Estates Officer

Estates Officers maintain and repair systems that patients and staff in health and care rely on. You will support the operational development and delivery of all estates related matters within designated assignment areas, these include: medical gas pipelines, heating systems, lifts, refrigeration systems, hot and cold water supplies, washers, steamers and disinfectors or fire and other alarms.

You will carry out a range of activities including diagnosing faults, repairing equipment, routine and planned maintenance and the installation of new equipment. Some technicians specialise in one aspect such as electrical or mechanical work, others are multi-skilled.

Estates Officer is also known as Estates Technician, Estates Worker.

Role Characteristics

Maintain and repair building systems and equipment
Diagnose faults and solve technical problems
Carry out routine inspections and maintenance
Help keep buildings safe and compliant
Work with contractors and specialist engineers
Support a safe environment for patients and staff

Skills

Attention to detail
Following instructions
Operating equipment
Problem-solving
Specialist skills
Team work

Day in the life

Watch the video and learn about roles in Estates.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Apply directly

GCSEs

BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels

An apprenticeship

Volunteering or work experience

How to become

There are several ways to start a career as an Estates Officer, whether you're leaving education, looking for your first job or changing careers.

Here are some ideas, and you can explore current opportunities in the section below.

Study a course or qualification - useful qualifications include GCSEs in English, Maths and Science, engineering, construction, electrical installation, plumbing or building services courses, as well as T Levels, BTECs and A Levels.
Build workplace experience - this could be paid work, volunteering, or work experience in construction, maintenance, engineering, facilities management or building services, helping you develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork, attention to detail and practical maintenance work.
Apprenticeships - you can gain experience in the workplace whilst studying a qualification in Building Services Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Estates and Facilities Management.
Applying directly - employers will usually look for good English, maths and science skills, alongside relevant technical knowledge or practical experience. Some employers may also require a driving licence.
Moving from another role - think about how you'll be able to transfer your skills in engineering, construction, electrical work, plumbing, facilities or maintenance into an Estates Officer role.

Where can this role lead

As an Estates Officer, there are lots of opportunities to develop your career across health and care. With experience, you could progress into a Team Leader role, supervising the work of others, and with further experience become an Estates Manager with responsibility for a specific area of a hospital or service. You could also use your engineering and maintenance knowledge to explore related technical careers such as Medical Engineering Technician. The problem-solving, technical and organisational skills you develop help ensure health and care environments remain safe, effective and well maintained for patients, visitors and staff.

Location

Armed Forces
Care Homes
Community Settings
Hospitals
Laboratories
Offices
Prisons

Working hours

Casual Hours
Flexible Hours
Full Time
Part Time
Weekdays
Weekends

Opportunities

BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

T Level Design, Surveying, and Planning for Construction

The T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning is a two-year technical study programme designed with employers to give young people the skills needed to progress into a technician career in the construction industry.

Organisation: Leeds College of Building

View opportunity

Volunteering

Volunteering in Health and Care

Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care

Organisation: Volunteering Opportunities

View opportunity