Job Description

Overview

Abbey College Cambridge is seeking a committed College Caretaker to support the ongoing maintenance, safety and operational readiness of the College estate, contributing to a high-quality environment for learning, living and working.

You will be Responsible for the care and upkeep of Abbey College Cambridge buildings and their grounds, including the main teaching buildings, Block A & Block B Homerton Gardens and the on-site and off-site Boarding accommodation. You will also provide assistance with other independent residences used by Abbey students. You will take pride in your work, helping to create a safe, enjoyable workplace and College.

Main duties and Key Responsibilities:

Maintenance

You are responsible for making sure the buildings and grounds are in proper working order. This involves:

Daily building and grounds checks.

Undertaking general repairs, maintenance and improvement works, changing light bulbs, unblocking drains, heating changes, groundwork etc.

Making sure the premises and grounds are clean and that rubbish is collected and taken away on a daily basis, and any graffiti is cleaned up.

Regular touch-up painting of interior and exterior areas to make good 'wear and tear'.

Calling in specialist help when needed which will usually involve external contractors.

Escorting contractors as required to carry out works.

Security

You should have a full understanding of the buildings at all times and may be required to unlock buildings in the absence of Security

You may be called outside of office hours in the event of emergency (burst pipe, break in etc.) to attend and assist as required.

Health and Safety

To carry out the weekly fire alarm tests and general H&S checks of fire exits, fire extinguishers and escape routes in each building and ensure all paperwork is completed.

Caretakers work alongside the Site Manager and Deputy Site Manager to ensure H&S regulations are adhered to across the site.

Understanding fire safety regulations, Health and Safety regulations, emergency procedures and the rules for evacuating a building.

Other tasks

Setting up and clearing exams, assemblies and College events.

Storing equipment and supplies safely.

Maintaining a variety of records, including health and safety, fire safety and monitoring meter readings and fuel usage.

Delivering parcels and packages.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

Basic computer literacy

Ability to interpret technical information

Full UK driving licence

Experience of carrying out minor building maintenance work, within the reasonable capacity of a normal handyperson

Experience of keeping records in a work setting

Knowledge

Essential: An understanding of H&S legislation, including good practice in relation to caretaking, hygiene and general safety

Desirable: Some understanding of building construction and design would be advantageous

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Essential: Good verbal communication skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and contractors.

Hours:

37.5 hours per week 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday

Benefits

25 Days annual leave entitlement, plus additional days over the Christmas period and Bank Holidays. Free Lunch, Tea and Coffee Family friendly policies, including enhance maternity and paternity pay. Employee assistance programme Group personal pension plan, 7% employer contribution Discounted school fees Regular social events Season Ticket Loans Eye Care Gym Scheme Workplace Nursery Scheme Cycle to work scheme Access to discount schemes Secure Bike storage Free Parking

Abbey DLD Colleges Ltd (ADCL)

Abbey College Cambridge is a constituent college of Abbey DLD Colleges Ltd (ADCL). ADCL consists of three award-winning independent international colleges based in London, Cambridge, and Manchester. With over 1000 students from over 50 different countries, ADCL provides an outstanding global environment for students striving for top universities. We are committed to providing the best education for all students in our care, and our colleges have high aspirations and expectations for every member of our community.

Safeguarding

The college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children. All staff are trained in child protection and understand to report concerns by following the safeguarding policies. We ensure all candidates are properly police-checked, and the successful candidate will need to obtain an enhanced disclosure via the DBS.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from all individuals are encouraged.

Shortlisting and Interviewing

Applications will be shortlisted from the week commencing 5th January 2026, you are unlikely to be contacted prior to this due to the colleges Christmas shut down. Interviews will be conducted via a 2 stage process, with an initial interview taking place remotely via Microsoft Teams, followed by an in person interview.

Job Type: Permanent

Pay: 26,000.00-28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Canteen Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person