Job Description

Position: Campus Hygiene Operative (Grade UE02)

Location: University of Edinburgh (Kings Buildings, Bioquarter, & Western General)

The University of Edinburgh Estates Department is inviting applications for permanent, part-time cleaning roles. This position is ideal for those seeking stable, early-morning employment within a prestigious academic setting. You will work as part of a dedicated team to maintain high standards of cleanliness across specialized research and teaching campuses.

Key Responsibilities:

Sanitization: General cleaning of offices, laboratories, and communal areas.
Standards: Following specific cleaning protocols to meet university health and safety requirements.
Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues to cover large campus areas efficiently.
Equipment: Utilizing professional cleaning machinery (training provided).

The Schedule:

Hours: 15 hours per week.
Shift: 06:00 to 09:00, Monday through Friday.

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	University of Edinburgh
Locations	Kings Buildings (EH9 3FD), Bioquarter (EH16 4UU), Western General (EH4 2XU)
Grade	UE02
Annual Salary (Full-time)	£24,547
Job Type	Part-time, Permanent (“Open Ended”)
Experience Level	Experience preferred; training provided
Closing Date	26 March 2026
Visa Sponsorship	None (Alternative Right to Work required)

Skills & Competency Table

Skill	Competency Level
General Cleaning	Proficient
Team Collaboration	Essential
Reliability	High (Early morning starts)
Attention to Detail	Advanced
H&S Compliance	Basic / Trained

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Salary Basis	Amount	Hourly Equivalent	Notes
Full-Time (35h)	£24,547	~£13.49	Standard UE02 scale
Pro-Rata (15h)	£10,520	£13.49	Actual Annual Pay
Monthly (Approx.)	£876.67	—	Before tax and pension

Note: The hourly rate of ~£13.49 is significantly above the projected 2026 UK National Living Wage, reflecting the University’s status as a Living Wage Employer.

Job Summary

This is a permanent 15-hour-a-week cleaning role with the University of Edinburgh. Working Monday to Friday, 6 AM to 9 AM, it offers a competitive pro-rata salary and exceptional benefits. It is a high-stability role within a diverse international community, though it does not offer visa sponsorship.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of working for the University?

Beyond the salary, you receive a generous holiday allowance (typically 36+ days pro-rata), a defined benefit pension scheme, and access to the “Mylifestyle” discount portal.

Do I need to be a student or have a degree?

No. There are no degree requirements for this role. It is open to any applicant with the right to work in the UK.

Is there an interview?

Yes, successful applicants will be invited for an interview. You must bring original documents proving your Right to Work in the UK at that stage.

Can I pick my campus?

The university is hiring for three specific campuses; you should specify your preference or proximity to Kings Buildings, Bioquarter, or the Western General in your application.

Expert Analysis & Diversity Statistics

The University of Edinburgh is a “Diversity Champion” and provides transparent data on its workforce. In the UK higher education sector, cleaning and estates roles typically reflect a broad demographic:

Gender: Roughly 58% of the cleaning workforce in the UK is female.
Age: The sector faces an ageing workforce, with 28% of workers aged 55+ and only 9% under 25.
Nationality: While this specific role cannot be sponsored, approximately 31% of the UK’s total cleaning workforce is born overseas, though they must hold independent work authorization (e.g., Settled Status or a Family Visa).

Location & Logistics Guide

The campuses are spread across the city:

Kings Buildings: South Edinburgh, well-served by the 41 and 9 bus routes.
Bioquarter: Near the Royal Infirmary; a major hub for the 33, 49, and 21 buses.
Western General: North-west Edinburgh; accessible via the 38, 42, and 113.

Given the 6 AM start, checking the “Early Bird” bus schedules or having personal transport is highly recommended.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Edinburgh

Career Path

Entry-level estates roles at the University often lead to Chargehand or Supervisor positions (Grade UE03/UE04). The University encourages internal promotion, and many staff members use the stable hours to pursue further vocational training funded or supported by the institution.

To apply for this job please visit www.glassdoor.co.uk.