Job Description

The Role

George Watson's College wishes to appoint an Estates Works Operative to provide an efficient, effective Estates service by supporting and being part of the Estates Department function across all areas of the School's extensive (52 acre) campus. Meeting the needs of all pupils, parents, employees and other School service users. Working as part of a team as well as working on own, using your initiative when required.

Hours of work will be 41 hours per week, to be worked across a variety of shift patterns and to include the occasional Saturday.

The salary for this position will be in the Grade 1 range which currently stands at 25,353 - 26,782 per annum (based 36.25 hours, 52 weeks). This equates to 28,675 - 30,291 per annum.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please click the Apply for this job button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr Scott Muir, Head of Estates and Property Services.



Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 1 February 2026



Interviews are scheduled to take place in the

w

e

ek commencing 9 February 2026.


Main Responsibilities

General Estates Works Operative Responsibilities

Duties include setting up multiple venues across the whole campus from the precision planning of the exam hall to concert seating and stage equipment for performances. School furniture, equipment and musical instruments also need to be transported around the campus.

To respond appropriately to all requests for assistance from pupils, staff and other service users of the School, with guidance from Estates Management team.

Carry out minor maintenance and repairs tasks as and when required e.g. hanging notice boards, unblocking toilets, changing light bulbs/tubes, repair broken lockers. First point of contact for stakeholders, reporting issues to the Estates team.

Ensure that entrance doors are open as necessary out with standard School hours and carry out car parking duties as required.

To distribute supplies as and when required to various departments.

Liaise with visiting contractors and provide them with access to their area of i.e. meter reading, pest control, water temperature readings et al.

Ensuring health and safety is always maintained and adhered to.

Keep all pupil lockers in good working order, changing locks as and when required
To help in the disposal of all confidential waste

To oversee disposal of packaging and other School waste materials.

To distribute and process all incoming and outgoing postal services, receiving deliveries of mail, packages and equipment and distributing these as appropriate.
To respond to any other reasonable request from the Estates Management team.

Security and Safety Responsibilities

To ensure that all facilities and buildings are opened and secured properly at times.

Be responsible for the safe custody of their own set of school keys

To respond to any intruder and/or fire alarm alerts and dealing with any general campus security or fire issues.

Help to direct any emergency vehicle arriving at the school, and assist with the distribution of defibrillators as and when required.

To assist in the testing of the school fire alarm system and report any issues as necessary to your line manager.

Report any immediate defects that cause potential hazards or risks to line manager and make area safe for users of the building.

Help to provide a safe and secure environment for pupils, staff and visitors while on the school campus

To attend training courses relating to job specifications to ensure you are working to health and safety regulations

School Transport

To carry out weekly vehicle inspections on all the school minibuses, drive the minibuses as and when required wash and clean vehicles and fill with fuel as and when required.


The Ideal Candidate

Essential criteria:

Previous experience in a similar role, ideally within an educational work environment.

Competent in using tools required for general maintenance.

Basic DIY and maintenance skills.

Full clean UK driving licence preferably with D1 endorsement.

Must be physically able to respond to the manual handling requirements of the role.

Excellent oral communication skills.

Works on own confidently and unassisted with good use of initiative and common sense to complete tasks competently.

Desirable criteria:

PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association) certification

PAV (Push Around Vertical) certification

Building Maintenance / Trade background.

Background of working within schools.


About the school/organisation

George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.


We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.


Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.


Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.


We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.


Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.


Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.


When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.


Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.


All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk




Package Description

Location: George Watson's College, Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours of work: 41 hours per week

Salary: 28,675 - 30,291 (Based on 41 hours per week, 52 weeks per year)

Benefits: Seven weeks annual leave (two to be taken at Christmas and New Year, automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson's College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school's fitness club)