Band 4 Mechanical Craftsperson, Estates

Role overview

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a capable and proactive Mechanical Craftsperson to join the Estates department. The post supports a service that is essential to patient care, and the successful candidate will help keep mechanical systems safe, reliable, and compliant across the sites.

Skills, training, and experience needed

Applicants should have completed a recognised and registered apprenticeship in City & Guilds, B-TEC ONC, or NVQ2 and above, or hold equivalent recognised training or experience in Mechanical/Plumbing Engineering. The role calls for someone able to work independently, assess risks, prioritise work requests, and make safe decisions on site. Site-specific training may be provided, with support from Estates management to further develop your skills.

Main duties

• Investigate and fix faults on complex mechanical services, plant, and engineering equipment, while adapting to new situations and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
• Check temperatures with a handheld data collection device, identify issues, recalibrate equipment, and repair thermostatic mixing valves, tanks, and calorifiers in line with the Control of Legionella Policy.
• Build, assemble, erect, and install new plumbing systems and associated work.
• Carry out fabrication and repair work on iron pipework of all sizes through screwing or welding.
• Work on steam-raising plant, including distribution and condensate return systems.
• Perform planned preventative maintenance and corrective repairs on heating systems, compressors, motors, pumps, heat recovery systems, ventilation systems, and controls.
• Complete statutory inspections and testing of mechanical services, plant, and equipment, along with the required records and documentation.
• Isolate pumps, motors, and similar equipment when instructed, subject to assessment of electrical competence.
• Handle straightforward tasks, including assisting with fault diagnosis for other trades where appropriate.
• Support repairs to lifts, including emergency evacuation of people, in line with health and safety requirements.
• Install heavy engineering plant using lifting equipment in accordance with Trust policies.

Working pattern and on-call requirements

The post is 37.5 hours per week, with working hours of Monday to Thursday from 8:00am to 4:30pm, including a 1-hour lunch break, and Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm, including a 30-minute lunch break. Emergency overtime may be required, and the successful candidate must be prepared to work without supervision. Participation in the mechanical on-call rota is mandatory; this is currently 1 week in 9. The role also requires the ability to make on-site decisions using your own judgement to help protect patients and staff.

Important information

Please note that sponsorship for a Certificate of Sponsorship (Work Permit) is not available for this position.

About the trust

This is an exciting time to join the trust, with a new hospital planned for Watford, theatre improvements underway at St Albans City Hospital, and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead. The organisation is building on the success of its award-winning virtual hospital and developing new models of care in partnership with others, making greater use of digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing, professional growth, and innovation are central priorities, alongside the trust’s vision of excellent patient care delivered together and its values of being empowered, compassionate, professional, and inclusive.

Flexible working and support

Flexible working options are available, reflecting the importance of work-life balance. If you have a disability or a long-term health condition and need support or guidance, you can contact the recruitment team for assistance. Service leavers, veterans, military reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and partners or spouses of serving personnel are encouraged to identify themselves as part of the Armed Forces Community on the application form.

Application process

The employer may close the advert earlier than planned if there is a high number of applications, so early submission is advised. If you do not receive a response within 3 weeks of applying, you should assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Contact for informal enquiries

For further information or an informal discussion, contact Tony McNamara, Mechanical Estates Manager, by email or telephone.