Maintenance Operative (CHP)

Ref Number B28-00322 Professional Expertise Estates, Facilities, Accommodation and Safety Department Finance, Commercial and Estates (B28) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary £36,433-£41,833 Contract Type Permanent Working Type On site Available for Secondment No Closing Date 29-Jun-2026

About us

UCL is a radically different university. Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, we were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women to university education. Today UCL has over 50,000 students and more than 18,000 staff and is one of the world's top universities. We are ranked second in the UK for research power and first in London (REF 2021).

UCL Estates plays a vital role in supporting this community, managing a large and complex estate that underpins world-leading research, teaching and public engagement. The Maintenance Operations team ensures that buildings, systems and infrastructure are safe, reliable and operating effectively across the university.

About the role

We are looking for a Maintenance Operative specialising in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and steam system operation to join our Estates Maintenance Operations team.

This is a hands-on technical role focused on the delivery of both planned and reactive maintenance across critical plant and infrastructure. You will work on systems including CHP plant, district heating, steam and hot water systems, as well as associated controls and building services equipment. A BOAS qualification would be desirable.

You will be responsible for diagnosing faults, responding to breakdowns and carrying out repairs to ensure minimal disruption to services. The role will involve working across multiple disciplines, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing maintenance, supporting the safe and efficient operation of a complex estate.

You will also be involved in planned maintenance programmes, testing and inspection activities, and preparing plant and equipment for statutory compliance. Working closely with colleagues, supervisors and contractors, you will play a key role in maintaining high standards of safety, performance and customer service.

About you

You will have completed a recognised apprenticeship or equivalent training in a mechanical and or electrical discipline, with practical experience working in maintenance operations, ideally within a complex environment.

You will have strong fault-finding skills and be confident working with plant, equipment and systems such as CHP, heating, and associated controls. You are comfortable interpreting drawings, manuals and system data, including using building management systems to monitor and diagnose issues.

You will be a collaborative team player who can also work independently, managing your own workload and responding effectively to changing priorities. You take a methodical approach to your work, maintaining high standards of accuracy, safety and compliance at all times.

Strong communication skills are important in this role. You will be able to engage effectively with colleagues, contractors and building users, providing clear updates and maintaining a strong focus on customer service.

You will also bring a proactive and flexible approach, with the willingness to work across different sites and adapt to the needs of a busy operational environment, always contributing positively to the wider team.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here :

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