Maintenance Operative – Nursery Sites

About the role

We are looking for a Maintenance Operative to take ownership of the day‑to‑day upkeep, presentation and safety of seven nursery sites across Sussex. Working closely with the Estates Manager, you will plan, prioritise and complete a variety of repair and compliance tasks while ensuring a safe environment for children, staff and visitors.

Key responsibilities

• General repairs and maintenance including plumbing, basic electrical work, carpentry, painting and decorating.
• Garden work, outdoor cleaning and waste disposal across all sites.
• Health & Safety compliance such as legionella testing, emergency lighting checks and fire alarm monitoring.
• Installation, maintenance and safety checks of equipment and white goods.
• Coordinate larger projects with the Estates Manager and external contractors.

Required profile

• Full clean UK driving licence with own vehicle.
• Enhanced DBS check and at least two satisfactory references.
• Minimum two years’ experience in a similar maintenance role.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Good communication with staff, children, parents and managers.

Required skills

• Plumbing and basic electrical work.
• Carpentry, painting and decorating.
• Garden maintenance and outdoor cleaning.
• Health & safety compliance (legionella, emergency lighting, fire alarms).
• Basic ICT – email, internet and Microsoft Office.
• Use of maintenance management apps (e.g., FaultFixers).

What we offer

• Salary £28‑30k per annum.
• 28 days holiday including statutory holidays and Christmas entitlement.
• Company credit card, basic tools and mileage reimbursement.
• Company phone and laptop/tablet.
• 50% childcare discount and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Career development, training and potential to mentor a Maintenance Apprentice.