Caretaker and Estates Operative

Overview

The Caretaker and Estates Operative plays a vital role in maintaining the accessibility and availability of all campus buildings for students, staff, and visitors, ensuring a secure, clean, and welcoming environment at Dearne Valley College, Rotherham.

Working Hours and Employment Details

This is a full-time permanent position requiring 37 hours per week, scheduled on a shift basis covering mornings and afternoons throughout the year.

Primary Responsibilities

• Participate in a shift rota to maintain Estates presence whenever college buildings are open; implement procedures to open and secure premises and equipment throughout the day.
• Support cleanliness on campus by removing refuse and emptying bins.
• Promote health and safety by ensuring corridors and fire exits remain unobstructed and by promptly attending to hazards such as spills and trips encountered during campus rounds.
• Prepare rooms for use by setting up curriculum or meeting environments and assisting with furniture rearrangements, including staff room moves.
• Handle delivery and distribution of goods, post, and parcels efficiently to various departments and locations within the college campus.
• Conduct routine maintenance and repairs, recommending improvements and supporting risk assessments and scheduled maintenance activities.
• Respond to emergencies, including building evacuations during fires or drills, directing emergency services, and assisting with lift malfunctions to release trapped individuals.
• Provide First Aid assistance as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Previous experience in maintenance, security, caretaking, or related roles is essential, preferably within an educational setting but not mandatory. Candidates must hold a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in English and Maths or be willing to obtain these qualifications.

Departmental Information

The role reports to the Estates and Facilities Management Team and requires collaboration with staff across all college campuses and premises.

Benefits

• Membership in the local government pension scheme.
• Up to 41 days of annual leave including Christmas closures.
• Access to onsite gyms, restaurants, and salons.
• Participation in health and wellbeing programs and access to an in-house Occupational Health service.
• Availability of full-time, part-time, and flexible working arrangements in various roles.
• Parking facilities at all sites.
• Opportunities for career advancement including funding for teacher training, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized certifications.
• New Further Education teachers may apply for grants up to £6,000 in STEM subjects via levelling up premium payments, subject to conditions.
• Employee recruitment referral scheme offering £200 per successful referral.

About the Employer

The RNN Group aims to be an exceptional education and training provider, guided by core values of inclusivity, integrity, delivery, and teamwork. Rated “Good” by OFSTED as of November 2022, the group supports diversity and adheres to the FREDIE model, embracing fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement. It is a member of the Disability Confidence Scheme and is part of the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology.

Additional Information

The position requires a DBS and other safeguarding checks in line with child and vulnerable adult protection regulations. Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the UK. The closing date for applications is 21 September 2026, with shortlisted candidates contacted within one week after this date. Queries can be directed to the HR department.