Plumbing & Heating Mechanical Engineer
The closing date is 06 April 2026
Dorset Healthcare Estates and Facilities Directorate are looking to appoint a self-motivated Estates Plumbing & Heating Mechanical Engineer.
The team, based at our new office and workshop facilities in Wareham, delivers 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, you will apply installation, maintenance, technical diagnosis and fault‑finding skills to a range of equipment.
The work is varied, physical and often challenging; candidates should ideally have previous experience in a demanding maintenance environment and can be flexible in their approach.
A programme of professional development training is in place to support progression toward a Competent Person qualification in one or more mechanical disciplines.
The post comes with an on‑call allowance (currently 4.5 %), NHS Pension, 27 days leave per year plus bank holidays, flexible working arrangements, premium‑rate overtime, a tracked vehicle (business use only), workwear and all PPE.
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.
Work 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 health care and non‑clinical premises equipment, including domestic and commercial gas boilers.
Provide a technical diagnostic and fault‑finding service on plant and equipment.
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 with a DBS update service certificate may present a valid DBS certificate instead of a new check.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding joined‑up health services. We run 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.
Our CQC rating of *Outstanding* in 2019 reflects our commitment. 95 % of patients say they have a good or very good experience and 89 % of staff feel they can make a difference.
Our workforce of 7,000 is at the heart of what we do. We build a future‑ready workplace, celebrate diversity and welcome everyone to be authentic.
Joining us means being part of a strong team, challenging yourself, building a career and contributing to our vision of better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise.
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.
We recognise AI can support applications; however, over‑reliance reduces individuality. Any use should enhance rather than create your statement entirely. If we suspect misuse and the statement does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
Dorset HealthCare is partnering with The Princes Trust to support people aged 16‑30 with employability services. Contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net if you wish to offer this support.
Person Specification
Knowledge, Skills and Training
* Good standard of general education
* Completed a relevant recognised Engineering apprenticeship or a certified formal training programme supported by considerable experience
* Experience of a full range of trade procedures, underpinned by theory or practical experience, training on required equipment; level 3 vocational qualification or equivalent plus relevant training
* Demonstrated sound knowledge of key skills: communication, application of numeracy, working with others, self‑learning and problem solving
* Membership of the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) or Gas Safe registration
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 equivalent 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 demanding situations
* 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. A submission for Disclosure must be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous convictions.
Employer name
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year plus R&R payment of £3,500 annually, on‑call payment 4.5 % salary.
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