Student Casual – Summer Cleaning Operative – Cleaning & …, Birmingham

Summer Cleaning Operative Job Context

The Cleaning Services team at the University of Birmingham plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors. During the summer period, we support the preparation and upkeep of student accommodation ahead of the new academic year.

Job Summary

As a member of the Cleaning Services team, you will support the delivery of high‑quality cleaning services across university accommodation during the summer period. Working as part of a wider team, you will carry out a range of cleaning duties to ensure rooms and communal areas are prepared to a high standard for incoming students and conference guests. You will work under the guidance and support of experienced supervisors, who will provide direction, training and ongoing support throughout your assignment.

Main Duties

• Bedroom and Bathroom Cleaning: cleaning student bedrooms to agreed standards, including vacuuming, dusting, wiping surfaces, cleaning walls, and emptying bins; clean en‑suite and shared bathrooms, including toilets, showers, sinks, mirrors, wall surfaces and floors; carry out end‑of‑term deep cleans and turnarounds between occupants.
• Conference and Short Stay Turnarounds: prepare bedrooms and bathrooms for conferences, including bedmaking to hotel standard; clean and reset rooms quickly to meet tight turnaround deadlines for new arrivals.
• Kitchen Cleans: undertake kitchen cleaning to required standard (excluding ovens, hobs, extractor fans); clean fridges and freezers (internal and external); clean cupboard interiors, walls, shelves; clean walls, work surfaces, pipework, furniture and floors.
• Communal Areas: clean corridor areas as directed by the supervisor, including vacuuming, dusting, wiping surfaces, cleaning walls; assist with carpet cleaning using specialist machinery where trained.

General Responsibilities

• Follow instructions and work to schedules set by the Supervisor.
• Use cleaning equipment and chemicals safely and in line with COSHH and health and safety procedures.
• Report maintenance issues, damage, or lost property to the Supervisor promptly.
• Work as part of a team to meet daily targets and service deadlines.
• Always maintain a professional and respectful approach.

Training Requirements

• Mandatory training must be completed before any shifts are allocated.
• Training will include health and safety, manual handling, COSHH, and cleaning standards.
• Additional training will be provided for specialist equipment, including carpet‑cleaning machinery where required.
• No previous experience is required as full training and supervision will be provided.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Available to work from 1st July to 30th September.
• Commitment to working any 5 days out of 7 throughout the contract period.
• Reliable, flexible and able to adapt to changing work schedules.
• Able to carry out physically demanding duties, including bending, reaching, lifting and prolonged standing.
• Willingness to follow instructions and under the direction of a supervisor.
• Willingness to attend mandatory training as required.
• Ability to work effectively within a diverse team and provide a respectful, inclusive service to a diverse range of customers, including students and conference guests.

Further Details

This role offers working hours that meet the operational needs of the service. Occasional weekend work, including Saturdays and Sundays, may be required. Applicants must be available to work on the weekend of 11th and 12th July. Full training will be provided, and shifts will not be allocated until all required training has been successfully completed.

The University of Birmingham restricts all students to working up to 20 hours per week during term time for a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks. If your application is successful and your course does not follow the usual academic term timetable (e.g. PGT, PGR or PhD student), you and your supervisor must formally agree vacation periods if this role exceeds 20 hours per week. International students must apply to the Registry for the appropriate authorised absence.

Only eligible to apply to this role if you are a current University of Birmingham student.

To work you will need to carry out a right to work check. These checks will need to be completed prior to work commencing.

Contact: Mohamed Badra,