Maintenance Operative Dorset (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole)
Qualitas Housing are a non-profit Community Benefit Society that provides a range of housing options such as Supported Housing and healthcare facilities for vulnerable people. We work in partnership with different organisations for the benefit of those living in the communities in which we operate.
Job Summary
The Maintenance Operative will be responsible for delivering high-quality responsive repairs and maintenance services across Qualitas Housing’s property portfolio in Dorset, with a primary focus on Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP). The role involves carrying out a range of day-to-day reactive repairs, supporting void property turnaround, and contributing to planned and cyclical maintenance programmes to ensure all accommodation remains safe, compliant, and well-presented.
The postholder will work within a supported housing environment, providing services to a diverse client group including individuals experiencing homelessness, those affected by drug and alcohol dependency, young people aged 16–18, and individuals with additional or complex needs. The role therefore requires a personable, patient, and adaptable individual who can engage positively with residents, while remaining professional and resilient when managing challenging situations.
The Maintenance Operative will carry out a variety of practical maintenance tasks including minor plumbing, basic joinery, decorating, lock changes, and general property repairs. They will also support the preparation of void properties, ensuring they are returned to a lettable standard promptly.
The role includes responsibility for a company vehicle, including maintaining appropriate stock levels and ensuring regular safety checks are carried out. A strong understanding of health and safety is essential, particularly in relation to lone working, working at height, and the use of tools, equipment, and substances. The postholder must ensure all necessary risk assessments and COSHH controls are in place prior to commencing works.
The successful candidate will hold a full clean driving licence and be able to work flexibly across Dorset, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of maintenance services.
Key Responsibilities
· Carry out reactive day-to-day maintenance and repair works across the organisation’s portfolio, primarily within Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
- Undertake a range of minor repairs including:
- lock changes
- minor plumbing repairs
- basic joinery works
- patch repairs and general maintenance
- decorating and making good
- fitting blinds and other minor fixtures/fittings
- Complete void property works to ensure accommodation is ready for re-letting within required timescales.
- Assist in delivering cyclical decorating programmes across the portfolio.
- Work to agreed schedules and job priorities to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient delivery of maintenance services.
- Ensure all works are completed to a good standard, within reasonable timescales, and in a cost-effective manner.
- Prioritise health and safety in all aspects of work and stop work where conditions are unsafe.
- Ensure appropriate risk assessments are completed prior to works commencing, particularly where tasks involve lone working, working at height, use of ladders, hazardous substances, or other identified risks.
- Ensure COSHH assessments are in place and followed where relevant materials or substances are used.
- Comply with safe systems of work, organisational policies, and all relevant health and safety requirements.
- Use ladders, tools, equipment, and materials safely and appropriately in line with training and company procedures.
- Maintain awareness of lone working risks and follow lone working procedures at all times.
- Interact professionally and respectfully with tenants, staff, contractors, and external stakeholders.
- Build positive working relationships with residents while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Deal calmly, confidently, and sensitively with vulnerable tenants and those who may display challenging behaviour.
- Identify when issues need to be escalated to housing, support, or management teams.
- Ensure all materials, tools, and consumables carried in the company van are appropriately stocked, secure, and accounted for.
- Take responsibility for the day-to-day condition of the allocated van, including regular checks.
- Keep accurate records of completed works, materials used, issues identified, and any follow-on works required.
- Identify repairs that fall outside the scope of minor works and report them appropriately.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and managers to support the smooth operation of the maintenance service.
- Support the organisation in maintaining safe, compliant, and well-presented homes for residents.
- Travel across Dorset as required to carry out maintenance duties.
Pay: £32,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Application question(s):
- What types of maintenance or repair work do you have the most experience in? (e.g. plumbing, decorating, carpentry)
- Are you comfortable working independently without supervision?
- Have you received any formal H&S training (e.g. manual handling, ladder safety, asbestos awareness)?
- Do you have a full clean driving license?
- Are you comfortable using a phone/app to log jobs, photos, and updates?
- Do you hold any formal trade qualifications? Please specify (e.g. plumbing, electrical, gas, etc.).
- Are you Gas Safe registered? If yes, please provide your registration number.
- Do you hold any electrical qualifications (e.g. Level 2/3, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations)?
- Do you have any training or certification related to fire safety (e.g. fire door awareness, fire stopping, alarm systems)?
Work Location: On the road
