Cleaning Operative - Various Hour Contracts Available

Role overview

Aberystwyth University is recruiting Cleaning Operatives to support cleaning services across campus buildings. The work is carried out on site under the guidance of the manager or a designated representative. The position is offered on a permanent basis with flexible hour options ranging from 7.5 to 36.5 hours per week.

What the job involves

• Deliver a high standard of cleaning in assigned areas and the spaces immediately outside them, keeping them sanitary and presentable.
• Plan your own workload around building users, giving priority to areas that need to be ready first.
• Use the correct cleaning methods, products and equipment for each task.
• Perform deeper cleans of specified areas when operational needs require it.
• Replenish and monitor cleaning chemicals and supplies stored in the cupboard.
• Remove waste to help maintain a safe and tidy environment.
• Secure areas after cleaning, including shutting windows and locking doors where necessary.
• Join inspections with the manager or nominee.
• Report broken equipment, faults and possible hazards to the line manager.
• Support fire evacuation procedures in residences while on duty.
• Log maintenance needs within your area of responsibility.
• Respond to questions from staff and visitors in the building.
• Attend team meetings and complete required training.
• Carry out reasonable duties assigned by management and any other duties that match the grade.
• Work in any University building as needed and be prepared to take on extra hours from time to time, including evening shifts, depending on business requirements.

Working pattern and availability

Applicants should be able to cover one or more of the following patterns: 6:00 am to 9:00 am Monday to Friday, 8:45 am to 2:00 pm Monday to Friday, and weekend work. The University is asking candidates to choose from the following contract-hour options: up to 15 hours per week, up to 20 hours per week, up to 30 hours per week, or full time.

Qualifications, experience and skills

• Prior cleaning experience is required.
• You should be comfortable speaking face to face, understanding simple instructions and passing information clearly.
• Strong customer service skills are needed to help staff and visitors.
• Willingness to learn basic IT skills is important for using the University website, email, and the Aber People staff account.
• You must work in an orderly way, both independently and as part of a team.
• A flexible attitude, willingness to learn about University and Campus Services requirements, and the ability to follow instructions are essential.
• The role is physically demanding and requires an appropriate level of health and fitness because it includes lifting, carrying, moving furniture, carrying bedding and cleaning equipment, and occasional movement up and down stairs.
• Oral and written Welsh at Level A0 is essential, along with an understanding of the University’s bilingual working environment and the support procedures in place.

Desirable experience and training

• First aid training.
• Manual handling training.
• Knowledge of COSHH or training in safe use of cleaning chemicals.
• Basic health and safety training.
• A customer service qualification.
• Experience in higher education.
• Basic IT ability, including use of the internet and email.
• Oral and written Welsh at Level A1.

Additional questions for applicants

Candidates are asked to confirm whether they can work 6:00 am to 9:00 am Monday to Friday, 8:45 am to 2:00 pm Monday to Friday, and weekends; whether they can travel to the Gogerddan and Llanbadarn sites themselves; and whether they have any previous cleaning or related work experience to share.

How to apply and recruitment notes

Applications must be submitted through the University’s jobs website. The University accepts applications in Welsh or English and treats both equally. It welcomes applicants seeking full-time, part-time, job share, or term-time-only arrangements in order to support a flexible workforce.

Appointments are usually completed within 4 to 8 weeks after the closing date. Applications for this role remain active in the candidate bank for 3 months after a further 3-month period once the vacancy closes; after that, candidates must reapply to remain in the pool for cleaning roles.

For an informal discussion, contact Cathy Green at clg19@aber.ac.uk.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy.
• A 36.5-hour full-time working week.
• 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and University closure days.
• Support for professional development.
• Improved employer contributions to pension schemes.
• Recognition and reward initiatives for staff.
• Free opportunities to learn Welsh.
• Relocation bursary for staff.
• Maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave.
• Discounts on campus gym, hospitality and retail services.

Equal opportunity statement

The University is committed to equality, diversity and bilingual working. It encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in its workforce, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities and female candidates.

Employment visa note

This post is not eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Route.

Reference information

Faculty/Department: Estates, Facilities and Residences. Contract type: Permanent. Full-time / part-time: Full-Time, Part-Time. Weekly hours: 7.5 to 36.5. Reference number: 4622. Posted date: 06/07/2026. Closing date: 12/07/2026.

Contact details

Human Resources, Aberystwyth University, Visulisation Centre, Penglais Campus, Ceredigion, SY23 3BF. Telephone: (01970) 628555. Email: hr@aber.ac.uk.