Building Craft Operative

Job description

Job responsibilities

The postholder will work as part of the Estates maintenance team, providing skilled building services across Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) sites. The role involves delivering high-quality, efficient, and safe building fabric maintenance, repair works, and minor improvement projects.

This includes reactive maintenance, planned preventive maintenance (PPM), and supporting capital schemes where applicable. The postholder is expected to work independently and as part of a team, using their experience and technical knowledge to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

The role may include participation in the Trusts on-call rota (if applicable), and travel across multiple Trust sites using a Trust vehicle.

Main Responsibilities:

1. General Building Maintenance

• Carry out a wide range of building fabric repairs and maintenance tasks, including but not limited to:
• Carpentry and joinery
• Drywall repairs and plastering
• Painting and decorating
• Basic tiling and flooring repairs
• General internal and external fabric maintenance
• Ensure all work is completed in line with current legislation, Trust protocols, and relevant health and safety standards.

2. Reactive Maintenance

• Respond to reactive maintenance requests and breakdowns in a timely and professional manner.
• Assess, diagnose, and resolve issues with minimal disruption to clinical and operational services.
• Provide accurate updates on job status and completion via CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) system.

3. Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM)

• Undertake scheduled PPM tasks in accordance with the Trusts maintenance plans and statutory compliance requirements.
• Record all maintenance activities, findings, and remedial actions accurately and promptly.

4. Minor Works & Installations

• Carry out minor improvement works, refurbishments, and installations as directed by the Estates Officer.
• Assist in the installation or removal of fittings, doors, locks, and fixtures as needed.

5. Health & Safety and Compliance

• Adhere strictly to health and safety legislation, control of infection protocols, and safe systems of work.
• Identify and report potential hazards or defects to line management.
• Use appropriate PPE and equipment for all tasks.

6. Communication & Team Working

• Liaise with ward and departmental staff to communicate planned works and access requirements.
• Work collaboratively with other Estates team members, including electricians, plumbers, and external contractors.
• Support junior staff and apprentices, providing informal guidance where appropriate.

7. Record Keeping & Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all works carried out, including time, materials used, and any outstanding issues.
• Ensure all work orders are completed and closed on the CAFM system as per Trust procedures.

8. Emergency & Out-of-Hours Support

• Participate in the Estates on-call rota (if required), responding to emergency maintenance issues out of normal working hours.
• Attend emergency callouts in accordance with Trust procedures and escalate issues where necessary.

9. Vehicle Use & Site Coverage

• Drive Trust vehicles to attend sites across the region as required.
• Ensure tools and equipment are kept clean, serviced, and safely stored.

Additional Duties

• Attend mandatory training sessions and development courses as required by the Trust.
• Contribute to service improvement and cost-effective working practices.
• Support environmental and sustainability initiatives across the estate.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

• As part of your application, please explain what you know about Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) and why you believe you are suited to this role. We're looking for candidates who understand the Trust's purpose and values, and who can clearly explain how their skills and experience align with the responsibilities of the position. You should also highlight your confidence using basic IT systems, such as Microsoft Outlook and smartphone-based apps, as these tools are used daily to manage tasks, capture photos, and communicate with the wider team.
• This is a multi-skilled Building Craft Operative role, so we are particularly interested in applicants with hands-on experience in a range of building maintenance tasks. This may include carpentry, plumbing, general repairs, painting and decorating, or minor refurbishment works. Please detail any relevant qualifications, apprenticeships, or experience you have in these areas. Experience working with pre-planned maintenance (such as TMV servicing, temperature checks, or basic mechanical systems) would also be beneficial.
• As this role often involves working in mental health and clinical environments, it is important that you demonstrate an understanding of the additional health and safety considerations involved. Please also include examples of how you have handled challenging situations, remained calm under pressure, or shown sensitivity and professionalism when working around patients, colleagues, or members of the public. These qualities are essential when working in live healthcare settings where compassion and awareness are key.

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified with Experience

Knowledge

Essential

• Experience

Qualities

Essential

• Looking for individuals who take pride in their workmanship, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high standards in every task. As a representative of the Estates team, you will be expected to uphold the Trust's values through a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and professional behaviour at all times.
• The role requires someone who is welcoming, friendly, and respectful in all interactions. You should be courteous, punctual, and approachable, ensuring that patients, staff, and colleagues feel valued and supported. A responsive and customer-focused approach is essential, particularly in a live healthcare environment where professionalism and empathy go hand in hand.
• We also expect candidates to demonstrate strong communication skills and a willingness to work collaboratively. You should be confident in listening actively, sharing information clearly, and playing your part in a wider team. Being able to work with others to solve problems and contribute to a supportive, safe, and efficient working environment is key to success in this role.

Additional Qualities

Essential

• must hold a full UK driving licence and be willing to travel across the Trust's expanding estate. This includes attending multiple sites as required to support planned and reactive maintenance tasks. Flexibility and reliability in your approach to travel and site attendance are essential, as is a commitment to representing the Estates team consistently and professionally across all locations.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Derwent Centre

Harlow

CM20 1QX

Employer's website

https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)