Mechanical Engineer (District Heating Networks Inspector)
PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
* To provide expert technical support to the Engineering and Compliance Department.
* To ensure the engineering services within the Council’s housing stock are installed, serviced and maintained to a standard and quality required by policy and regulatory requirements.
* To ensure the services remain suitable for use for the purpose they were intended and that any work necessary or instructed is carried out as efficiently and effectively as possible with due regard to the policies and procedures of the Council.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. Use technical expertise to inspect, specify and analyse repairs required to a wide range of defects, both domestic and commercial/industrial (including major defects). Aiming to carry out cost-effective repairs with the minimum disruption to service delivery. To include the production and presentation of detailed technical specifications and reports on the Council’s computer systems.
2. Monitor and check repairs and maintenance work to ensure that they are completed to the required standard within agreed timescales and to the satisfaction of the residents and relevant Housing Services staff.
3. Maintain control of costs by specifying accurately and completely all the work necessary for the rectification of a defect. Agree any necessary unforeseen extras as promptly as possible.
4. Manage and monitor installation, service and maintenance contracts to ensure compliance with the Council’s requirements.
5. Provide technical support in disrepair cases, ensuring that repairs are carried out on time and in line with agreed standards.
6. Compile technical reports and all other relevant documentation for presentation at court. Represent the Council at court in relation to technical engineering issues.
7. Manage contractor performance on a daily basis, ensuring adherence to set targets and improved repair, installation, service and maintenance service.
8. Embrace the Council’s commitment to modern ways of working, including the use and continued development of mobile handheld technology.
9. Ensure contractor compliance with Health and Safety legislation and protocols on all sites where engineering works are being undertaken.
10. Ensure compliance with Council and statutory responsibilities on repair legislation and contract management.
11. Check and verify contractors' variation claims for work content and quality.
JOB CONTEXT:
* Reporting to: Responsible to the Contract Manager but works without supervision whilst on site (Mechanical Engineer also responsible to Senior Heating/Mechanical Engineers).
* Responsible for: Will be required to supervise/instruct contractors on site. Assists administration staff in raising orders of a more involved or technical nature.
* Financial Responsibilities: Manage contracts and repairs with an average budget of £5m pa.
Decisions will have a direct impact on service delivery to approximately 45,000 tenanted dwellings, which will be related to the level of risk to life and limb plus the preservation of plant/equipment and building fabric on a Borough-wide scale.
Contacts:
* Internal: Council staff at all levels and across all departments.
* External: With contractor’s representatives, Members, tenants and tenant organisations, resident associations and working parties, members of the public, consultants, surveyors, architects, court-appointed joint experts, legal representatives, utility companies/services, emergency services, and other outside agencies.
Grade/Conditions of Service:
* Contractual hours: 36 hours, Monday to Friday.
Special Conditions of Service:
* Must be available for 'call out' outside normal office hours, weekends and public holidays, when required. In order to make complex, urgent decisions of an emergency criteria. A defined standby rota will operate.
* Must demonstrate an understanding of the issues relating to equal opportunities in service delivery and provision within the Housing Services department. To actively promote ways of eradicating racism, sexism and other forms of negative discrimination through the Council’s policies and procedures.
* To comply with the Council's Health & Safety Policy.
* The employment is subject to a probationary period of twenty-six weeks from your start date of employment with Southwark Council, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council’s satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you are employed.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
The person specification is a picture of skills, knowledge and experience required to carry out the job.
Knowledge, including educational qualifications:
* City and Guilds or HNC in Building Services Engineering or equivalent or be working toward this qualification or have extensive appropriate experience.
* Relevant Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) Gas Certificates of Competence for domestic, industrial and commercial gas installations.
* Certificate of competence for unvented hot water systems.
* Electrical defined scope levels B and C Certificate (Part P).
* Detailed understanding of all regulations, standards, Approved Codes of Practice and Health and Safety procedures.
* Successful completion of Asbestos Awareness training course.
* Successful completion of Working at Heights training.
Experience:
* Sound previous experience of the installation, service and maintenance of industrial/commercial and domestic building services. Including: heating, hot water, potable cold water, communal cold-water storage, ventilation.
* Sound previous experience of the installation, service and maintenance of industrial/commercial air conditioning, boosted cold water and laundry and sewage/public health.
* Previous experience of understanding the day-to-day operation of a large, complex, commercial Building Services Planned Preventative Maintenance regime.
* Experience of carrying out complex pre-, intermediate and post site surveys/inspections. Undertake diagnostic and quality control inspections of engineering plant and equipment, providing advice and solutions to complex engineering problems.
* Production of detailed technical reports and specifications in electronic form.
* Understanding of site supervision relating to installation, service and repair & maintenance contracts from inception to completion, including attendance and participation in site/technical meetings.
* Experience of liaising with and managing external contractors, consultants, quantity surveyors and other related professionals.
* Directly dealing with residents and members of the public on a front-line basis.
* Ability to work in a closely-knit team environment but be able to work independently and on own initiative.
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a wide range of people.
* Able to effectively plan and organise a wide and challenging workload. To be self-motivated, able to work under pressure, both autonomously and within a corporate structure, able to instigate change within a complex environment.
* Able to explain complex information clearly to members of the public, staff and contractors within a professional environment.
* Ability to use MS Word & Excel packages.
Special Conditions of Recruitment:
* In exceptional circumstances to work outside normal working hours to respond to emergencies or attend meetings.
* The post holder will be required to have a valid U.K driving licence and will be deemed an essential car user to carry out their duty borough-wide.
* Must be sufficiently mobile to be able to carry out the tasks required, i.e. need to be able to climb ladders, access cellars, walk over uneven ground, work within confined spaces (e.g. crawl ducts) and work at heights.
* Must be aware of the risks associated with working with machinery, very hot surfaces and hazardous materials.
* Will be required to wear protective clothing and use safety equipment where appropriate.
* Work at any site/location within the Borough as required to carry out duty.
* Comply with and promote the Council’s Equal opportunities policy.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
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