The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
Are you a hands‑on technician who thrives on variety and problem‑solving? As a Mechanical Technician in our Engineering & Maintenance team, you will play a vital role in keeping one of the UK’s most distinctive university campuses safe, operational, resilient and compliant.
From the iconic Grade II listed Arts Tower to the state‑of‑the‑art Information Commons, you’ll be working with a wide range of mechanical systems and infrastructure. No two days are the same, you’ll diagnose faults, carry out repairs, and keep critical systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and plant equipment running reliably to support thousands of staff and students.
You’ll be part of a skilled, supportive team who share knowledge and take pride in maintaining our world‑class learning and research environment. If you enjoy tackling technical challenges, working collaboratively, and making a real impact, this role is for you.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Carry out planned and reactive mechanical maintenance across campus through testing, fault finding and repair on a range of services, installations, associated plant, appliances and systems. Complete jobs safely, following correct procedures, on time and in compliance with the University’s policies, current technical legislation and health and safety standards.
- As directed by the supervisor, prioritise jobs in order of urgency, drawing upon depth of knowledge, skills, experience and expertise to deal with the job in hand. Make decisions on the methods to be used.
- Undertake maintenance using a range of tools and techniques including central heating systems, mains cold water, gas services, domestic hot water, low pressure cold water, steam, compressed air etc.
- As directed by the supervisor, liaise with contractors working on University premises ensuring they are carrying out work in accordance with required timescales and University Health and Safety standards. Using in‑depth knowledge of the University, provide advice on technical tasks.
- Liaise with key contacts in University departments to let them know about work being undertaken and keep them up to date with progress.
- Report on stock levels of consumables to enable planned and reactive maintenance to be achieved.
- Maintain personal tools, equipment and vehicles, taking responsibility for the safe keeping of these. Complete regular checks on vehicles to ensure it is in good condition.
- Respond to requests for assistance at the University outside normal working hours in accordance with the departments’ call‑out procedures. The post will be required to participate in a formal on‑call rota to provide emergency responses across the Estate. Participation in this rota will be determined by the University in accordance with the on‑call provisions.
- As a member of our Professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework. For further information see: Sheffield Professional Framework.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
An apprenticeship in mechanical engineering or an equivalent qualification and an industry recognised qualification, e.g. City & Guilds Level 3 or equivalent.
Application/interview
A comprehensive working knowledge of current, relevant health and safety legislation
Application/interview
Knowledge of heating, ventilation, gas, hot and cold water installations as well as of the products and services available for maintaining these.
Application/interview
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to communicate effectively with customers, contractors and suppliers.
Application/interview
Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
Application/interview
Ability to prioritise work and make decisions effectively with an appreciation of longer‑term implications.
Application/interview
A flexible and positive approach to work.
Application/interview
An ability to deal with people at all levels of the organisation in a professional and competent manner.
Application/interview
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Application/interview
A willingness to work out of hours and participate in the On Call rota.
Application/interview
Technical Professional Registration or the willingness to work towards it.
Application/interview
Full current driving license.
Application/interview
Further Information
Grade
5 Work arrangement
Full Time
Line manager
Mechanical Supervisor
Direct reports
None
Our website
www.shef.ac.uk/efm
For informal enquiries about this job contact Paul Baker (Location Manager): on
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes;
- A range of generous family‑friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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