Caretaker Officer

Established in 1637, Cowane’s Hospital Trust is Scotland’s oldest surviving charitable Trust and was founded by our benefactor, John Cowane. Primarily, the Patrons of Cowane’s Hospital Trust offers relief for those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantage through the provision of housing, and in particular sheltered housing, within the local government area of Stirling Council. Secondary is the advancement of heritage through the maintenance, care, and preservation of our historic buildings in Stirling known as Cowane’s Hospital and John Cowane’s House.

The Trust is made up of five divisions being that of Residential Care, Investments, Commercial & Residential Lands, Heritage & Tourism and Hospitality & Events. All income generated goes back into the Trust in order that both its primary and secondary objectives can be achieved.

Due to retirement, Cowane’s are looking for a Caretaker Officer to join their small, professional team. The post holder will report directly to the Master & Factor (Chief Executive Officer) and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Trust’s portfolio of grounds and buildings which are accessed by the public. You will also maintain the smooth running of the Hospital Building for the flexible exhibition, pop-up café, meetings, and events.

The Caretaker Officer will:

• Open and close the Trust’s buildings as and when required.
• Prepare the buildings to be open for the public daily.
• Ensure that maintenance and security checks are conducted daily.
• Undertake the ambassadorial role for the Hospital Building and John Cowane’s House with the public.
• Monitor air conditioning and heating levels in all buildings.
• Repair equipment, place orders, and manage contractors.
• Prepare main hall and grounds for all meetings and events.
• Work with relevant sub-contractors on any specified maintenance requirements, including grounds works.
• Overseeing surveillance whilst being the principle key holder.
• Ensure the health and safety of yourself and others during operational hours

Essential:

The Caretaker Officer will be an experienced and efficient person who displays the necessary qualities to take on the responsibility of managing buildings and grounds for public use. Previous experience in caretaker management within a diverse organisation would be desirable but not essential. No formal qualifications are required. However, the following skills and/or experience are desired:

Skills/abilities:

• A can do, proactive, energetic attitude towards your work and people.
• A good self-starter/manager.
• Customer focused.
• Ability to prioritise is essential.
• You need to be a strong team player, prepared to get your hands dirty.
• A proactive approach to issues and challenges.
• Take ownership.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Discretion and confidentiality.

Experience:

The Caretaker Officer should be able to demonstrate relevant prior experience in a role where they were responsible for the running and general upkeep of a building(s) as well as dealing with external contractors for meetings or events.

They must be able to demonstrate strong communication skills, a hard work ethic and a flexible approach to their work and surroundings.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in caretaking/hall supervision.
• Experience and knowledge in the security of buildings and surrounding premises.
• Ability to liaise with the public, contractors, and dignitaries.
• Principle key holder.
• Driving licence (essential)

The post is 20 hours per week, with flexible working an option. The FTE salary range is £23,000 to £25,000 DOE, plus generous pension contribution and annual leave allowance.

If you are an experienced and efficient person who displays the necessary qualities to take on the responsibility of managing buildings and grounds for public use, we would love to hear from you. References will be required upon offer of employment. Please send your CV with a covering letter to Lorne Scott, Master & Factor (Chief Executive Officer)

Closing date for applications is Monday 16th December 2024. A full job description is also available on request. Please note that only those shortlisted for interviews will be notified, with those successful applicants then being interviewed in January 2025