Who we are & what we stand for Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We re delighted that you re interested in working with us. You d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we re confident that it isn t just the salary that attracts our staff. Our construction colleagues have significant responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of one of the region s largest property portfolios. With work spanning responsive and planned repairs, cyclical maintenance and emergency out of hours repairs, fire and building safety, disabled adaptations, asset improvement, stores, purchasing and waste, call handling and customer support, this is a high-performing team operating on the front line with a truly vital role to play in ensuring safe living and working conditions for residents and employees of Gateshead. About the role. You will be working as a multi skilled operative undertaking general building duties covering repairs, refurbishment and upgrades to all property types within the Council s property portfolio and as required in line with business need. You will undertake minor cross trade work to support the service one front door approach, be proactive in all aspects of health and safety, and work collaboratively with the team to deliver positive outcomes for our customers. The service operates from 8am to 8pm to meet customer need, therefore, there may be a requirement for some later working. We also operate an out of hours arrangement and employees will asked to participate. What you'll get involved in: To undertake and have accountability for general building duties covering repairs, refurbishment and upgrades on all Council property types with the Council s portfolio, or as required in line with business need, ensuring a high standard of customer care at all times. To work independently or as part of a team undertaking general building and driving duties on a range of Council property types within the Council s portfolio To undertake building duties independently, where there is no requirement for a trade employee to undertake these duties, with minimal supervision To assist different trades in the completion of their works particularly regarding manual handling, movement of materials and general building activities. To liaise with customers and subcontractors to provide a responsive service To undertake groundwork and substructure drainage, excavations, and concreting works To assist subcontractors at times when directed by a Gateshead Council manager or supervisor To undertake a continual program of risk assessment in relation to your role To utilise both electronic and paper-based systems to accurately record the use of labour and materials against each job. The Knowledge General knowledge of the construction industry. Up to date understanding and application of Health and Safety procedures and regulations. The Experience Working on construction projects Working with and alongside tradespeople Undertaking labouring duties on groundworks projects Experience of ability to work at height, on scaffold and in confined spaces Ability to undertake manual activities, walking, lifting, carrying, bending, and climbing The Qualifications Property Maintenance Level 2 qualification or equivalent or willingness to work towards. Willingness to undertake any additional corporate or trade training as required. Current CSCS card or willing to work towards qualification. Full driving license or access to mobility support. What s in it for you Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience. Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days. Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time. Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options. Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career. Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing. Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme. Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive. Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases. Our commitment to you We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who's truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. How to apply You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying. If you have any questions about your application, please don t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application. Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.