Dunottar School - Premises Officer

Dunottar is a co-educational school for pupils aged 11-18 set in extensive grounds of 15 acres on the outskirts of Reigate. Under the Headship of Mark Tottman, the school is on a very exciting journey having recently won the prestigious Education Business Award for the ‘Outstanding Progress – UK Independent Schools’ category 2019. Dunottar is experiencing fast growth in pupil numbers and to accommodate this expansion, we have recently completed a £6.6 million capital development programme to build a new Sixth Form Centre and Assembly Hall/Performing Arts Centre.

Dunottar is a great place to work, with a team of highly professional and committed teachers and support staff. We incorporate best practice from independent schools and academies right across the United Learning Group, whilst retaining our unique, friendly ethos in Reigate where pupils are nurtured to make significant personal progress at the same time as achieving excellent academic results. United Learning is an outstanding organisation which prides itself on providing a working and learning environment which encourages ‘the best in everyone’. You will join a network of staff belonging to over 90 other schools, with opportunities to engage with fellow professionals which far exceed what one school could achieve on its own. Personal development and career opportunities are excellent.

The Role

Dunottar School is seeking to appoint a Premises Officer to work as part of the Estates Management Team. This role will provide maintenance and caretaking to ensure the safety of those using the school site and that the site is maintained to the expected high standard. The successful candidate would ideally have several years of proven professional experience. We are also looking for someone who is observant, enthusiastic about performing to the best of their ability and will take pride in maintaining the school site to its high standard. 

Duties to Include:

• Operate within all Dunottar School Health & Safety regulations at all times.
• Carry out general maintenance work.
• Monitoring hot water and HVAC systems.
• Carry out swimming pool maintenance, training will be provided.
• Locking and unlocking of the school site and buildings including setting alarms.
• Carry out PPM as required by the Estates Manager including PAT testing, emergency lighting checks and ladder safety.
• Daily setting out and clearing away of tables and chairs in dining areas if required and movement of furniture in connection with assemblies, parents’ evenings and other events.
• Provide a portering service (some heavy lifting involved).
• Monitor site security, car parking and traffic safety inside the school and around the school gates area.
• Litter picking and rubbish clearance as required.
• Decorating, painting and light refurbishment works.
• Leave areas safe, clean and tidy after all refurbishment or maintenance works.
• Check supplies of repair materials, lighting and sundry items and report replacements needed to the Estates Manager.
• Check all school toilets and make sure they are kept clean, hygienic and repaired.
• Act as a fire warden and manage fire alarm activations and evacuations.
• Attend training courses as required by United Learning.

Person Specification

Professional Qualifications, Skills and Experience

•  Desirable to have maintenance skills to at least NVQ/BTEC level 3 or equivalent professional trade qualifications.
• Knowledge and skills of a trade or multiple trade disciplines such as plumbing, carpentry, mechanical and electrical, painting & decorating.
• Physical ability to carry out all tasks within the role's remit.
• Health and Safety and/or first aid qualifications (such as IOSH) would be desirable
• Ability to drive school minibuses would be an advantage.
• Good communication skills and the ability to communicate information to the right people in a timely and clear manner.
• Experience of listening actively, demonstrating the ability to understand instructions and respond appropriately.

Personal Qualities          

•  Reliable, positive attitude and supportive to all staff.
• Ability to be flexible and work as part of a team or individually as required.
• Ability to manage own time efficiently and demonstrate initiative including establishing priorities.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of pupils, parents, staff and other users of the school site.

Philosophy and Ethos

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Ability to adhere to the school's policies and procedures including equal opportunities and health and safety policies.
• Ability to contribute to the school's ethos of excellence and mutual respect.

Further information about our school can be found on our website www.dunottarschool.com

Dunottar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young children, therefore all positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS).

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the post holder may perform other duties reasonably required by the Headmaster or Estates Manager.  

The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage during the recruitment process.