Estate Maintenance Officer

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

As an Estate Block Maintenance Officer, you’ll be the vital link between the Council and its tenants. You’ll carry out safety inspections, monitor communal areas, and ensure that blocks of flats are well-maintained and compliant with health and safety standards. You’ll also work closely with tenants, housing officers, and external agencies to drive improvements and support community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct health and safety checks including emergency lighting and fire safety inspections.
• Report vandalism and criminal damage.
• Monitor and enforce Service Level Agreements.
• Support multi-agency interventions and community engagement initiatives.
• Assess and process repair work and monitor decorating programmes.
• Respond to tenant enquiries and complaints.
• Promote tenant participation and environmental improvements.

About you
We are looking for someone who thrives in a hands-on role and enjoys working with people. Proactive and organised, you’re confident in making decisions that positively impact residents’ quality of life. Bring at least one year of experience working directly with the public—ideally in housing or a similar setting—and have strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Work independently, manage your workload effectively, and collaborate with a range of stakeholders. Be IT literate (Word, Outlook, databases), flexible in your approach, and willing to attend meetings outside normal hours and undertake site visits.

We are also looking for someone who will be confident in liaising with tenants, councillors, and contractors, and able to handle sensitive issues with professionalism. Have the ability to stay calm under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and take initiative will be key to your success in this role.

Essential requirements include:
- GCSE or equivalent in English
- Valid driving licence and daily access to your own vehicle
- Experience of community engagement and partnership working
- Ability to interpret and apply legislation and procedures
- Willingness to undertake relevant training and development
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Hybrid working will be offered once passed probationary period. After this period, Hybrid working can be arranged by working at the estates in the morning and hybrid working in the afternoon.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Charlotte.Roberts@reading.gov.uk,

Closing Date: Sunday 10th August 2025
Interview Date: Monday 25th August 2025
Interview Process: To be Confirmed

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.