Facilities Support

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development. 

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

The Facilities Support role helps ensure the Global SKAO headquarters building and surrounding premises are maintained in a safe, clean and well presented condition, in line with organisational standards and best practice.

The role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities that may vary according to operational requirements. Typical duties include supporting office moves and relocations, meeting room support and general maintenance throughout the facility. The successful candidate will be a proactive, customer focused individual with strong attention to detail, capable of working independently and building effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.

Job Location Cheshire, UK (Head Office)

Reporting directly to the Facility Manager, the Facilities Support role will be interacting directly with all levels of SKAO staff, guests and important visitors to the GHQ.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading international research organisation within a vibrant, multicultural environment. Working alongside colleagues from across the globe, the role offers exposure to a diverse, collaborative workplace that values innovation and inclusion.  

The successful candidate will demonstrate a friendly and flexible approach and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders in a dynamic, globally connected setting.

This is a fixed term position with a duration of 3 months, working 16 hours a week, and is basedat the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.

We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities, especially those from member countries. However, for
this role visa and relocation support will not be available and applicants must be able to comply with the terms of a
UK based local contract, details of which may be accessed on SKAO's recruitment portal.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

• Support the Facilities Manager and Events team to ensure the smooth running of events and meetings, including high-profile project meetings and international conferences;
• Monitor and support all staff breakout areas and washrooms, vending equipment, meeting rooms and print hubs as necessary;
• Identify and undertake basic maintenance and cleaning tasks, and report as required;
• Work alongside the Facility Manager to help establish a variety of Standard Operating Procedure standards and an operational framework for a wide and diverse facility service model;
• Support the Facilities Manager to ensure that the building and services provided are compliant with relevant regulations and best practice;
• Support the Facilities Manager to ensure adherence to all Health & Safety procedures;
• Provide first line response to enquiries in an effective, professional and customer-focused manner;
• Work within well-defined guidelines, in terms of service level agreements, company policy and agreed budgets;
• Deal with changing priorities as needs dictate, adjusting work plans as necessary.  This will require concentration and attention to detail when making judgements;
• Seek feedback from customers and handle feedback in a calm, structured and professional manner; and
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Relevant knowledge and experience of working in a facilities service’s environment. Skills will have been acquired either through formal training or experience on the job;
• Understand and appreciate Safety, Health and Environment procedures and Safe Systems of Work;
• Able to coordinate tasks and exercise good judgement in pressurised situations;
• IT literate and conversant in the use of MS Word, Excel etc.;
• Able to plan, organise and prioritise workloads to meet customers’ demands and complete tasks within agreed timeframes;
• Able to work on own initiative, be efficient, flexible, reliable and keen to develop skills and experience;
• Able to challenge in order to further develop the service offer
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Customer focused with attention to detail, taking pride in delivering high standards of facilities for staff and visitors
• A flexible team player who is adaptable to change
• Strong maintenance delivery background with 'first fix' capability 
• Civil maintenance experience and capability

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of FM delivery, ideally with an appropriate FM or Maintenance qualification
• IOSH qualified
• First Aid qualified
• SHE / DSE experience
• General knowledge of all mechanical building related services, such as HVAC and BMS systems
• Experience of catering and event management
• Experience of cleaning services

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. 

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.

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