Caretaker

You would look after buildings such as schools, community centres and flats. You’d check the buildings and arrange repairs and cleaning so they are safe and well-maintained for the people who use them.

You would:

• Supervise cleaning staff

• Do day-to-day maintenance and minor repairs

• Book contractors to do major repairs

• Check that heating, lighting and alarm systems work

• Order fuel, cleaning materials, new equipment and furniture

You’d open the building in the morning and lock it at the end of the day or evening.

You’d arrange the chairs and tables for meetings and clear them away afterwards. If rooms are available for hire then you’d take the bookings for them.

When the building is shut you’d check that the doors and windows are locked. You’d try to prevent vandalism or break-ins.

If you work at a school you might also drive the school minibus to take pupils out on educational trips. The pupils may call you the ‘jannie’.

You could also work as a mobile caretaker and be responsible for buildings at several different locations.

You’d need to understand health and safety regulations, and security and hygiene issues.

• Chartered Institute of Housing - education and learning

• Disclosure Scotland – more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme