Head Caretaker

The Head Caretaker has oversight of all caretaking and grounds related matters on behalf of the Facilities Manager. The Head Caretaker will act as line manager and is responsible for setting work priorities for any assisting caretaker and the grounds man/gardener.

While the Head Caretaker has day-to-day responsibility to the Facilities Manager, he/she is required to work effectively with the Headteacher, Deputy Head, Teaching and Support staff within the school as appropriate.

The school’s core hours are from 8am to 5.30pm. The Head Caretakers working hours may vary.

The Head Caretaker will...

• Be responsible for the tidy upkeep of the school premises, removal of litter, etc.
• Be responsible for the unlocking and locking of all buildings, including opening/closure of the school and bicycle gates in the morning
• To hold and be accountable for all spare keys
• To liaise with the Facilities Manager regarding extra-curricular activities
• Maintain security lights, liaise with security alarm, CCTV, and fire alarm companies where appropriate;
• Provide first line assistance to the Facilities Manager
• To act as the School Safety and Fire Co-ordinator as laid in the Schools H&S policy section
• Updating the Facilities Manager on matters regarding site repairs
• Carry out minor repairs in and around the school buildings
• Liaise with contractors and maintenance companies ensuring appropriate access.
• Ensuring that any work is carried out to an acceptable standard
• Liaise with or inform the Facilities Manager with matters regarding repairs, maintenance and purchasing of new or replacement equipment
• Provide assistance to any outside agencies who require the use of school facilities or equipment
• Maintain and monitor the school refuse collection system
• Liaise with school staff regarding the use of facilities and provide assistance with the execution of events
• Preparation of maintenance schedules and keeping of records
• Maintenance check-ups on the premises (i.e. checking the heating system is working in winter, checking the premises after storms, i.e. clearing/repairing damaged items/fallen trees, etc.), maintenance of the lighting and ventilation in all school buildings
• On-call duties (i.e. minor repairs, fire alarms, burglar alarms)

Skill set

Required

• Good listening, oral and literacy skills
• Practical and well organised
• Organising their time and working to deadlines

Desirable 

• Ability to remain calm in an emergency
• Using the internet to access relevant information
• Developing and maintaining contacts with outside agencies as appropriate
• Knowledge of the respective roles and responsibilities of the committees, the head teacher, and the FM
• Be able to communicate in German, both verbally and in writing

The Head Caretaker should be able to demonstrate a willingness to attend appropriate training and development and produce evidence of relevant personal and professional development

Personal Attributes

• be a person of integrity
• be able to maintain confidentiality
• be able to remain impartial
• have a flexible approach to working hours
• be sympathetic to the needs of others
• have an openness to learning and change
• have a positive attitude to personal development and training
• have good interpersonal skills