Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Plumbing & Heating Mechanical Engineer Estates
The closing date is 04 March 2026
Dorset Healthcare Estates and Facilities Directorate are looking to appoint a self‑motivated Estates Plumbing & Heating Mechanical Engineer.
The team, which are based at our new office and workshop facilities in Wareham, deliver pre‑planned maintenance and repair services to a variety of Trust premises across Dorset, including Community Hospitals, Health Centres, Mental Health Units and Administrative Buildings.
Working closely with colleagues in the building and electrical operational teams, as well as the Estates Leadership, Compliance, and Minor New Works teams, to apply installation, maintenance, technical diagnosis and fault‑finding skills to a range of equipment.
The work is varied, physical, and often challenging, and candidates should ideally have previous experience in a demanding maintenance environment and can be flexible in their approach to work.
A programme of professional development training is in place, that will support a person's progression toward reaching a Competent Person qualification in one or more mechanical disciplines.
The post comes with an on‑call allowance currently at 4.5%, NHS Pension, 27 days leave per year plus bank holidays, flexible working arrangements, overtime paid at premium rates, a tracked vehicle (for business use only), work wear and all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
Main duties of the job
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Working in partnership with Facilities Managers, the Estates Leadership Team, Electrical and Building Officers, and clinical and management staff across the Trust.
Carry out installation, maintenance, servicing and repairs to a full range of specialist Healthcare and healthcare premises equipment, including domestic and commercial gas boilers.
Provide a technical diagnostic and fault‑finding service on plant and equipment.
To provide technical assistance, instruction and training/mentoring to Maintenance Craftsmen and Maintenance Workers on complex maintenance issues.
Provide out of hours cover as part of the Estates On‑Call rota.
Employment in this post requires a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined‑up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward‑looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000‑strong workforce is at the heart of what we do, and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over‑reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare is working in partnership with The Princes Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we are offering an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net.
Person Specification
Knowledge Skills and Training
* Good standard of general education
* Completed a relevant recognised Engineering apprenticeship or completed a relevant certified formal training programme supported by considerable experience.
* Range of work procedures, practices underpinned by theory or practical experience Knowledge of a full range of trade procedures acquired through an accredited training course on required equipment; level 3 vocational qualification or equivalent plus relevant training or equivalent experience, plus additional training and developed skills.
* Must be able to demonstrate sound knowledge of key skills: Communication, Application of numeracy, Working with others, Improving your own learning and Problem Solving
* Membership of the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) or Gas Safe registered
Job Specific Experience
* Engineering experience in a maintenance or service healthcare environment.
* Completed a relevant recognised Maintenance training scheme or an appropriate level City & Guilds certificate / NVQ in a suitable trade or demonstrate equivalent level of experience.
Managerial/supervisory experience
* Ability to motivate others in service delivery and quality improvement initiatives
* Ability to act as technical lead for the practical training of Semi‑Skilled staff and Apprentices
* Experience of engineering in a healthcare maintenance or equivalent service in a healthcare environment
* Ability to communicate with clarity and confidence in a variety of situations which may be demanding and difficult
* Ability to plan, facilitate and evaluate activities to meet Departmental needs and objectives
* Gas Safe Registered.
* Membership of the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) (WRAS) NVQ or Gas Safe registered
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
£31,049 to £37,796 a year, plus R&R Payment Annual £3500 plus On call payment 4.5% Salary
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