The Opportunity
We are seeking to recruit an Estates Maintenance Operative. The Maintenance Operative will be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep, repair, and compliance of the school buildings, facilities, and grounds. Working within the Estates/Facilities team, the postholder will ensure that the school provides a safe, secure, and well-maintained environment for pupils, staff, and visitors.
Job Description
General Maintenance Duties and Responsibilities
- Carry out minor repairs across the foundation (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, heating, ventilation, A/C, locks, etc.)
- Perform minor repairs to furniture, doors, windows, fixtures, and fittings
- Maintain plumbing systems (toilets, sinks, water fountains) and address leaks or blockages
- Operate basic hand and power tools safely
- Support preventive maintenance schedules for equipment and machinery
- Respond promptly to repair requests or emergencies
- Ensure the school environment is safe, clean, and be conducive to always learning
- Monitor stock and order supplies, tools, and materials as required
- Report larger or specialist issues to the maintenance manager and liaise with external contractors when needed
- Adhere to safeguarding policies when working in areas accessible to pupils
- Work flexibly to support school events, term breaks, and emergency situations
- Contribute to sustainability goals (energy efficiency, recycling, water conservation)
- Uphold the school’s values and present a professional, approachable attitude to staff, students, and parents
- Ensure safety standards and building codes are followed
- Follow health, safety, and environmental regulations
- Contribute to keeping the facility clean, safe, and operational
- Assist with pest control measures if needed.
Compliance & Health and Safety
- Undertake regular compliance checks including fire alarm testing, emergency lighting, water hygiene (legionella testing), and playground equipment inspections
- Monitor and maintain accurate records of statutory checks, in line with school and legislative requirements
- Ensure all tasks are carried out in accordance with health and safety legislation and risk assessments (including COSHH, Working at Height, and Manual Handling)
Personal Speci?cation
ESSENTIAL
- Enthusiastic, reliable, and hardworking with a positive attitude
- Good DIY and practical skills across a range of trades
- Awareness of health & safety in a workplace/school environment
- Ability to work flexibly, independently, and as part of a team
- Physically fit to meet the demands of the role (lifting, carrying, manual work)
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children
- Adaptability of changing tasks, with reactive and planned maintenance
- Ability to work in a team environment
DESIRABLE
- Previous experience in a similar school or facilities/estates role
- Relevant trade or health & safety training (e.g. first aid, manual handling, plumbing, carpentry, decoration, etc)
Why choose The Mill Hill Education Group?
Mill Hill Education Group is a charitable collection of independent schools. Its aims of instilling values and inspiring minds has been a key focus since the founding of Mill Hill School in 1807. All schools share an educational philosophy around developing thoughtful and responsible pupils with a global outlook. School life combines academic rigour with a breadth of opportunities to develop young people able to flourish in an ever-changing world.
- Educates boys and girls from 3–18, seeking to equip them for life, both now and in the future.
- Our stimulating academic environment and numerous activities outside the classroom encourage learning and personal growth.
- We are committed to the development of every pupil and believe that our friendly and supportive community helps this to happen.
- We seek as a group to instil a love for learning which will last a life time whilst balancing this with a readiness to embrace change.
For further information, please contact Herpal Bhachu, Recruitment Manager at applications@millhill.org.uk. Or you can click on the attachment to view the candidate information pack.
The Mill Hill Education Group is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children. As part of our Recruitment Checks, the appointed candidate will be subject to a Enhanced DBS and Social Media Check.
