Job title: Caretaker

Reports to: Premises Officer

Department: Estate and Facilities Management

Location: Moulsecoomb or Grand Parade or Falmer or Eastbourne(with some travel to other sites)

Grade: 2

Purpose of the role: The role will involve providing general caretaking and soft facilities support services on our Moulsecoomb campus. Providing a first point of contact in a reception role for students, staff and visitors

Line management responsibility for: N/A

Main areas of responsibility:

To be responsible for buildings on a daily basis with a view to ensuring site security and controlling legitimate access reporting any concerns promptly and concisely.

To play a key role in ensuring that fire, health and safety regulations and general emergency procedures are observed and implemented ensuring safe access and egress at all times.

To provide a first response to all emergencies in accordance with university procedures, liaising with emergency services and other outside agencies, as required.

To provide a focal point for general inquiries helping to foster and maintain good customer relations.

To carry out general post duties, sorting, delivering and collecting mail ensuring all specialist delivery documentation is handled correctly.

To provide courier and portering support including the movement of furniture, deliveries, stores and equipment, as required.

To ensure a good standard or readiness for the site and to liaise with the Cleaning Supervisor to ensure a good standard of cleanliness assisting with cleaning duties, as required.

General responsibilities

These are standard to all University of Brighton job descriptions.

To undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and character of work as may be reasonably required, including specific duties of a similar or lesser grade.

To adhere to the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy in all activities, and to actively promote equality of opportunity wherever possible

To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your colleagues, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.

To work in accordance with the Data Protection Act

The person specification focuses on the knowledge, qualifications, experience and skills (both general and technical) required to undertake the role effectively. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria. You will be assessed by your completed application form (A), at interview (I) and in some instances through an exercise (E).

Essential criteria A, I, E

Knowledge/skills A good working knowledge of safe working practices, health and safety legislation and security alarms and access control systems.

A proven commitment to working effectively and efficiently to a high standard.

Good communication skills able to respond clearly to enquiries and provide concise information.

Ability to work as part of a small team. Ability to work under limited supervision using own

initiative and complete tasks independently. Ability to foster and maintain excellent working

relationships with students, staff and visitors. Must be able to show a commitment to continuous

professional self-development. Must be able to listen well and understand the needs of

others. Ability to be adaptable and receptive to change.

A, I, E

Qualifications No specific education or training.

Experience Previous experience of working in a soft facilities role. Previous experience of working in an environment

where high standards of cleanliness, safety, security and organisation were required.

A, I, E

Managing People Must be able to oversee contractors ensuring that they follow university procedures at all times.

A, I

Technical/work based skills

Adept at the use of computers and have IT skills including word processing, excel, email and associated packages.

A, I

Other requirements The role requires a full UK driver’s licence with no major motoring offences or previous disqualifications in order to be able to drive university vehicles between site. This is required because there may be a need to travel swiftly to another site to assist with an emergency or to take equipment or packages to other site for example.

The role requires the ability to lift items (sometimes heavy) on a relatively frequent basis in accordance with manual handling procedures.

A, I

Desirable CIEH Level 2 Health and Safety or similar. Qualified in First Aid at Work or a willingness to

A, I

undertake training. Previous experience working in an academic

environment (ie of working with students).

Any appointment is generally made at the bottom of the salary range for the grade dependent upon experience and previous salary.

Hours of work are 5 days out of 7.  The primary shift pattern is 5.30 am to 1.30 pm or 1.30 pm to 9.30 pm although some flexibility may be required according to business needs.  In addition to the salary, you will also be paid a 10% shift allowance.  

Although the post is based primarily at one campus, there may be times when you will be required to work at another campus.

Annual leave entitlements are shown in the table below and increase after 5 years’ service. In addition, to the eight Bank Holidays, there are university discretionary days between Christmas and New Year. All leave, including bank holidays and discretionary days, is pro-rated for part time employees.

Grades Basic entitlement per year Grades After 5 years’ service

1-3 23 days 1-3 28 days

4-7 25 days 4-7 30 days

8-9 27 days 8-9 30 days

More information about the department can be found here

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