Estates Maintenance Assistant

Job overview

We are seeking an experienced person to join our on-site engineering team as an Estates Maintenance Assistant, reporting to the Fabric Supervisor, who will be an active member of the Estates team responsible for carrying out the safe installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of the Trust's plant, equipment and buildings.

The post holder will be required to work under pressure in emergency situations where the failure to act promptly or safely may result in serious injury, damage or loss of life.

Previous NHS experience is not essential although would be useful, and full supplementary training will be provided.

Main duties of the job

To provide a specialised service providing support to new works and maintenance to building, plant and equipment.  To have an understanding of other building trades, building services and to work under the supervision of other craftsmen, having a team approach in providing quality maintenance services whilst supporting the Hospital in providing excellent patient environment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To provide a painting service throughout the hospital in support of new works and maintenance.  Such work to include making good and minor finishing works eg tiling around baths, showers, sinks and plastering defects in walls and ceilings.
• Provide a fast response to maintenance work to ensure that a satisfactory patient environment is maintained.  Provide time and cost estimates in support of new works and refurbishment projects.
• Carry out a wide range of tasks related to skills of other trades as competency permits and as directed by Operational Estates.  Be willing to cross-train in other trade skills as necessary eg lamp/bulb changing, cleaning light diffusers, unblocking WC’s, sink wastes and drains etc.
• Able to work with a minimum of supervision.  Provide information to colleagues as necessary to ensure effective communication.  Respond promptly to minor repairs and maintenance identified during day to day movements.  Work flexible hours as necessary in support of specific projects/maintenance programmes to facilitate maintenance and ensure that the patient environment is maintained at acceptable levels.
• Maintain and update maintenance documentation as necessary (including personal time sheets).
• Responsible for ensuring that stock levels of consumable (ie paints etc.) are routinely monitored and the Storekeeper advised accordingly to ensure stock levels are maintained to support the patient environment.
• Communicate with nursing and management staffs to ensure requirements are clear, service levels are acceptable and problems resolved eg access to patient areas.  Work sensitively with minimum disturbance in areas where patients and visitors are present especially at times of emotional stress.
• Actively make suggestions to improve the working environment especially with regard to H&S and service provision.
• Ensure the safe operation, maintenance and storage of all workshop equipment including hand tools.
• Attend training courses in support of maintenance tasks, eg COSHH, legionella control, infection control procedures, ladder safety etc.
• Instruct, provide guidance and oversee as required, contractors, work experience trainees, etc.
• Work and co-operate with the Hospitals contractors as required.
• Observe and comply with the Trust’s policies and procedures for Health and Safety ensuring the environment in which you work is safe, clean and tidy and comply with standard infection control precautions to prevent or minimise the spread of micro-organisms and communicable diseases to patients, staff and surrounding community.
• Observe and continually promote equal opportunities in compliance with the Trust’s policy on Equality and Diversity and Dignity at Work.
• To carry out and respond to electronic communication system (portable radios) in line with the policies and procedures for said system.
• Be able to use a wide range of plant and equipment (after suitable training) including electric tugs, access platform etc.
• Assist in snow clearance and gritting and unblocking road drains when appropriate to weather conditions.
• To supervise and assist contractors in carrying out surveys and works as required, including assisting with access to plant rooms.
• To be available to work overtime, sometimes at short notice (if available) to meet the needs of the Trust particularly for shutdowns and servicing of key clinical areas.