Maintenance Joiner & Demonstrator
Department: Property and Facilities
Location: West Dean, West Sussex, with occasional travel to West Dean's London campus.
Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor
Works closely with: Technician Manager, Technical Resources Team, Academic Departments, Short Courses Team, Campus Services, and Property & Facilities colleagues.
Job Purpose
The Maintenance Joiner & Demonstrator is responsible for delivering high-quality joinery, carpentry and building maintenance services across West Dean College and the wider estate. The role supports the conservation and maintenance of West Dean's historic Grade II* listed buildings while also providing technical demonstrations, workshop support and practical guidance to students, tutors and staff.
Working across both Building Maintenance and Technical Resources, the postholder contributes to the safe, effective operation of workshops and learning spaces, ensuring excellent standards of maintenance, health and safety, and technical support.
Key Responsibilities
Joinery, Carpentry and Building Maintenance
- Carry out planned and reactive joinery and carpentry maintenance across the College and estate.
- Repair, maintain and install doors, windows, flooring, roofing, partitions, shelving, fencing and other building fabric.
- Complete refurbishment and renovation projects to a high standard.
- Use appropriate traditional materials and conservation techniques when working on historic buildings.
- Report structural defects and significant heritage features discovered during maintenance.
- Liaise with contractors and assist with specialist projects where required.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and update relevant systems.
Technical Demonstrations and Student Support
- Demonstrate the safe use of tools, machinery and workshop equipment.
- Deliver health and safety inductions for students, tutors and staff.
- Provide practical guidance and technical support during teaching sessions.
- Prepare workshops, tools and materials for courses.
- Assist in the construction or adaptation of specialist equipment, frames and teaching resources.
- Support students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Workshop and Equipment Management
- Maintain clean, safe and organised workshops and technical spaces.
- Inspect, maintain and report faults with tools and machinery.
- Assist with servicing schedules, statutory inspections and stock control.
- Ensure equipment is only used by authorised individuals.
- Maintain records relating to inspections, servicing and materials.
Operational and Event Support
- Support the set-up and dismantling of workshops, exhibitions, conferences and events.
- Move and install furniture, staging and equipment.
- Assist colleagues across Property and Facilities with practical tasks appropriate to the role.
- Provide occasional technical support at the London campus.
Collaborative Working
- Work collaboratively with Building Maintenance and Technical Resources teams.
- Share technical expertise and contribute to continuous improvement.
- Build positive relationships with students, tutors, contractors and colleagues.
- Communicate effectively regarding priorities, timescales and operational requirements.
Health and Safety
- Follow all health and safety policies, procedures and safe systems of work.
- Carry out risk assessments and contribute to COSHH assessments where required.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Report accidents, hazards, defects and near misses promptly.
- Promote a positive culture of health, safety and wellbeing.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate records and complete administrative tasks.
- Keep technical knowledge and skills up to date.
- Comply with College policies and procedures.
- Support equality, diversity and inclusion across the College.
- Protect confidential information.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Recognised qualification or apprenticeship in Carpentry or Joinery, or equivalent practical experience.
- Knowledge of current health and safety legislation and safe working practices.
Desirable Qualifications
- Full UK driving licence.
- First Aid qualification.
- Machinery inspection or equipment safety training.
Essential Experience
- Practical experience in joinery, carpentry, maintenance and repair.
- Experience using woodworking machinery, hand tools and power tools safely.
- Experience demonstrating practical skills or providing technical guidance.
- Experience working independently and within a team.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working on historic or listed buildings.
- Experience working within an educational, workshop or creative environment.
Skills
- Excellent carpentry and joinery skills.
- Strong practical problem-solving ability.
- Good organisational and planning skills.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritise workload and respond flexibly.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across different teams.
- Basic IT and record-keeping skills.
Working Conditions
- Based across the West Dean Estate with occasional travel to the London campus.
- Working in workshops, maintenance areas, studios and outdoors.
- Regular manual handling and use of ladders or access equipment.
- Occasional flexibility in working hours to support College events, course changeovers and operational requirements.
