Skilled Maintenance Operative - Building

Location: Balliol College

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 07 November 2025

Salary: £31,254 - £36,914 per annum (with potential to increase to £40,318 within discretionary points)

Specific Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Skilled Maintenance Operative - Building

Salary
Grade 5 - £31,254 - £36,914 per annum (with potential to increase to £40,318 within discretionary points)   

Contract type
Full-time, permanent 

Location
Balliol College, Oxford, OX1 3BJ 

Department
Maintenance

Reports to
Maintenance Supervisor 

Hours
37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to work longer hours during specific periods, and also Bank Holidays if necessary, for which time in lieu can be taken.  Normal hours or work will be during office hours, Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm, however work outside these normal hours, including weekend work, may be required at busy times.  Working hours will be mutually agreed between the post-holder and line manager.

Holiday
6 weeks (30 days), plus Bank Holidays, during a complete holiday year, five of which are taken during the Christmas period when the College is closed.  The College reserves the right to require staff to work on Bank Holidays during full term, receiving a day in lieu.

Probation period
12 months 

Notice period
1 month on either side (during probation)
3 months on either side (after probation) 

Balliol College

Situated in an historic site in central Oxford, Balliol has been a hub of learning and community since its foundation in 1263. As one of the larger colleges within the University of Oxford, it is home to roughly 860 students, with undergraduates making up just under half of the student body. The College also employs over 80 Fellows, 50 lecturers, and about 180 support staff, with Dame Helen Ghosh as its current Master. While academic excellence is at the core of Balliol’s mission, visitors are often struck by the College’s informal and welcoming atmosphere. Beyond its walls, Balliol has an active and engaged global community of over 8,000 alumni and donors. 

Further information about the College is available at www.balliol.ox.ac.uk.  

The maintenance department is responsible for the effective maintenance and repair of the buildings ranging in date from 1425 to 2020, and as such, the staff need to have knowledge and experience of working with a variety of buildings. The team consist of skilled and unskilled post-holders who undertake a variety of maintenance work including reactive, planned and proactive maintenance.

The College operates over three sites and includes Fellows’ housing and properties owned by the College.

Purpose of the Post

Balliol College seeks to recruit a dynamic individual to join our busy maintenance team. We are looking for a multi-skilled maintenance operative with experience across the building industry with a good knowledge of all trades. This role will suit someone who is comfortable working on their own as well as within a team and has a positive ‘can do’ attitude.

Job duties and responsibilities:  

The main duties are included below.  This is not an exhaustive list and may be amended in line with College needs.

  • Working with the Buildings Manager and Maintenance Supervisor to respond to reactive daily tasks
  • Carry out planned, preventative maintenance activities, as assigned
  • Work flexibly and support other trades within the department
  • Plaster and carry out minor patch repairs
  • Undertake small carpentry and joinery repairs including lock repairs and installation of new locks, replacement ironmongery and window repairs
  • Adjust and rehang doors
  • Carry out all works in a safe manner compliant with relevant legislation and college policies
  • Working in a tidy and efficient manner at all times
  • Participate in the call-out rota, one week per month plus provide cover for colleagues during absence

Person Specification - skills and experience

Essential

  • Qualified minimum NVQ level 2 in a suitable discipline or evidence of time served experience
  • Experience / knowledge of multiple trades, with a focus on carpentry, plumbing, painting and decorating
  • Good time management skills
  • Excellent team player with a positive attitude
  • Able to work effectively alone, using own initiative, whilst also knowing when to seek advice
  • Ability to quickly and effectively diagnose and problem solve
  • Full clean UK driving licence

Desirable

  • Health and Safety qualifications e.g. PASMA, Asbestos Awareness, Abrasive wheels. 
  • Experience of working within listed buildings 
  • Experience of working in an institution such as schools, colleges, hotels

Employee Benefits

  • Staff meals:
    A free two-course lunch is available in the Hall, when the kitchens are open.
  • Pension:
    Oxford University Staff Pension Scheme (OSPS).  This is a contributory pension scheme, with contributions from both the employee and the College.  Further details are available here.
  • Travel:
    Interest-free ticket loans enabling the purchase of bus passes and annual rail season tickets to Oxford.  Discounted travel is available on some services. Cycle to work scheme offering discounted rates on bicycles and accessories.
    Electric vehicle leasing scheme (salary sacrifice - eligibility criteria apply).
  • Healthcare
    Free flu jabs and eye tests for computer/VDU users
    Free use of the College’s onsite gym and the University swimming pool
    Preferential rates for other University sports facilities and the Nuffield Health gym on Woodstock Road.
  • University Club
    Free membership of the University Club, which offers food, drink and accommodation in an exclusive space for staff, postgraduates and alumni.
  • Learning and personal development
    In addition to training organised by the College, resources are available from the University.
  • Visitor access
    Free visitor access to the 45 colleges and halls of the University, the University’s Libraries, Botanic Gardens, Arboretum and Museums.
  • Employee discounts
    Available at local and national retailers and online services using exclusive discount codes for University staff and with a TOTUM (formerly NUS) card.
  • Balliol nursery
    A day-time nursery on Rawlinson Road, subject to availability.  Subsidised rates are available for Balliol staff.

Application procedure

Informal enquiries
Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation about the role should in the first instance contact Jodi Thomas, Buildings Manager jodi.thomas@balliol.ox.ac.uk to arrange a confidential discussion. 

Written applications
Applications should be made online at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/careers. This vacancy will close when sufficient applications have been received.  Early applications are encouraged. 

Interviews
Interviews will be held in person at Balliol College, Oxford OX1 3BJ.  Candidates selected for interview will be notified by email.

Right to Work
Shortlisted candidates will be expected to supply original documentation proving that they have the right to work in the United Kingdom (UK).  

Equal Opportunities
Balliol College is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants are asked to complete a separate confidential Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to help us fulfil our duties in this regard. Applicants should let us know if they require reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process.  

Data Protection
Personal data is processed in accordance with Balliol College’s Privacy Policy which is available at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/privacy-policy

 

Apply now