Job Description

HGV/LGV Vehicle Technician/Mechanic


Technical 1C

Publish date: Monday 18 August 2025

Closing date: Monday 8 September at 12noon

Salary 38,220.12 - 39,862.30 + four per cent inconvenience shift allowance (39,748.92 - 41,456.51)


You will also be contracted to participate in an out-of-hours call-out agreement, for which you will receive an extra payment (rota is approx one week in every 12, and equates to approx 10 per cent base salary pensionable)

Location

The base location is our Transport Engineering Workshops (TEW) in Perry Barr, Birmingham, B42 2TX. There will also be a requirement to attend different fire service locations and sites, travelling in a brigade vehicle. This will initially be with another employee from TEW.

Working hours

37-hour week, consisting of a three shift pattern

Weeks 1 and 2

Early work pattern, Mon-Thurs 7am to 3pm, Fri 7am to 2.30pm

Week 3

Late pattern, Mon-Thurs 11am to 7pm, Fri 11am to 6.30pm



You will be entitled to 29 days' annual leave, rising to 34 days after five years. You will also receive eight days' Bank Holiday entitlement.

WMFS overview

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people.


Our vision is 'Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier'.


This vision and the strategic goals outlined in 'Our Strategy' are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities

The role and department

Our Transport Engineering Workshops in Perry Barr provide a mechanical and engineering support service to our fire stations across the West Midlands.




The department's primary responsibilities are the design, purchase, maintenance and repair of the service's 136 emergency response vehicles and 144 support vehicles, as well as the associated equipment required by a fire and rescue service, such as ladders, plant and rescue equipment totalling more than 2,000 assets.




The team of vehicle technicians also provide a 24-hour emergency call-out service for our breakdowns and urgent repairs, to ensure the continued availability of frontline fire appliances and equipment in responding to emergency incidents.



The Vehicle Technician role is responsible for day-to-day servicing, predictive and preventative maintenance and repairs to our vehicles, plant and equipment to ensure these remain safe and


operational. Maintaining a safe and clean work station, the successful candidate will possess the competence to diagnose faults in mechanical and electrical systems, to determine the effective repair methods required.

Job Purpose

To be responsible for the day to day servicing, repair and maintenance of vehicles, plant and equipment, maintaining Fleet strength 24 hours a day, working as part of a team of multi-skilled vehicle technicians.

Responsibilities and duties

scheduled, routine maintenance of the service's LGV, PCV and PCL vehicles and equipment, and of other services' vehicles and equipment, to ministry standards and in line with manufacturers' standards and specifications


carry out improvements - mechanical, electrical and bodywork related - as required, to the initial design or function of various vehicles and equipment including accident repairs


use various items of diagnostic equipment and processes to ascertain the serviceability of a vehicle or auxiliary equipment


carry out mechanical and electrical fault-finding diagnostics on various vehicles and equipment, including the use of computer-based programs and diagnostic equipment


provide mobile technician duties to fire stations and other locations when required, to carry out scheduled maintenance and/or ad-hoc repairs to vehicles and/or equipment in a professional manner in line with service values


complete and process all documentation in relation to the servicing and repairs of vehicles and equipment, to comply with legislation as prescribed by the principal workshop technicians using fleet management systems


through ongoing training, be able to deliver a high level of technical knowledge and advice to maintain the high standards required to support compliance with legislation and statutory duties and to facilitate the delivery of effective services


be able to understand and contribute towards the West Midlands Fire Service objectives, supporting the team to deliver the functions and objectives of our action plan


carry out duties in a proactive and responsible way, to reduce the downtime of vehicles/equipment and to help reduce the impact of your work on the environment


help to support through negotiation and team meetings any changes that you feel need to be made to improve standards procedures or processes


liaise with other departments both internally and externally to progress work through the workshop in the timeliest and most cost-effective manner, ensuring that work standard remains at the pinnacle of expectations


ensure all work areas, tools and workshop equipment are kept clean, safe, and serviceable, both on and off site, complying with safe working practices alongside the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974


uphold and actively promote the service's equality and diversity policies


mentor, instruct, train and guide Apprentice Technicians on a one-to-one basis. Issue work to apprentices, and monitor work rate and accuracy in line with TEW standards


work alongside TEW stores in the procurement of various parts and/or tools when maintaining/repairing vehicles and equipment


carry out training as required, to meet greener solutions to protect the environment (EV or hybrid vehicles)


other duties commensurate with the grade of post as required.

Experience and skills

Essential

City and Guilds Level 3 Craft Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or equivalent. Evidence of qualifications will be requested and verified prior to confirmation of appointment


hold an LGV category C driving licence, or possess the ability to achieve it within the 12-month probationary period


ability to demonstrate experience in multi-make commercial vehicle maintenance and repair (or possess the ability to achieve this)


ability to demonstrate high level of competency in diagnostic/electrical fault finding and rectification using diagnostic equipment


experience driving a range of vehicles from small cars to Large Goods Vehicles, or possess the ability to achieve this


ability to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of health and Safety at work requirements relevant to the role, including risk assessments, safe systems of work, Coshh, PUWER/LOLER, manual handling and knowledge of the construction and use regulations


willing to attend training courses both in house and away from home


ability to work independently and as part of a team


good organisational skills.


ability to meet deadlines and time management requirements


high level of verbal and written communication skills


flexibility to work out of working hours when required (to complete tasks assigned)


quick thinking and excellent problem-solving techniques, ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure


demonstration of a 'can do' attitude to the role, and a willingness to find a solution in the face of a vast array of technical problems


demonstrate a professional attitude at all times

Desirable

knowledge of vehicle electrics, hydraulics, plant maintenance, vehicle recovery and attendance of vehicle manufacturers' courses


LGV/PCV category C licence. Training will be given to the correct candidate.


PCV cat D licence


able to wear respiratory equipment if necessary


experience of workshop job sheet computer applications.

Benefits

We offer a friendly, clean and modern working environment, and benefits including:


ongoing training


provision of all relevant personal protective equipment


free, on-site gym facilities


free, on-site parking


service-wide progression opportunities.


We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.


In addition, employees have access to:


24/7 Employee Assistance Programme


Wellbeing programmes


'blue light' discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes


Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.

Diversity

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.


WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.



Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.

How to apply

To apply for this post, please complete the application questions and attached your CV, detailing previous experience to outline your suitability for the role.


When completing your application, please familiarise yourself with the job description and the person specification within this information pack so you understand the essential qualifications, skills and attributes for the role. You will need to demonstrate that you meet all of the essential criteria detailed in the person specification in order to be shortlisted to the next stage. Whether or not you are shortlisted for an interview is based on the information you provide in your application form.

Questions

If you have any questions about the role, would like an informal discussion or workshop tour, please contact Steven Dawson, Workshop Manager, on 0121 380 7568 or by email at steven.dawson@wmfs.net