Operations Directorate

Grade 2: - £17,361 - £17,682
Open-Ended/Permanent - Part Time
Contracted Hours per Week: 0
Closing Date: Ongoing

The Department and role purpose

A key part of the Durham wider student experience strategy is ensuring all students have the opportunity to spend at least part of their time at university in residence in one of our colleges. We consider it of particular importance for new undergraduate first years to live, work, eat and socialise together as part of a community of learning. Most of our college residences have undergraduates from all years living alongside postgraduates and visiting university fellows.

The University is embarking on an ambitious programme of residential development over the next ten years. This will comprise an accelerated and comprehensive maintenance schedule alongside the building of four to six new colleges to ensure Durham can meet the aim of having at least 50% of its student population in University managed accommodation by 2027.

The College is committed to delivering the highest possible standards of service and customer care, and the role of College Residential Services Assistant is a key front-line post in ensuring this objective is maintained.

The role encompasses four key areas of responsibility - Reception, Security, Maintenance and Portering. All post-holders are expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and be willing to cover for absences given reasonable notice, and to undertake any or all of the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift. By nature of the role all post-holders are expected to be competent in working under minimal direct supervision within the designated local remit and liaising where necessary with the appropriate College/Duty Officers and staff.

Core responsibilities

• Contribute input within a service team to provide a responsive service for stakeholders.
• Contribute input to deliver a stakeholder-focussed service.
• Respond to straightforward requests for information from stakeholders.
• Contribute to team effort with more straightforward tasks during peak work flows.
• Follow documented service procedures, referring to more experienced colleagues with less straightforward issues.
• Demonstrate some pre-employment familiarity with the techniques, and processes used in the service area.
• Learn new skills and techniques on the job working alongside more experienced team members.
• Learn about the hazards and risks within own area of work and report incidents in accordance with recognised procedures and protocols. 
• Communicate with supervisor, team members, other staff, students and visitors in person or using electronic tools and applications.

Role responsibilities

• Learn and apply strict guidelines and risk assessments to ensure safe, secure practice when working in different environments.
• Follow and apply strict procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance with regulations for all activities.
• Apply escalation procedures to highlight interventions required by more experienced team members.
• Assist team members and contractors to set-up, and dismantle specialist equipment, tools and resources, under supervision.
• Clean and maintain specialist equipment, tools and resources, under supervision.
• Assist team members to collect, carry and transport equipment and resources.
• Carry out a range of tasks that require a more than standard level of physical, manual and sensory dexterity, following training, for short periods of time.
• Wear and use protective equipment and clothing to carry out tasks on a day to day basis.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Specific role requirements

The post holder will be required to drive / care for college vehicles in compliance with University Code of Conduct for Transport.

16 or 24 hours per week available. Mainly weekend shifts available, working 2 days of 7.

Recruiting to this post

In order to be considered for interview, candidates must evidence each of the criteria in the person specification.

How to apply

We prefer to receive applications online.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.dur.ac.uk/ig/dp/privacy/pnjobapplicants/ which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

What you are required to submit

1. A CV; 
2. A covering letter which details how you meet the person specification criteria.

Please ensure that you submit all documentation listed above or your application cannot proceed to the next stage.

Contact details 

For further information please contact; Donna Pudwell (donna.pudwell@durham.ac.uk) 

At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.

Person specification - skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience required 

Essential Criteria

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Basic IT skills including Microsoft Office.
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills.  
• Experience of working in a team.
• Experience of managing time in order to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions, written or oral, accurately.
• DIY Experience
• Full Driving Licence 

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of personal development to maintain skills. 
• Health and safety compliance knowledge.
• Experience of working in a buildings, estates, services, or IT provision area.

DBS Requirement: Not Applicable.