Location: Penrith – Includes countywide travel as needed.Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
We are looking to appoint a Building Assistant, who is a highly motivated individual and has a working knowledge of Manual Handling, Health & Safety and hygiene regulations, has an eye for detail and a willingness to learn new skills and apply them to the role.
You will provide portering and janitorial support and general assistance to building users and visitors, including the maintenance of all staff areas (toilets, kitchens, breakout areas, car parks and bin storage areas etc.), log and record daily/weekly/monthly compliance checks, carry out testing of fire alarm systems and many other associated tasks that you may be asked to complete, you must be active, fit and strong as there can be significant elements of manual handling at times.
As part of this role, you will also support the wider facilities team across the County, within our corporate offices and buildings, working with managers/service users/stakeholders to identify and resolve any potential problems so that work can progress as normal. You will also provide security support to the building, ensuring premises are opened/closed on time and the buildings are at all times secure (training will be provided as necessary), this is a very varied role and no two days will be the same.
Who we are looking for…
We are looking for someone who is proactive, reliable, who has relevant experience in an FM related role or has transferable skills from a similar position, one of the most important aspects is a “can do” attitude and a willingness to be flexible to ensure work is completed and problems/issues are resolved promptly.
This role will include travel throughout the geographic footprint of Westmorland & Furness Council, a full driving licence will be required and experience driving a transit sized van with a tail lift would be an advantage but training can be provided if required.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 14 June 2026
Interview date: wc 22 June 2026
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.