Estates Maintenance Operative

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 Specification

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

• Full UK driving licence

• 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

Closing date: 9am, Tuesday 13 January 2026.

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.