Salary: £44,982 - £49,480 Band D, S1 - the band minimum is the normal starting pay for those new to a role. In exceptional circumstances, when relevant skills and experience can be identified, a higher starting salary may be considered.
Interview Date: 27th April 2025
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an exceptional Engineering Manager to join our Vehicles team. BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams, and keep everyone safe!
Working at BAS is rewarding. Our skilled science, operational and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica, and the Arctic work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know-how, BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure, help sustain a world-leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation.
As a valued member of our team, you’ll be eligible for the following benefits:
* 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days
* Excellent civil service pension (with 26% or more employer contribution, depending on your band)
* 24 hours/365 days access to employee assistance programme (EAP – including support with physical, mental, social, health and financial issues)
* Flexible and family-friendly working opportunities
* Cycle to work scheme
* Access to discounted shopping on a range of retail, leisure and lifestyle categories and much more.
The Vehicles Department's ambition is to ensure that our vehicles fleet provides a high-quality facility for UK research and logistics in the Polar Regions.
Our role is to deliver:
* Antarctic station mobile plant and logistics support to enable operations and logistics
* Provide deep field snowmobiles and tractor trains that enable our science and operations
* Operate our tractor traverse vehicles and associated technology enabling current and future science
You’ll be joining a world-leading interdisciplinary research organisation that is committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career, and giving you the support you need to thrive at BAS.
Main Purpose of Job:
* To be responsible to the Head of Vehicles and Engineering Section for the development, provision and support of vehicles, plant and engineering.
* To have specific responsibility for developing, planning and coordinating the support and maintenance of Halley vehicles, plant and associated technology.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
* The specification, procurement, design, engineering and development, modification and maintenance of Halley vehicles, plant and associated engineering and technology for operations in Antarctica.
* The setting up and support of a planned maintenance system for all vehicles, plant, and workshop equipment. Ensuring all relevant documentation is available and current.
* The supervision and active management on site of Mobile Plant Mechanics and vehicle operators undertaking project and routine maintenance work in both Cambridge and Antarctica. Annual commitment variable of up to 6 months.
* Requirement as directed by line management to deploy outside specific area of responsibility i.e. Rothera, Halley, Traverse to cross-skill knowledge to reduce single point of failure.
* Providing support to Mobile Plant Mechanics, Operators and other site staff in Antarctica. Ensuring relevant standards are adopted and providing advice as necessary on vehicle technology issues.
* Purchase of vehicles, plant, machinery spares to ensure effective use is made of resources.
* Keeping work programmes within schedule and ensuring objectives are met.
* Acting as a professional focus for Mobile Plant Mechanics and Operators.
* Introducing new techniques to overcome the challenges of the polar environment and improve operating efficiency and safety.
It is essential that the post-holder is experienced in off-road heavy vehicles and plant, has appropriate qualifications and has the technical and management ability to lead a team of Mechanics and Operators supporting, developing, installing and maintaining often innovative vehicles and plant in Antarctica. There will be a need to introduce new techniques in the field of polar vehicle technology and engineering. The post-holder must also have the ability to work with a wide range of people including other Engineers, Scientists, Administrators and contractors operating under commercial constraints.
This will be a challenging and demanding opportunity in an extreme and isolated environment where nature rules the day; therefore, a positive attitude and a flexible approach are the two most valuable attributes you can possess in these roles. Applicants to work overseas must also be physically capable and medically fit.
If we’ve just described you, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now at bas.ac.uk/vacancies.
What experiences can we offer you?
At BAS, we believe everyone plays a vital role, is unique and valued; therefore, we embrace diversity as well as equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued.
Different perspectives and collaborative working help us achieve our best work and come together to form a high-performing team which makes positive changes in the business. That’s the power of every individual. Our cultural values are built on mutual respect, inclusion, commitment, and excellence.
If you are looking for an opportunity to work with world-class and amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you.
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