Caretaker

In this job, you will:

• carry out day-to-day maintenance and minor repairs
• book outside contractors for major repair work
• make sure heating, lighting and alarm systems are working properly
• check doors and windows are locked when the building is not in use
• open up buildings in the morning and lock them at the end of the day
• order fuel, cleaning materials, new equipment and furniture as required
• take bookings if rooms in the building are available for hire
• arrange chairs and tables for meetings and clear them away afterwards
• supervise other cleaning staff

• the ability to use your initiative
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• a desire to help people
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You may need basic computer skills to keep records, and a driving licence for some jobs.

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience, you could become a supervisor or move into facility services or cleaning management. You could also work in related areas or roles, for example commercial property maintenance or security, or as an accommodation warden with a housing association.