Building Supervisor (No Supervision)

Role overview

This role supports the smooth day-to-day running of a school site by delivering both cleaning and non-cleaning services in line with Education Authority procedures and school policies. The post holder reports to the School Principal and works under the direction of the nominated line manager or another authorised person.

Core duties

The position combines site security, cleaning, porterage, basic maintenance support, administration, and other tasks appropriate to the grade. The building supervisor is also expected to keep the premises safe, clean, secure, and ready for normal school use and after-school activities.

Security and site control

• Protect the building, including school meals accommodation, and everything inside it.
• Unlock and secure the premises and grounds, unless another person is specifically authorised to do so.
• Make sure all windows, doors, and gates are shut and locked at the end of each day.
• Hold the keys securely, issue them to cleaning staff where needed, and ensure they are returned each working day.
• Run and oversee CCTV, including replacing and storing used tapes where relevant.
• Operate fire, intruder, and building security systems and report faults promptly.
• Attend break-ins or vandalism incidents outside normal hours, secure the site, arrange cleaning once clearance is given, and report any unauthorised entry or damage.
• Report suspicious behaviour immediately during the working day so a safe environment is maintained.
• Escalate any security breach, including discovery of used needles or suspected illegal substance misuse, in line with policy.
• Spread grit or rock salt during snow or frost to keep entrances and paths safe.

Mechanical and electrical support

• Run the boiler and heating system efficiently, with attention to energy use and cost control.
• Manage heating and lighting for the premises and carry out routine plant maintenance, including shared school meals areas where applicable.
• Order fuel in good time to avoid shortages.
• Track and record fuel, water, and electricity usage.
• Replace lamps, tubes, and plugs up to 3.35 metres using suitable equipment, unless access can safely be gained from above.
• Check firefighting equipment and report any defects.
• Carry out chemical dosing, cleaning, and water-level maintenance for swimming or hydrotherapy pools.

Cleaning responsibilities

• Clean the full premises, excluding areas used only for school meals purposes.
• Where applicable, organise and supervise cleaning staff while also completing hands-on cleaning duties personally.
• Plan periodic cleaning tasks with service users and pass plans to the authorised line manager.
• Suggest and put into practice improvements to working methods, with approval, to improve efficiency, standards, or ease of operation.
• Monitor the suitability and performance of cleaning materials and light equipment and flag unsuitable items.
• Keep all hard surfaces, pathways, and ornamental grounds tidy, clean, and free of litter.
• Ensure external drains, gullies, and kitchen grease traps are flowing and clear, removing blockages up to 3.35 metres.
• Wash and clean bins throughout the building complex, including school meals bins.
• Empty litter bins in the building complex every day.
• Provide responsive cleaning throughout the day for spills, flooding, toilet cleaning at midday, litter, and weather-related cleaning needs.
• Restock toilet rolls, soap, paper towels, and other consumables during the working day.
• Check sandpits daily and remove sand from contaminated areas.
• Clean and replenish sandpits and paddling pools when instructed.
• Clean external signs, light covers, and notices up to 3.35 metres.
• Clean non-electrical parts of portable heating and ventilation equipment.
• Keep cleaning materials and light equipment stocked at suitable levels within budget and ensure proper condition, use, and storage.
• Report any faults in cleaning equipment immediately.
• Prepare the premises for after-school use and restore it for normal school operations.
• Clean internal fixed glass surfaces up to 3.35 metres using the correct equipment.
• Ensure cleaning staff use PPE and workwear when provided.
• Maintain cleaning standards to the board’s expected level, and where required investigate complaints and take corrective action.

Porterage duties

• Receive, move, and distribute deliveries, including stores, materials, school meals items, and school milk supplies.
• Send out laundry, goods, and other materials from the school.
• For rooms shared for meals and teaching, help set out and clear away tables and chairs, and clean the room after use.
• Move refuse bins to and from the collection point.
• Prepare rooms for examinations and other events.

Administrative duties

• Write reports on premises cleaning and any internal or external defects.
• Arrange outside contractors or workmen when authorised, using the board’s reporting process, and monitor their work and attendance.
• Complete all required paperwork and reports connected with the role.
• Keep records of consumables and equipment inventory.
• Report electrical floor equipment defects immediately, retain repair records, and ensure equipment is cleaned and stored safely.
• Maintain attendance, leave, and absence records for staff, ensure they are authorised, and return them to the board on time.

Handyperson and general duties

• Carry out handyperson tasks within the competence of the post holder.
• Perform any additional duties that fall within the grade and are reasonably required.
• Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, COSHH requirements, codes of practice, and other legal obligations.

Training and flexibility

• Accept training needed to carry out duties up to and including the post’s own grade.
• Accept training for higher-graded duties when required by the authority, with payment only where those higher-level duties are actually required.
• Deliver induction and refresher training to cleaning staff, where appropriate, and keep training records.

Elections and changing duties

If the school is used as a polling or election venue, the post holder must undertake election-related duties as directed by the joint negotiating committee. The exact responsibilities will be issued when needed. The duties in this role may also be reviewed and adjusted over time as circumstances change, and similar grade-appropriate tasks may be assigned.

Equality and conduct

The post holder is expected to promote good relations and equal opportunity and to observe equality legislation in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 at all times.

Application guidance

Applicants must clearly show, on the application form and against each question, how they meet the criteria. Essential and desirable requirements should both be addressed where relevant. Meeting the criteria by the closing date is necessary unless stated otherwise. Shortlisting is based on the essential criteria, and in a large applicant pool some desirable criteria may also be used, in the order listed.

Essential criteria

Applicants need at least six months of demonstrable experience working as an assistant building supervisor, building supervisor, caretaker, or cleaner in a school setting. They must also be ready, as a key holder, to respond to call-outs at short notice, including unsociable hours.

Further essential knowledge, assessed at interview, includes understanding the building supervisor role, relevant health and safety requirements, manual handling rules, and security systems. Candidates should also be able to work well in a team, communicate effectively, and show strong planning, administration, and decision-making skills to meet deadlines. Evidence of working in a way that reflects the school’s values and ethos is also required.

Desirable criteria

Preference may be given to applicants who hold a NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work qualification, or an equivalent or higher qualification, and who can demonstrate experience with industrial cleaning equipment and key holding duties such as opening and closing premises and setting alarm systems.

Additional information

The role is subject to review and is not intended to be rigid or exhaustive. Any duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. The disclosure section in the source indicates that criminal background safeguards apply, but the provided text is cut off before the full details are shown.