Apprentice Builder
Salary: National minimum/living wage

Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, in conjunction with the Aspinall Foundation, are a charity-based organisation committed to protecting rare and endangered animals from extinction through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. The parks are home of one of the world’s most prized wild animal collections and are one of the biggest visitor attractions in Kent.

At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, we currently have an exciting opportunity for an apprentice builder. This unique opportunity will enable the successful candidate to develop practical and technical skills, whilst building experience by working closely with qualified professionals in the surroundings of the Wild Animal Park. This role will include working towards a Property Maintenance Level 2 NVQ. After successful completion of the apprenticeship, consideration of permanent employment will be given.

Based at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, this full-time post is 40 hours per week inclusive of external training, reporting to the onsite general builder.

As part of this apprenticeship you will:
• Carry out repairs and upgrades as directed and supervised by the general builder.
• Respond to spontaneous calls to carry out unforeseen repairs.
• Work closely with a tradesperson to develop skills in providing accurate certifications of work, while also ensuring they are stored accurately and securely.
• Mitigate any risks to guests, visitors and staff that may arise when carrying out work within the sites.
• Assist with drafting accurately costed estimates of work, making sure that any recommended suppliers are reliable and offer value for money.
• Follow any instructions or guidance issued by the head keepers before working within or in close proximity to any animal enclosures and only commence any such work once permission has been obtained and a risk assessment completed.
• Carry out risk and manual handling assessments as required and always work with the most appropriate PPE.

The Person:
The ideal candidate will be committed to developing their skills, willing to learn, and absorb feedback as well as the ability work under supervision initially. You will be competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications and able to quickly develop a good understanding of preparing estimates, submitting purchase orders and costed estimates using IT systems. You must have good verbal and written communication skills and be polite and approachable. You will also have good organisational skills and be capable of planning work to be carried out during limited time slots and complete work within estimated time periods.

You must either possess a full driving licence for cars and vans with a manual gearbox or willing to obtain a full licence within 12 months of appointment.

Closing date: Friday 6 December 2019

To apply please email your CV along with a covering letter.
or post to: Human Resources, Port Lympne Reserve, Lympne, Kent CT21 4PD.

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