Durham University
General Services Assistant
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General Services Assistant
General Services Assistant
Job Title
General Services Assistant
Department & Location
Estates and Facilities Directorate – Accommodation and Commercial Services Durham University, Durham, UK
Position Overview
The General Services Assistant delivers essential services across University premises to ensure a well-maintained, welcoming environment for students, staff, and guests. The role focuses on three key areas:
- Basic maintenance/minor DIY tasks
- Portering duties (crossing, messennes services, etc.)
- Ad-hoc security support
Grade & Salary
Grade 2 £24,752–£25,025 pro-rata (for 21 hours/week)
Working Arrangements
- Part-time: 21 hours/week, 52 weeks/year
- 24/7 Availability: Including evenings, nights, weekends
- Fixed Term: Until 11 June 2027
- Onsite Only: No remote working permitted
About the University
Joining Durham University, a globally recognised centre of excellence, offers a unique collegiate experience in a historic setting. As part of our diverse community, you’ll contribute to one of the UK’s leading higher education hubs. Students and staff alike value its welcoming culture, extraordinary teamwork, and exceptional opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Further University information can be found here.
Main Responsibilities
Service Delivery
- Deliver a fast-paced, responsive service for students, staff, and public users including provision of:
- Crossing, messennes services, grief duty, litter collection, portering and deliveries
- Support with maintenance and security protocol, safeguarding, fire safety and.Order and manage equipment used for tasks including use of specialist tools (where authorized pursuant to appropriate training). Handle deliveries to receive, unpack, store and dispatch service orders, paying close attention to special care instructions where provided.
- Provide a high quality and friendly service to our client groups.
- Action routine maintenance calls including both hard and soft systems such as:
- new keys (when this service can be provided)
- paper labels for wardrobes (when this can be provided)
- room cleaning, which will often be used to test for initial condition at move-in.
- Follow health & safety procedures to ensure own and environmental safety and complete safe systems of work.
- Liaise with one point of contact in designated buildings.
- Work successfully on your own with clear instructions, without constant supervision.
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Safety & Compliance
- Adhere to all health and safety policies.
- Report hazards, incidents, or breaches immediately.
- Prioritise routine upkeep, maintenance checks, and risk assessments.
Teamwork & Flexibility
- Mentor junior colleagues where appropriate.
- Support cross-directorate and external teams (janitorial, landscape gardening, etc.).
- Handle urgent absences and coverage following reasonable notice.
- Support during University events and examinations.
Personal Accountability
- Manipulate lifting in support of daily work during Times of peak activity, in accordance with university policies. Physical demands: Elevation at height, physical manoeuvring and transfer of objects/items, bending, reaching and lifting up to a maximum of 27kg including sparkling equipment such as vacuums and other essential tools.
Closing Dates
Application Deadline: 8 July 2026
Why Work at Durham?
Competitive Remuneration & Progression
- £24,752–£25,025 (21Hrs)
- Additional development opportunities:
- Training courses
- Apprenticeships
- Careers coaching
Generous Benefits Package
✅ Holistic Leave
- 39 days inclusive of 27 annual leave days, 8 public holidays, 4 customary days, with closure over Christmas/New Year.
✅ Transport & Pedestrian Travel
- Discounted rail & bus travel
- Campus parking availability
- *Cycle to Work Scheme: signpost staff
✅ Discounts & Facilities
- Money-off via our Benefits Portal: supermarkets, high street retailers (IT products: Apple, DSL), cinema and destination attractions.
- Exclusive OTB discounts & gifting outlets.
✅ Family-Friendly Policies
- Best-in-sector parental allowances (among the most generous in higher education).
✅ Well-being & Support
- Access to an industry-standard Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 support).
- Lots of volunteer initiatives with a network of charities.
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✅ Health & Fitness
- Discounted staff membership at the state-of-the-art sports and gym facilities.
✅ Educational Development
- Supportive learning teams offering courses, qualifications and upskilling:
- Improving digital fluency, language skills, media styles
- IT training/assist programmes
Job Requirements
Essential Criteria
For selection purposes, applicants must demonstrate evidence of the following:
- Effective spoken and written communication.
- Basic digital literacy (internet use, email management).
- Numeracy and literacy (proof of support or prior education).
- A record of continual professional development to maintain skills.
- Proven ability to work with minimal supervision and in a team environment.
- Reliability with time management/performance against deadlines.
- Compliance with instructions, whether spoken or written.
- Independent ability to handle basic DIY tasks (handyman-level).
Desirable Criteria
- Health safety compliance knowledge and adherence.
- PAT testing (portable appliance testing) experience.
- Previous work in buildings/estates-related roles.
- Experience with higher education institutions.
- Full UK driving licence (not necessarily required - driving hours are minimal).
Making an Application
Apply: [Online Application Portal]
Submission Requirements
Submit one of the following as evidence of suitability:
- Essays to explain how you meet 1-9 of the Person Specification criteria
- CV and application form detailing relevant experience.
Automated emails will track progress – please check spam/junk mail.
Contact & Queries
- Stephanie Rolfe: stephanie.j.rolfe@durham.ac.uk
- Abbie Bell: abbie.pringle@durham.ac.uk
Data & Immigration Compliance
Durham University handles applicant data in accordance with our Privacy Statement.
Appointments must adhere to UK immigration policy and spending regulations for some qualifications.
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