Reactive Caretaker

Role overview

This is a permanent Reactive Caretaker/Janitor position supporting the Barnsley schools account. You will usually be based at one school, but the role also requires you to move between 11 schools on the account according to operational needs.

The role is based in Barnsley, England, United Kingdom and requires a UK driving licence plus access to your own vehicle. Business mileage and insurance can be reclaimed through the company.

Pay is £14.13 per hour. The working pattern is 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, across a 52-week year, with shifts falling between 5:30am and 6:00pm.

Amey provides facilities and estates management services across the Barnsley Private Finance Initiative estate, working closely with clients and end users to keep 24/7 services running smoothly with as little disruption as possible.

In this post, you will help keep school premises safe, efficient and well maintained, making sure customer needs are met and the site operates without interruption.

Key duties

• Complete defined tasks as well as ad hoc duties as required.
• Carry out all work safely and professionally in line with Amey’s Zero Code policies and procedures.
• Follow best-practice methods, including correct use of colour-coded equipment.
• Meet internal and external HSEQ standards, RAMS and COSHH requirements.
• Deliver maintenance support in line with client contract obligations.
• Use only Amey-approved chemicals, machinery, consumables and equipment.
• Operate equipment safely and in accordance with training and guidance provided.
• Build positive customer relationships and support client satisfaction.
• Escalate faults or concerns, such as damaged equipment, to the People Manager without delay.
• Ensure tasks are finished within the allotted time and to Amey’s required standards.
• Attend briefings and training sessions, with flexibility for additional hours where needed.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties requested by the People Manager.
• Wear the PPE and uniform issued by Amey.
• Observe key-holding rules, including proper use of assigned keys and no sharing with others.
• Follow lone-working procedures whenever applicable.
• Adhere to emergency response processes at all times.
• Use the escalation and out-of-hours procedures correctly.
• Report issues with intruder alarms, fire alarms and associated panels.
• Log and escalate shift issues through the Helpdesk or escalation route as required.
• Provide reactive cover for school openings across the account during sickness or absence.
• Cover planned holiday absences across the account.
• When reactive or holiday cover is not needed, support another school as arranged by the People Manager.
• Help keep the premises running smoothly and raise issues to the Helpdesk or Premises Manager.
• Carry out day-to-day DIY, maintenance and minor repair work, including furniture, fixtures and wall repairs.
• Check that heating, lighting and alarm systems are functioning correctly.
• Ensure doors and windows are secured whenever the building is not occupied.
• Inspect the premises to help prevent vandalism.
• Report and arrange any maintenance that goes beyond minor day-to-day repairs.
• Oversee staff on site so the school is open and ready, escalating concerns to the Premises Manager.
• Set up and clear away chairs and tables for meetings, assemblies, exams and other requested arrangements.
• Complete mandatory and statutory planned preventative maintenance tasks.
• Act as the school’s first professional point of contact for Amey.
• Prepare Amey paperwork accurately, including contractor inductions, site access forms and RAMS reviews.
• Use Microsoft Teams, Concept, tablets and phones confidently.
• Monitor and respond to emails promptly and professionally.
• Use a personal vehicle for work-related travel and reclaim mileage through SAP Concur.

What success looks like

The role is focused on keeping the school environment safe, orderly and fully operational while meeting all client expectations. You are expected to work efficiently, professionally and economically, while also contributing to the wider ethos and goals of the school.

Requirements

• UK driving licence and access to a personal vehicle.
• Willingness to travel between schools across the account as needed.
• Ability to work Monday to Friday across a 37.5-hour weekly schedule.
• Comfort working early starts and shifts within the 5:30am to 6:00pm window.
• Ability to follow health and safety procedures, including RAMS, COSHH and risk assessments.
• Competence using basic digital tools such as Microsoft Teams, Concept, tablets and phones.
• Willingness to complete training, attend briefings and take part in reviews and appraisals.
• Ability to communicate professionally with school staff, contractors and managers.
• Commitment to safeguarding children and young people.
• Enhanced DBS clearance is required before starting work.

Development and workplace expectations

You will be expected to keep developing in the role through training, reviews and appraisals, and to work cooperatively with colleagues. The position also requires a strong commitment to health and safety, including office, individual and DSE risk assessments where relevant.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay with the possibility of annual pay reviews.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Access to training, including fully funded leadership programmes.
• At least 24 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave.
• Pension scheme with additional employer contributions.
• Flexible benefits such as insurance options, Cycle2Work and discounted gym membership.
• Discounts through an online savings portal covering retailers, healthcare and more.
• Two Social Impact Days each year for volunteering or fundraising.
• Family-friendly policies for new parents and those caring for dependants.
• Access to Affinity Networks that support diverse communities within Amey.

About the employer

Amey is a provider of full life-cycle engineering, operations and decarbonisation solutions for transport infrastructure and complex facilities. Its goal is to deliver sustainable infrastructure that improves lives and protects the future.

Equality, safeguarding and recruitment

Applications are welcomed from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, including all races, genders, disabilities, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations and ages. As a Disability Confident leader, Amey guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding children and young people, and all staff are expected to demonstrate this commitment in their work. If you need adjustments or support during recruitment, you can contact the recruitment team to discuss your requirements.

This vacancy may be closed early if enough applications are received.

Additional information

Requisition ID: 11671.

The role is permanent and full time.