Education Authority Northern Ireland
Building Supervisor (With Supervision)
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Building Supervisor (With Supervision)
Building Supervisor (with Supervision)
Job Title
Building Supervisor (with supervision)
Reports To
School Principal
Responsible For
- The supervision of the Assistant Building Supervisor
- Cleaning staff (where appropriate)
Job Purpose
To provide on-site supervision, cleaning, and non-cleaning services under the direction of the designated line manager or other authorised person in accordance with Education Authority practices and procedures.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Security
- Oversee the security of premises (including school meals accommodation) and its contents.
- Open and close premises and grounds, unless authorised otherwise by the Education Authority or designated lines manager.
- Ensure all windows are closed, doors, and gates (internal and external) are locked at the end of each day.
- Hold safe custody of premises keys, including allocation and ensuring cleaning staff return keys daily.
- Operate and maintain security camera systems (including changing and storing used tapes).
- Manage fire alarms, burglar alarms, and building security systems; report any faults.
- Respond to after-hour breaks, vandalism, and ensure premises are secured and cleared promptly.
- Report suspicious activity to the designated line manager during working hours.
- Notify the line manager of any security breaches (e.g., illicit substances).
- Apply grit/rock salt in snowy/frosty conditions to maintain safe pathways and entrances.
Mechanical and Electrical Services
- Ensure efficient boiler/heating systems operate with energy conservation in line with Education Authority policies.
- Maintain lighting, heating, and common plant services in school meals accommodation.
- Monitor fuel, water, and electricity usage and requisition fuel in advance.
- Replace lamps, tubes, and plugs up to 3.35m, excluding unstable heights.
- Inspect and report defects in firefighting equipment.
- Chemically dose, clean, and maintain swimming/hydrotherapy pools.
Cleaning
- Clean premises (exempting school meals areas used solely for meals).
- Plan, organise, and supervise cleaning staff to meet Education Authority standards.
- Coordinate periodic cleaning work with service users; report plans to the line manager.
- Implement recommendations to improve cleaning economy, standards, or efficiency.
- Ensure hard surfaces, pathways, and ornamental grounds are clean and free of litter.
- Maintain external drains, gullies, and kitchen grease-traps up to 3.35m.
- Clean bins (including school meals areas), empty litter bins daily, and manage spillages/floods.
- Stock toilet paper, soap, paper towels, and cleaning supplies.
- Inspect and maintain sandpits, paddling pools, and external signs up to 3.35m.
- Clean non-electrical portable heating/ventilation equipment.
- Manage and requisition cleaning equipment/materials within the allocated budget.
- Report defects in cleaning equipment.
- Prepare premises for after-school activities and examinations.
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Porterage
- Receive, transport, and distribute delivered goods (including school meals/milk).
- Organise despatch of laundry and materials within the building.
- Assist in setting/removing tables/chairs for dual-use rooms.
- Handle refuse bins from collection points.
- Prepare rooms for exams and events.
Administration
- Report cleaning defects internally/externally (?) and monitor contractors’ compliance.
- Complete post-related paperwork/reports, including defect and maintenance records.
- Track stock, consumables, and equipment inventories.
- Report immediate electrical floor equipment faults; maintain repair records.
- Manage cleaning staff attendance, holidays, and absences, ensuring compliance.
Handyperson Duties
- Perform tasks within the role’s competency scope (subject to authority agreement).
General Conditions
All duties must adhere to:
- Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978
- Legal requirements, codes of practice, and COSHH regulations
Training
- Accept training for roles at or below grade level (general requirement).
- Training for higher grades at authority request (payment only if required).
- Provide induction/refresher training for cleaning staff; record participation.
Elections
- Required to fulfil specified election duties (if school materials are utilised for elections).
Other Duties
- May include additional role-appropriate duties.
- Role is flexible, subject to review in changing circumstances.
Core Commitments
Adhere to equality legislation and promote good relations in compliance with the Northern Ireland Act (Section 75).
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Person Specification
Notes to Applicants
Must demonstrate experience through application forms; failure risks exclusion. Applications should address both essential and desirable criteria.
Section 1: Essential Criteria for Shortlisting
Experience
✅ Minimum 2 years’ paid experience in one of the following:
- Assistant Building Supervisor
- Building Supervisor
- Caretaker/Maintenance Worker
- Cleaner OR ✅ Recognised trade qualification (e.g., plumbing, joinery, electrical), with staff supervision experience.
✅ Call-out readiness: Must be prepared to respond on short notice, even during unsociable hours.
Assessment: Shortlisting via application form.
Section 2: Further Essential Criteria (Interview Stage)
Knowledge
✅ Demonstrable expertise in:
- School Building Supervisor requirements
- Health and Safety regulations
- Manual Handling
- Security system operation
Skills
✅ Evidence of:
- People management to motivate/lead teams
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Exceptional interpersonal/communication skills
- Administrative, planning, and decision-making to meet deadlines
Values Orientation
✅ Reflection of school ethos (review values on their website).
Section 3: Desirable Criteria (Applied in Shortlisting Order)
Qualifications/Experience
- NEBOSH Health and Safety qualification (or equivalent).
- Industrial cleaning equipment experience.
- Key-holding experience, including:
- Opening/closing premises
- Alarm systems operation
Disclosure of Criminal Background
- Should apply for Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (cost borne by applicant).
- Safeguarding processes apply; demeanour must demonstrate professionalism in balancing visibility and safeguarding factors.
Additional Resources
- Applicant guidance available here.
- Benefits of joining the Education Authority: here.
- Equality, diversity, and disabilities here.
This job description is designed as a framework for performance; deviations may arise based on operational needs.
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