MAINTENANCE PERSON

Contract: Permanent
Reports to: Centre Manager

About Us

Cowley Adventure Activity Centre offers year-round residential experiences and exciting activities for children and young people from all backgrounds. Our 30-acre site in the stunning Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to a wide range of adventurous activities — from crate stacking and zip wire to bushcraft, archery, grass sledging, and golf frisbee.

Owned by Girlguiding Gloucestershire, our mission is to create positive, lasting memories for our visitors and inspire a love for the outdoors.

The role

As our maintenance person, you will help keep our site safe, well-presented, and in excellent working order. This includes both indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring they are welcoming, functional, and ready for the many activities and groups we host.

You’ll work closely with staff, volunteers, contractors, and visiting groups, making sure maintenance work is completed efficiently and to a high standard. No two days will be the same — one day you may be mowing the grass or servicing equipment, the next you might be repairing a shower in one of the buildings or assisting with a new project.

What will you be doing?

• Carrying out routine maintenance, repairs, and improvements across the site (indoor and outdoor).
• Ensuring activity equipment, buildings, and grounds are safe, clean, and well-presented.
• Working with the centre manager to prioritise and schedule maintenance tasks.
• Implementing the maintenance programme.
• Liaising with contractors, suppliers, volunteers, and visitors regarding site works.
• Monitoring and maintaining tools, equipment, and machinery to ensure they are in safe working order.
• Responding promptly to urgent maintenance requests.
• Supporting with site preparation for events, residentials, and group bookings, including maintenance of activity equipment where required.
• Complying with all health and safety requirements, risk assessments, and safeguarding procedures.

About you

Essential

• Practical skills in general maintenance (e.g. grass cutting, carpentry, plumbing, painting, groundskeeping).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills and a friendly, approachable manner.
• Flexibility to adapt to varied tasks and priorities.
• A commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for children and young people.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience in a similar role, ideally in an outdoor activity or residential setting.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures and risk assessments.
• Relevant trade qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds, NVQ) or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of Girlguiding and how we work.
• Working hours & conditions
• Annualised hours contract – 546 hours per year (average of 10.5 hours per week), with more hours in peak season and fewer in off-peak season.
• Role may involve occasional evening and weekend work. Core hours will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate.
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions will be required.
• All staff are subject to an enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references.
• Probationary period: 6 months.

What we offer in return

• Being part of a friendly, passionate team in a stunning location.
• Opportunities for training and professional development to support the role (e.g., PAT testing).
• Contributing to life-changing experiences for children and young people.
• Annualised hours contract, allowing flexibility in working patterns.
• Holidays: 28 days of paid holidays including public holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Uniform provided.
• Creating memories, you’ll never forget.

How to apply

Please fill out the application form on our website by clicking on Apply Now, outlining why you are suitable for the role. Return the form to us via the email to the right of this advert.

Candidates shortlisted will be invited to attend an interview at Cowley Adventure on Thursday 23rd October 2025.

For more information, contact our centre manager, Alethea via details to the right of this advert.