Caretaker

City of Wolverhampton Council

Location: Various locations across the City of Wolverhampton
Working Arrangement: Field-based
Pay Rate: £13.69 per hour
Grade: Grade 4
Contract: As applicable
Working Hours: 9 hours per day, split shifts
Reporting To: Area Facilities Officer
DBS Requirement: Appointment subject to a satisfactory DBS check

About the Role

City of Wolverhampton Council is seeking a reliable, practical and proactive Caretaker to help maintain safe, secure, clean and well-presented council buildings and surrounding grounds.

Working as part of the Assets service, you will be responsible for opening and securing buildings, carrying out routine inspections, undertaking minor repairs, maintaining cleanliness and supporting the day-to-day operation of council facilities.

This is a varied, hands-on role suited to someone who can work independently, use their initiative and take pride in maintaining buildings to a high standard.

Working Hours and Split-Shift Pattern

The role operates on a split-shift basis, with a substantial break between the morning and evening shifts.

• Morning shift: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (3 hours).
• Evening shift: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm (6 hours).
• Total working hours: 9 hours per day.
• Break between shifts: 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm (3 hours and 30 minutes).

The caretaker will be required to return to work at 4:00 pm and remain on duty until 10:00 pm to support building operations, security and closing procedures.

Flexibility is essential, as duties and working locations may vary depending on the operational requirements of council facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Building Security and Access

• Open and secure council buildings at designated times.
• Operate security systems and check for signs of unauthorised access or damage.
• Ensure doors, windows and access points are secure when closing buildings.
• Report security concerns, faults and incidents promptly.

Cleaning and Site Maintenance

• Maintain clean, tidy and hygienic internal areas and external grounds.
• Carry out routine inspections to identify defects, hazards and maintenance requirements.
• Undertake minor repairs, including basic plumbing, carpentry, plastering, painting and decorating, where competent.
• Monitor heating, lighting, water supplies and other building services.
• Record utility meter readings when required.
• Report major repairs and specialist maintenance requirements to the appropriate team.

Health, Safety and Fire Safety

• Carry out routine checks of fire doors, emergency lighting, fire alarms and escape routes in accordance with site procedures and training.
• Ensure fire exits and access routes remain clear.
• Identify and report hazards, damage, vandalism and potential safety risks.
• Follow council health and safety policies and procedures.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and escalate incidents when necessary.

Grounds and External Areas

• Carry out litter picking, weeding, pruning and general grounds maintenance.
• Assist with snow and ice clearance when required.
• Remove graffiti where appropriate and within the scope of the role.
• Keep entrances, pathways and external areas safe and presentable.

Facilities and General Support

• Prepare rooms and facilities for meetings, activities and lettings.
• Move furniture, equipment, parcels and materials as required.
• Restore rooms to the required condition after use.
• Monitor contractors working on site and report any concerns.
• Maintain accurate records, inspection logs, meter readings and incident reports.
• Undertake swimming pool and filtration plant duties where required, following appropriate training.

About You

The successful candidate will be practical, dependable and comfortable undertaking a varied range of maintenance and caretaking duties.

You should be able to:

• Work independently and manage daily tasks effectively.
• Carry out basic building maintenance and identify when specialist assistance is required.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, security and site presentation.
• Recognise hazards and take appropriate action to protect staff and visitors.
• Communicate professionally with council staff, contractors and members of the public.
• Complete records and reports accurately.
• Follow instructions, safety procedures and council policies.
• Adapt to different sites and changing operational requirements.
• Work reliably within the split-shift pattern, including evening finishes.

Previous experience in caretaking, facilities management, building maintenance, cleaning, schools, commercial premises or a similar environment would be advantageous.

Pay and Conditions

The advertised pay rate is £13.69 per hour.

Contractual arrangements, working days, holiday entitlement and other employment conditions will be confirmed by the Council.

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.