Facilities Officer

Job Description

The Facilities Officer plays a vital role in ensuring that school premises, grounds, facilities and associated services are maintained to a safe, secure, compliant and high-standard environment for students, staff, visitors and community users.

Overall Purpose of the role:

The Facilities Officer plays a vital role in ensuring that school premises, grounds, facilities and associated services are maintained to a safe, secure, compliant and high-standard environment for students, staff, visitors and community users.

Working under the direction of the Facilities Manager, the postholder will undertake a wide range of facilities, maintenance, security and health and safety duties. The role requires a practical, proactive and flexible individual who can identify and resolve issues, support school operations, assist with statutory compliance, supervise contractors and contribute to the effective management of the school's estate.

The Facilities Officer will be expected to support the school's commitment to safeguarding, health and safety, environmental responsibility and excellent customer service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Building Maintenance and Repairs
• Undertake routine maintenance, repairs and minor improvement works across the school site.
• Carry out general tasks including painting, decorating, carpentry, plumbing repairs, furniture assembly, basic electrical maintenance (where competent), flooring repairs and fixture replacement.
• Inspect buildings and facilities regularly to identify maintenance requirements and potential hazards.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and prioritise work according to operational need and health and safety requirements.
• Assist in maintaining school grounds, pathways, fencing, gates, signage and external areas.
• Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and complies with relevant legislation and school procedures.

Site Security

• Open, close and secure the school buildings and grounds as required.
• Operate and monitor alarm systems, CCTV systems and other security equipment.
• Carry out security checks of buildings and grounds.
• Respond appropriately to alarm activations, security incidents and emergency call-outs when required.
• Monitor access to the site and challenge unauthorised persons in a professional manner.
• Ensure the safe custody and management of keys, access fobs, security codes and locking systems.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Support the Facilities Manager in maintaining a safe and compliant school environment.
• Undertake routine site inspections and record findings.
• Report hazards, defects, accidents, near misses and incidents in accordance with school procedures.
• Carry out regular checks of fire doors, emergency exits, escape routes and firefighting equipment.
• Carry out routine compliance and safety checks including fire safety inspections, water temperature monitoring, emergency lighting checks, security checks and record keeping.
• Ensure safe working practices are followed at all times and appropriate PPE is used.
• Support risk assessment processes and implement control measures where required.
• Assist with emergency procedures including evacuations and lockdown arrangements.

Fire Safety Responsibilities

• Conduct routine checks of fire exits, escape routes, assembly points and fire safety signage.
• Monitor fire safety equipment and report defects immediately.
• Assist in arranging and facilitating fire drills.
• Maintain records relating to fire safety inspections and actions as directed.
• Support the school's compliance with fire safety legislation and procedures.
• Ensure combustible materials are stored safely and potential fire risks are minimised.

Contractor Management

• Liaise with contractors and external service providers.
• Escort contractors where appropriate and ensure signing-in procedures are followed.
• Monitor contractor performance and report concerns to the Facilities Manager.
• Ensure contractors operate safely and comply with safeguarding, health and safety and site requirements.
• Assist with the coordination of planned maintenance and project works.

School Lettings and Community Use

• Support the management of school lettings and community use of facilities.
• Prepare facilities and equipment for evening, weekend and holiday lettings.
• Meet and assist hirers and external organisations using the school premises.
• Ensure facilities are safe, clean and ready for use.
• Conduct checks before and after lettings and report any damage or issues.
• Secure facilities following community use and ensure compliance with school procedures. 

Event and Operational Support

• Set up rooms, halls and outdoor spaces for assemblies, examinations, parents' evenings, performances, meetings and school events.
• Move furniture and equipment safely to support operational requirements.
• Provide practical support during school events and emergencies.
• Assist with deliveries, stock movement and storage arrangements.

Equipment and Asset Management

• Maintain tools, machinery and maintenance equipment in a safe and serviceable condition.
• Assist with routine vehicle checks. 
• Undertake basic checks and routine maintenance of facilities equipment.
• Report defects and arrange repairs through the Facilities Manager where required.
• Assist in maintaining asset and inventory records.

Environmental Responsibilities

• Promote environmentally responsible working practices.
• Support energy efficiency measures and monitor unnecessary energy consumption.
• Assist with waste management and recycling initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for improving sustainability across the school estate.

Person Specification:

• The ability to work in a team and to be flexible to the needs of the school.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work accurately even when under pressure. 
• Willingness to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. 
• The confidence to work effectively with staff, students and parents.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills including the ability to work to deadlines and the flexibility to take on new tasks as they arise.
• Commitment to staff welfare, including being understanding, supportive and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and the equal value of all members of the school community.
• Experience of working in a school environment. 
• Attend mandatory and role-specific training.
• Support colleagues across the wider school community.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as reasonably requested by the Facilities Manager or Senior Leadership Team.
• A full clean valid driving licence is preferred but not essential. 

Evidence of relevant professional training, qualification, apprenticeship, or significant practical experience in facilities management, building maintenance, property services, construction, or a recognised trade such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting and decorating, or similar.

Safeguarding Statement

St Wilfred’s Catholic School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeg