Our current operational estate (buildings used for teaching, research, and administrative activities) is currently valued at £3 billion (Insurance Replacement Cost) and its broad and complex nature presents many demanding challenges, for example some buildings are 800 years old, Grade I Listed and protected by English Heritage, whilst others are new with highly sustainable building fabrics and buildings management systems.

Purpose of the role

The role holder works within the Maintenance Unit of Estate Management to ensure that building services are maintained to a high standard, comply with regulations, are safe and that emergencies are dealt with promptly. To carry out repairs and alterations to the estate both internally and externally within a mechanical maintenance context. As a Plumber the role holder will be required to undertake many varied tasks as a frontline operative. Carrying out routine and reactive tasks to ensure facilities are readily available for university staff. These will include repair and upgrades to toilets, basins, showers, along with completing pipe work repairs to hot and cold water, and small-scale heating services. To ensure the Maintenance Unit workshop and the University building plant rooms are maintained to high housekeeping standards. The role holder will work individually or as part of a small team of fitters and assistants and occasionally a trainee, together with selected specialist contractors in the repair and refurbishment of building services.

Key Responsibilities

• Plumbing and Maintenance Repair - Alterations and repairs throughout the University Estate, using a range of piping materials, including copper and plastic for both emergency and routine repairs. Use technical drawings to locate system components and isolation points. Diagnose faults and identify where replacements parts are required, order the parts through the internal stores system, and complete the process by reporting the work carried out and closing the work order. The role holder will be responsible for replacing all types of sanitary ware including toilets, basins, showers and their associated fittings, whilst having an understanding of hot and cold water systems, and small-scale heating systems. All tasks to be completed whilst adhering to relevant Health and Safety regulations.


• Identifying and ordering spare parts - Identifying faulty parts and working closely with the in[1]house stores team to provide possible alternative solutions where possible. A broad knowledge of sanitary ware and the compatibility of specific parts will be beneficial to the role.


• Responsibility - Complete point of work risk assessments for every task, and job specific risk assessments if needed. May be responsible for an apprentice or an assistant when required. Take a leading role in ensuring Health and Safety is adhered to at all times.


• Administration - Liaises with the Maintenance Unit Helpdesk on a daily basis receiving new and returning completed work orders. Coordinates the supply of materials and parts through the stores and books materials to specific work orders. Ensures returned work order reports are adequately detailed to allow good historical records to be maintained. Communicates with Supervisor at least daily to report on maintenance progress or problems which may affect service level performance, personnel health, safety, or morale. Maintains good discipline amongst staff, communicates regularly with maintenance staff to establish progress and discuss problems which may affect or delay service level performance.


• Training - Regularly reviews personal training needs and reports/recommends suitable training programs and/or courses to the supervisor. Attends regular toolbox talks and reviews group/individual skills/safety training sessions with the maintenance team to improve skills, experience and knowledge in a way that strengthens team spirit and reinforces personal development.

Education:

• Recognised trade apprenticeship or equivalent method.


• NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing and Heating (or approved equivalent).

Experience:

• Experience and knowledge will have been gained in a related or similar discipline.


• Practical skills and proficiency are required in the use of workshop machinery, with both power and hand tools.


• Experience of working on mechanical building services within a commercial setting. Understanding system components and how they work simultaneously.


• Experience of modern and traditional piping systems and possible repairs


• Fault finding and diagnosis experience of plumbing parts.


• The understanding of, and communication experience within a similar setting.


• Knowledge of sanitary ware and its components, along with its compatibility within a particular setting.

Skills

• Practical skills will have been developed through a recognised formal plumbing and heating training course.


• The role holder shall be conversant with Health and Safety Regulations.

Car Parking: The parking is FREE. It is about a 7-minute walk. It is secure parking with a barrier and CCTV.

Hours: Monday - Friday 36.5 hours per week.

Amazing Benefits!