Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Our construction colleagues have significant responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of one of the region’s largest property portfolios. With work spanning responsive and planned repairs, cyclical maintenance and emergency out of hours repairs, fire and building safety, disabled adaptations, asset improvement, stores, purchasing and waste, call handling and customer support, this is a high-performing team operating on the front line with a truly vital role to play in ensuring safe living and working conditions for residents and employees of Gateshead.
About the role...
As a Mechanical Engineer you’ll provide budgets/estimates and fixed price quotations to clients for minor mechanical/plumbing works. You will also put together small minor works designs and provide pre-construction information as well as assisting in delivering a mechanical cyclical maintenance programme. You’ll bring specific experience in mechanical, plumbing and HVAC systems and hold an NVQ Level 3 certificate in Heating/Plumbing or an equivalent City & Guilds Craft Certificate.
Working within the Building Maintenance Section to prepare estimates, tenders, produce minor works designs and carry out contract administration of mechanical schemes in schools, public building and housing properties. Support clients and customers with mechanical technical support across a range of systems and buildings.
The role also includes providing technical support to clients and supporting the inhouse operational team with planned and reactive maintenance. You will be part of a team assisting in the delivery of a high quality, customer influenced cyclical, repairs and maintenance and installation service. You’ll also procure and manage contractors and be responsible for health and safety on site, working on your own initiative and as part of a team carrying out works in Schools, Public Buildings and Housing properties all within the Council’s property portfolio.
What you'll need to be successful:
Knowledge
* Principles of construction and relevant legislation
* IT systems including Microsoft Office
* Project Management & Maintenance Programmes
* Understanding of Equality and Diversity legislation
Experience
* Mechanical, plumbing and HVAC systems.
* Managing your own workload and working independently.
* Contract administration of mechanical projects.
* Procurement of subcontractor services and materials.
* Managing financial accounts.
Skills
* NVQ Level 3 qualification in Heating/Plumbing (or equivalent recognised City & Guilds craft certificate).
* HNC in Building Services Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or related field).
* SMSTS qualification.
* Full driving licence.
* Current CSCS card or willingness to work towards.
What’s in it for you
* Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
* Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
* Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive.
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases.
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who's truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We'll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
How to apply
You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.