cleaning out, and maintaining their living areas.
- To ensure the general outdoor environments are kept to a high standard.
- To establish and encourage the children to care for the vegetable gardens and allotments.

**General Maintenance**
- Turning out, turning in, feeding, cleaning out, and maintaining animal living areas.
- Perform routine maintenance tasks such as minor plumbing, electrical repairs and carpentry.
- Monitor and maintain heating, ensure gutters and drains remain clear of obstructions.
- Carry out minor repairs and improvements as needed.
- Ensure all equipment and facilities are in safe working condition.
- To order, change and replace gas bottles as required.
- Ensuring heating, lighting and alarm systems are in good, working order.
- Ensuring compliance with waste management including general, recycling, food and clinical waste.

**Health & Safety Compliance**
- Responsibility of nursery keys - locking and unlocking as required.
- Conduct regular visual safety inspections of the nursery premises, both indoors and outdoors.
- Identify and report potential hazards to the Nursery Managers/Managing Director and complete any repairs where required.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including fire safety checks.
- Completing regular perimeter safety and security checks.
- Maintain records of all maintenance and safety checks as required.

**Grounds Maintenance**
- Maintain the nursery grounds, including basic gardening, and general landscaping.
- Ensure outdoor play areas are clean, safe, and free from hazards.
- Clear pathways and entrances of snow, leaves, or other obstructions.
- Plant seeds dependent on the seasons and maintain the allotments.
- Ensure rubbish is removed from site regularly and the settings are in good order.

**Security**
- Respond quickly to any security concerns or incidents promptly such as door/gate repairs.

**Assisting Nursery Operations**
- Assist with moving and organising supplies as needed across both sites.
- Provide general support to nursery events and activities as required.

**Qualifications/Experience**
- Previous experience in a maintenance, caretaker, or handy person role.
- Basic knowledge of plumbing, electrical systems, carpentry, and general repair work.
- Basic understanding of health and safety regulations.
- Ability to work independently and manage own time effectively.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Physical ability to perform manual tasks, including lifting and moving heavy objects.
- Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude.
- Must have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

**Preferred Qualifications/Experience**
- Previous experience in a childcare or educational setting is a benefit, but not essential.
- Certifications in relevant trades (e.g., plumbing, electrical) are a benefit, but not essential.

**Contacts and Relationships**
- The Caretaker will be expected to build good working relationships at every