Job summary
East of England Ambulance Service has a vacancy for a Vehicle Technician at our Chelmsford workshop.
The role is to ensure that all motor vehicle repairs, pre-planned maintenance repairs and vehicle servicing, are completed within an accurate time scale and in a cost-efficient manner on vehicles where appropriate training has been provided.
Working for Workshop Services at East of England Ambulance Services NHS Trust (EEAST) you will also be eligible for the following benefits:
1. Generous NHS Pension Scheme - with opportunity to transfer other pensions into the NHS Pension scheme within first 12 months.
2. hour working week with overtime payable at an enhanced rate for any pre-approved hours above this.
3. Minimum 27 days annual leave (increasing to 29 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service) + 8 days bank holiday equivalent.
4. Annual personal development review and plan to support your career aspirations.
5. Paid sick leave (based upon length of service).
6. Staff uniform including relevant PPE for task.
7. Training and development opportunities with opportunities for career progression in Workshops or perhaps other career areas within EEAST.
8. Free on-site parking.
9. Access to generous discount schemes across wide range of services, eating out, shopping, holidays etc via NHS Discounts and Blue Light Card.
10. 24hr Employee Assistance Program: Occupational Health services including mental health and wellbeing, legal and financial services
Main duties of the job
To provide a safe, effective, and efficient maintenance and repair service within MOT standards for all vehicles and maintained by East of England Ambulance Service.
Responsible for diagnosing faults in vehicles and decide on the extent of the work required, making informed decisions as to the repair or replacement of faulty units.Suitable candidates will have C1 category licence or be willing to work towards this within 6 months of starting which will be fully funded by the Trust, subject to the individual remaining with the organisation for a period of two years.
Please note we participate in the provision of a 24-hour breakdown service necessitating call out from home on a rota basis occasionally both at night/ weekends with appropriate time off the following day in line with the Working Time Directive.
About us
The Fleet Department is responsible for the design, testing and evaluation of operational vehicles, their procurement and issue to A&E Operations, the in-life compliance, service planning and up-time management (operational life) of the vehicle, and the final decommissioning and disposal at the end of their life. It is also responsible for all ordering of lease vehicles to support functions, including business lease cars.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will take full responsibility for taking the initiative, and to make decisions on maintenance and repair of various types of vehicles. Full training with be provided with an expectation to complete in line with Trust compliance standard. Responsible for the servicing, repair and preventative maintenance of all vehicles maintained by East of England Ambulance Service, training and equipment will be provided. Will be required to work in rotation with other Mechanics: (during normal working hours or as an operational requirement). Travel to ambulance stations in EEAST and undertake minor mechanical, electrical and body work repairs and undertake preventative maintenance on all vehicles on such stations. Undertake major/ minor mechanical and electrical repairs at workshops sites across the Trust area. Participate in a rota for 24hr service and repair callouts. Carry out MOT inspections/ repairs as required for MOT tests to EEAST and customer vehicles. To carry out mechanical/ welding repairs as and when required. Responsible for the safe working practices undertaken when dealing with motor vehicle air-conditioning systems. Responsible for full utilisation of the computerised diagnostic equipment available to specific vehicle applications, to assist in the diagnosing of vehicle faults and fault-finding process, training of which will be provided and firmly supported. To carry out repair and maintenance to special applications on vehicles operated by the Trust. Servicing of cots/ stretchers and carry chairs. Complete all necessary documentation, including job cards, service sheets and parts sheets and ensure all are submitted in a timely manner. To arrange vehicle servicing & MOT tests with various Ambulance stations and external customers. Maintains security of stock and equipment used. Keep workshops and equipment clean and tidy, reporting any defective equipment. Account for all stores and equipment used by means of booking out of parts onto job cards. Adhere to and deliver EEAST policies and procedures. Responsible for ensuring that service centre equipment, portable equipment and hand tools are fully checked and maintained in line with Trust policy to meet Health & Safety requirements. Responsible for the maintain compliance with all statutory requirements relating to the disposal of waste produced as a result of the activities of the vehicle, this includes waste oil, oil filters, brake fluid, batteries, waste paint products etc. Travel to breakdowns working outside in varying weather conditions anytime within a 24-hour period when on call. Includes direct exposure to dirt, dust, grease, smell, noise, chemicals and solvents, exhaust fumes, hot engines, manual lifting of weight up 25kg is required, risk of being in the vicinity of body fluids, foul linen sometimes found in the ambulance saloon. All post holders have a responsibility to report risks such as clinical and non-clinical accidents or incidents promptly. They are expected to be familiar with the Trusts use of risk assessments to predict and control risk, as well as the incident reporting system for learning from mistakes and near misses to improve services. Post holders must also attend training identified by their manager or stated by the Trust to be mandatory. All staff are responsible for undertaking scene specific or activity specific risk assessments for non-EEAS premises and reporting identified problems to their line manager for consideration and resolution. Continuous learning is an expectation of the role and the achievement of NVQ higher level qualifications to support and enhance mechanical knowledge. Systematic and methodical approach to vehicle mechanics. Required to provide guidance, support and direction to team members/ colleagues/ new employees as required. Become subject matter experts with the ability to disseminate to other staff members.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
11. IMI Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, or equivalent.
12. Knowledge of procedures for mechanical/electrical maintenance and repair to BTEC/HNC, or City and Guilds, plus relevant training or equivalent.
13. Driving Licence with C1/D1 categories, courses, significant experience of driving vehicles larger than a family saloon car.
Desirable
14. Affiliation to IRTE or IMI.
15. IMI Level 3 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Training or equivalent.
16. IMI Level 3 Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence Auto Electrician or equivalent.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
17. The post holder will have extensive, specialist knowledge and experience of safety practices and techniques in motor vehicle repair.
18. Proficiency in the use of diagnostic equipment and software, demonstrating the ability to interpret diagnostic data and make informed repair decisions.
19. Strong knowledge of software systems related to diagnostic tools and equipment.
20. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with colleagues and external stakeholders in a team-oriented environment.
21. Effective engagement and influencing skills coupled with the ability to develop effective working relationships and to demonstrate professional credibility.
22. Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex vehicle issues efficiently and effectively.
23. Ability to interpret complex information.
24. Able to demonstrate decision making and effective analytical skills.
25. Effective use of IT skills.
26. Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safety in all maintenance and repair activities.
27. Confident in working to tight schedules, in potentially adverse conditions, and achieving results.
Experience
Essential
28. Significant experience working as a vehicle technician, with a focus on diagnosing and repairing a diverse range of mechanical and electrical systems.
29. Previous experience in a business vehicle maintenance environment.
30. Extensive experience in vehicle mechanical engineering.
31. Hands-on experience in current methodologies of mechanical maintenance.
Desirable
32. Experience of working within a busy NHS maintenance environment.