Balliol College
Occupying an historic site in central Oxford, Balliol was founded in 1263 and is now one of the larger Oxford colleges, with about 400 undergraduates and a similar number of graduates in residence at any one time. The College takes academic work very seriously, but visitors are generally struck by the informal and friendly feel of the place. Balliol is a constituent college of the University of Oxford and employs some 80 fellows, 50 lecturers and about 170 support staff with Dame Helen Ghosh as its current Master.
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 also includes Fellows’ housing and properties owned by the College that are privately rented.
Purpose of the Post
The successful applicant will join our Maintenance Team, a group of multi-skilled tradespeople covering carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and general building work. The Maintenance Assistant will report directly to the Maintenance Supervisor, who oversees the team’s day-to-day activities, allocates tasks, and ensures all work is completed accurately, efficiently, and to a high standard.
Main Duties
- Ensuring the buildings are safe, clean, and ready for use
- Carrying out minor repairs and routine maintenance tasks across all sites
- Completing routine weekly, monthly, and annual building compliance checks including electrical compliance testing and taking water temperature readings (training will be provided)
- Undertaking lamp changes
- Carrying out portable appliance testing following relevant training
- Clearing gutters, drains, and lightwells to maintain site safety and functionality
- Arranging room layouts for seminars and conferences, and providing other ancillary services
- Redistributing furniture and furniture removals
- To assist the health and safety manager with fire alarm weekly checks
- Undertaking all duties in accordance with health and safety legislation and the College’s Health & Safety policies
- Reporting serious maintenance faults to the Maintenance Supervisor
Selection Criteria
The person appointed will have the following essential qualities:
- Practical DIY or basic maintenance skills, with a focus on hands-on experience rather than formal qualifications
- Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation
- Basic IT skills (confident with mobile devices)
- Excellent time keeping and organisational skills
- A proactive, positive “can‑do” attitude
- Reliable, trustworthy, and able to use initiative
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to undertake training applicable to the role
Desirable
- Experience working in a historical or educational environment
- Trade-based skills (e.g. carpentry, plumbing, electrical)
- Basic electrical awareness training
- Health and safety training; legionella awareness, asbestos awareness, working at height etc
FURTHER PARTICULARS
Hours and location: The position is offered on a full-time basis (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 of work will be during office hours (Monday to Friday 8.00am 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.
Salary: £27,319 - £31,254
Holiday: The postholder will receive paid leave entitlement of 38 working days (including Bank Holidays) during a complete holiday year, five of which are taken around Christmas and New Year. The College reserves the right to require staff to work on Bank Holidays during full term, receiving a day in lieu.
Probation and notice: The probationary period will be four months, during which time the length of notice is one week on either side, given in writing. The length of notice thereafter will be one month on either side, given in writing.
Pension: The post-holder will be eligible to join the OSPS pension scheme. Further details provided on appointment.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Staff meals: a free two-course lunch is available in the Hall, when the kitchens are open.
Travel: benefits include interest-free loans enabling the purchase of bus passes, annual rail season tickets to Oxford, and discounted bicycles and accessories.
Healthcare: benefits include free eye tests, free flu jabs, free use of the College’s onsite gym and the University swimming pool, and preferential rates for other University sports facilities.
University Club: staff are eligible for 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: resources are available from the University in addition to training.
Visitor access: staff benefit from free visitor access to the 45 colleges and halls of the University and 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.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Informal enquiries: Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation about the role should in the first instance contact Jodi Thomas, Buildings Manager ([email protected]) to arrange a confidential discussion.
Written applications: We will continue accepting applications until the position is filled. https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/careers.
Interviews: Candidates selected for interview will be notified as soon as possible following the application deadline.
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 are encouraged to ask if they require reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process.
