The Post
To maintain, repair and refurbish the internal and external fabric of school owned buildings to a high decorative standard, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery across a live school environment. Hours of work: 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Accountabilities
On a day-to-day basis accountable to the Estates Operations Manager.
Key responsibilities:
Painting & Decorating
- Prepare all substrates (filling, sanding, burning/chemical stripping) and apply paints, varnishes, wallcoverings and other proprietary finishes to a high standard, internally and externally, including at height.
- Undertake “making good” to ceilings, walls, woodwork and finishes to achieve quality outcomes; complete basic plaster and carpentry repairs as needed (incl. Artex repairs where required).
- Plan and organise daily workload; identify materials/parts for ordering and ensure timely completion to agreed standards and deadlines.
Glazing & Minor Works
- Carry out small glazing repairs/replacements and minor fabric works associated with decorations (excluding electrical items).
Collaboration & Communication
- Work effectively as part of a multi-trade team; assist other trades and liaise with contractors/consultants to deliver refurbishments and planned works.
- Provide progress updates/close-out to line manager; adapt to changing priorities across the academic year (exams, lettings, term time).
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Follow all relevant H&S legislation, risk assessments, method statements and school procedures; use PPE and safe systems of work at all times (including work at height/limited access areas).
- Proactively identify and report H&S issues during site visits; keep required records and permits.
Continuous Improvement
- Select appropriate products/systems for durability and compliance; pursue training to keep skills current.
Other duties
- The postholder will be expected to participate in the life of the College and contribute to any other tasks aligned to the level of the role as determined by the COO.
Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment including regular training attendance.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
The successful candidate will have:
Qualifications & Checks (Essential)
- Time-served or City & Guilds/NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Painting & Decorating.
- Valid UK driving licence.
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
Experience (Essential)
- Proven interior and exterior decorating in maintenance/refurbishment environments, delivering high-quality finishes to deadline.
- Experience of “making good”, small fabric repairs (basic plaster/carpentry), and minor glazing repairs.
- Safe working at height and in restricted access areas; strong awareness of H&S and manual handling.
- Have an appreciation and commitment to safeguarding protocols within a school environment.
Experience (Desirable)
- Work within historic/heritage buildings; use of RAMS and permit systems.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent preparation/detail standards; ability to work independently and as part of a team in a busy, multi-trade department.
- Good communication and customer focus; organised, adaptable, and able to prioritise multiple tasks.
- Physically fit to meet the role’s demands, including work at height and across a large campus.
