Maintenance Operative

Maintenance Operative (Plumbing & Building Maintenance)

Location: Bexhill, the post holder will be required to work at locations through the district.

Salary:  £32,312 - £34,343 per annum. Starting salary dependent on qualifications and experience

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time - 37 hours per week

Closing Date: Sunday 11th October 2026

Rother District Council is seeking a skilled and motivated Maintenance Operative to join our in-house Estates Maintenance Team. This is a varied and hands-on role responsible for primarily carrying out plumbing repairs, fault finding, installations, and general building maintenance works across a diverse property portfolio including offices, public buildings, community facilities, public conveniences, and operational assets.

The successful candidate will have strong practical plumbing experience alongside a broad range of building maintenance skills, enabling them to undertake both planned and reactive maintenance activities while helping to ensure that Council assets remain safe, functional, and well maintained.

About the Role

As part of a small and dedicated team, you will undertake a wide range of planned, preventative and reactive maintenance tasks. Plumbing will be your primary trade, but the role will also involve supporting general building maintenance works across a variety of Council assets.

Your duties will include:

• Diagnosing and repairing plumbing faults and defects.
• Repairs and maintenance to hot and cold-water systems.
• Installation and replacement of pipework, sanitaryware and plumbing fittings.
• Leak detection and remedial works.
• Installation and maintenance of drainage and waste systems.
• Supporting water hygiene and Legionella control arrangements where required.
• Read and interpret plumbing drawings and specifications.
• General building repairs and maintenance.
• Basic carpentry, joinery and decorating.
• Fencing, gate and minor roofing repairs.
• Civil and groundwork tasks including drainage repairs, concrete works, pathways, kerbing and reinstatement works.
• Masonry repairs, brickwork and pointing.
• Installation and repair of fixtures, fittings and building accessories.
• Responding to emergency call-outs and participating in out-of-hours cover arrangements.

What We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven experience in plumbing maintenance and repair (non-Gas Safe).
• Competence in plumbing fault finding and diagnostics.
• Experience maintaining and repairing water systems, sanitaryware, pipework and drainage.
• Practical experience across a range of general building maintenance trades.
• Experience undertaking minor civil works and groundworks.
• A good understanding of health and safety requirements.
• The ability to work independently and manage workloads effectively.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Plumbing or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience working within public sector, housing or commercial environments.
• Legionella awareness and water hygiene knowledge.
• Experience in a multi-trade maintenance environment.
• Relevant health and safety qualifications.
• Experience operating plant, machinery or high-pressure jetting equipment.

About You

We are looking for someone who is reliable, adaptable and self-motivated, with a practical approach to problem solving and a commitment to delivering high-quality workmanship. You will be comfortable working on your own initiative as well as being part of a small team and will take pride in providing an excellent service to colleagues, residents and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

You will help deliver essential maintenance services through planned, preventative and responsive works across a diverse range of Council-owned assets, including:

Council housing stock.

Operational buildings and offices.

Parks and open spaces.

Street furniture.

Seafront facilities.

Community buildings.

Project and improvement works.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established in-house maintenance team and make a direct contribution to the upkeep of the buildings, facilities and public spaces that support communities across the Rother District.

What Rother District Council can offer you:

We take pride in offering an excellent employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays

membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements

a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities

a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Rother District Council, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.