Caretaker

**Job Overview**

**Responsibilities**

**Security/Access**
- The opening of the buildings and grounds and closing of the same, at times that are convenient to allow school to fulfil its identified needs. This will include using the premises for out of hours learning, summer schools, school shows and events, fund raising activities, lettings both inside and out of the school building. Payment will be made to the Caretaker for additional hours of work expected by such openings/closings that require additional hours of work.
- Be identified by the schools security alarm company for back - up ‘first call out’ contact.
- Ensure that ‘first call out’ coverage is maintained at all times and is always known to the head or line manager.
- Carry out necessary work, resulting from emergencies, that relates to security.
- To carry out security procedures, both during and outside of school hours.
- To carry out periodic inspections of the school premises and grounds at weekends.
- To maintain the fire alarm system and notify the Premises Manager when the alarm company needs to reset the system.
- To provide safe and adequate access to the school during inclement weather, to clear and salt all paths when necessary and to clear the main school gates of snow, when necessary.
- To notify the police of any damage/vandalism and to attend to the resulting problem. Report incidents to CFO or Line Manager.
- To prevent trespass on school premises or grounds by requesting unknown persons on site to furnish proof of identity, referring to the Premises Manager, Head Teacher, CFO or ULT and police where necessary. Where appropriate, to prevent unauthorised parking and use of vehicles on the school site.

**General Maintenance**

Carrying out repairs and maintenance which are not beyond the scope of a competent DIY person:

- Unblock sinks, hand basins, toilets (urinals and W.C pans) and waste taps:

- Replace tap washers, check and adjust ballcocks;
- Carry out minor plumbing repairs.
- To carry out any repairs/maintenance/minor repairs/improvements as directed by the Premises Manager. This will include general handyman tasks such as painting, basic plumbing, woodwork, floor tile repair etc.
- Report any repairs and maintenance work, which is beyond the capability of the caretaking staff to the Premises Manager. Report faulty caretaking or cleaning machinery to the appropriate DCC contracted repairer e.g. IT Services
- Directing workmen and contractors to the sites of repair and maintenance work and notify the Premises Manager to go and inspect their work where there is a requirement to sign a completion note or carry this out on their behalf.
- Carry out emergency procedures or temporary repairs in the event of a fire, flood, breaking and entering, accident, vandalism or major damage.
- Carry out regular maintenance as directed by the Premises Manager.
- Ensure that all caretaking equipment is operated in a safe manner. All defects are to be reported to the Premises Manager.
- Ensure safe practices are adhered to when cleaning or maintaining the premises or grounds.
- Order parts needed for general school maintenance repairs including decoration of school building and cleaning supplies for both the caretaking and cleaning teams

Ensure regular maintenance is maintained on:

- Unblocking sinks, hand basins, toilet, and waste traps
- Lubricate doors and window fittings
- Accessible drains/guttering
- Light bulbs and starter units
- Fit and refit coat hooks, shelves, display boards and notice boards.
- Maintain and carry out minor repairs to curtains and fittings
- Replace clock batteries
- Make safe broken windows by effective temporary boarding up
- Check operation of venetian and vertical blinds and repair as necessary where possible.
- Removal of paint, graffiti and chewing gum from walls, floors and furniture.
- Painting and repainting doors/walls where necessary
- Other tasks that require simple handyman skills.
- Other items as agreed with Line Manager

**Heating System**
- Ensure adequate heating during the heating season, 1st October to 31st April, at other times when temperatures fall below statutory limits and as deemed by the Premises Manager, Head or CFO.
- Ensure all heating systems are maintained and regularly serviced
- Maintain heating plant equipment, including clean work screws, and the weekly greasing of circulating pumps.
- Read water, electricity and gas meters weekly and input these readings into computer system linking with the PHD.
- Operate all of the energy systems in an effective manner as directed by the Fuel Efficiency Officers at DCC, including the checking of room thermostats.
- Take meter readings and notify these to the Energy Management Unit as required
- Remove debris and vacuum the filters of fan convection units monthly.
- Report any case of malfunction with the heating plant, radiators and heating units.
- Ensure gas leaks are always dealt with quickly by the relevant gas board emergency service