South Hampshire Colleges Group • Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 5FS
About this role
Care to Join Us?
We are seeking a committed and proactive Estates Operative to join our team, supporting campuses across the South Hampshire College Group. This is a hands-on, shift-based role where you will play a key part in ensuring a safe, clean and well-maintained environment for staff, students and visitors. You will deliver high standards of customer service while supporting facilities, maintenance, and health & safety operations across multiple College sites.
Hours of Work
Monday-Thursday
13:00-21:30
Friday
13:00-18:30
These hours include a 30‑minute lunch break.
There may be occasional Saturday working, with adjusted hours during the rest of the week or an alternative day in lieu, depending on business need.
The information below provides more detail about the role.
We offer great benefits including
- 30 days annual leave per year, pro rata, plus bank holidays, pro rata
- Generous employer pension contribution
- Regular training and development
- Access to a health care plan
- Learning and development opportunities.
Role and responsibilities
- Support the day-to-day running of buildings and site operations, including plant rooms and mechanical/electrical systems
- Assist Estates and Health & Safety Managers in delivering an effective facilities service
- Carry out routine inspections, statutory checks, and preventative maintenance
- Undertake basic DIY and reactive maintenance tasks (e.g. unblocking drains, repairs, fittings)
- Respond promptly to helpdesk requests and urgent maintenance issues
- Maintain tools, equipment, and stock levels
- Act as part of the emergency response team (First Aider/Fire Marshal)
- Support evacuations, lockdowns, and emergency services
- Assist in removing trapped persons from lifts where required
- Maintain external areas including cleaning, waste disposal, and seasonal tasks (e.g. snow, leaves)
- Undertake basic grounds work such as grass cutting and weeding
- Assist with car park monitoring and management
- Open and close buildings, including setting/unsetting alarms
- Operate CCTV and communication systems
- Support staff and students outside of normal hours
- Maintain the security and integrity of College property
- Support Goods In/Post Room operations, receiving and distributing deliveries
- Collect and deliver items across departments
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and meter readings
- Assist with coordination of contractors and events
About You
- Practical experience in caretaking, maintenance, or facilities support
- Good understanding of health & safety practices
- Ability to carry out manual handling tasks
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Flexible and willing to work shifts, including evenings and occasional weekends
- Able to work across multiple sites as required
About Us
The South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) is a dynamic, purpose driven Further Education organisation with a commitment to Creating Better Futures for learners, employers and communities within South Hampshire and beyond.
We pride ourselves on living our values - Collaborative, Inclusive and Aspirational. We also understand the difference exceptional employees can make to us delivering outstanding results and we are always seeking to attract talent who can add value and who will be proud to be part of our growing organisation.
South Hampshire College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment practices follow safer recruitment guidance, including enhanced DBS checks, online checks, and thorough preemployment vetting. We value equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.