Job Description

Previous applicants need not apply.
Are you an experienced Mechanical craftsperson, looking to develop your career working for the NHS? If so, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust may have the perfect option for you.
Our Estates team is looking to recruit a highly motivated and flexible Mechanical Craftsperson to join our Estates Team at Luton & Dunstable Hospital .Travel between hospital sites may be required. Duties will include carrying out preventative and reactive maintenance to a wide range of building services and equipment. The ability to take part in the on call rota and work overtime is an essential part of this role.
The department is customer focused aiming to provide a high quality service at all times with teamwork, respect and integrity being core values.
Although we have a very strong learning and development function, you will need to have acquired some skills and experience from your career in order for your time with us to be a real success, we have highlighted three of them below:

• Time served (or have equivalent experience) mechanical fitter or plumber
• Have an appropriate qualification in a relevant mechanical discipline
• Thorough experience in the maintenance or service industries

Main duties of the job
To contribute to the provision of a comprehensive and responsive maintenance service to all of the Trusts properties; to diagnose and repair faults and to maintain, by application of craft skills, the building engineering services, plant and equipment.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Details
Date posted
06 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,485 to 30,162 a year Recruitment & Retention Premia of 2,457.75
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
418-EST1766-VR
Job locations
Luton & Dunstable Hospital
Lewsey Rd
Luton
LU4 0DZ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities Identify, diagnose and rectify faults, and carry out repairs and planned maintenance of a general nature of mechanical services, plant and equipment including but not limited to: steam raising plant, air conditioning/ventilation systems, heating systems, water and drainage systems, macerators, catering equipment, ward equipment, decontamination equipment. Carry out reactive and planned maintenance of a more complex nature in the buildings engineering services related to the core skill of the post holder. Fabricate, assemble, erect, install and commission new work, associated with the core skill. Assist team members where other skills are involved. Liaise with clinical staff to arrange shutdowns and maintenance of equipment and plant. Carry out periodic checking, servicing and testing of plant and equipment, in accordance with planned maintenance programmes and schedules. The post will involve working at height, using access equipment, lifting and handling of heavy objects, and working in enclosed spaces such as roof voids and service ducts etc. Familiarise, train or instruct others as appropriate. Day to day supervision of Maintenance Assistants. Comply with H.S.E. procedures and regulations and the Trusts Health and Safety policy, procedures and working practices. Abide by all infection prevention and control procedures. Complete all relevant paperwork systems necessary in the running of the department. Undertake training, where necessary, to improve skills, learn new techniques or to ensure compliance with regulations or procedures. Participate in the oncall arrangements providing 24 hour cover to the hospital. To have the ability to carry out minor duties of other trades when required such as electrical, building and carpentry. Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities Identify, diagnose and rectify faults, and carry out repairs and planned maintenance of a general nature of mechanical services, plant and equipment including but not limited to: steam raising plant, air conditioning/ventilation systems, heating systems, water and drainage systems, macerators, catering equipment, ward equipment, decontamination equipment. Carry out reactive and planned maintenance of a more complex nature in the buildings engineering services related to the core skill of the post holder. Fabricate, assemble, erect, install and commission new work, associated with the core skill. Assist team members where other skills are involved. Liaise with clinical staff to arrange shutdowns and maintenance of equipment and plant. Carry out periodic checking, servicing and testing of plant and equipment, in accordance with planned maintenance programmes and schedules. The post will involve working at height, using access equipment, lifting and handling of heavy objects, and working in enclosed spaces such as roof voids and service ducts etc. Familiarise, train or instruct others as appropriate. Day to day supervision of Maintenance Assistants. Comply with H.S.E. procedures and regulations and the Trusts Health and Safety policy, procedures and working practices. Abide by all infection prevention and control procedures. Complete all relevant paperwork systems necessary in the running of the department. Undertake training, where necessary, to improve skills, learn new techniques or to ensure compliance with regulations or procedures. Participate in the oncall arrangements providing 24 hour cover to the hospital. To have the ability to carry out minor duties of other trades when required such as electrical, building and carpentry.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• NVQ level 3, C&G or equivalent in a relevant mechanical discipline
• Recognised mechanical apprenticeship or equivalent qualification and experience

Desirable

• IOSH Working Safely

Experience
Essential

• Proven experience in a service and/or maintenance role
• Ability to carry out a wide range of mechanical maintenance tasks
• Experience of working within a team

Desirable

• Experience in the maintenance of healthcare building services and equipment
• Experience of on call working
• Experience of lone working

Knowledge
Essential

• Proficient in the safe usage of all tools and equipment required to carry out the tasks required
• Reasonable level of computer skills
• Good awareness of health and safety legislation and experience of working to safe systems of work
• Flexible to multi skilling and responsive to changes in technology

Desirable

• In depth working knowledge of building services engineering
• Basic electrical skills
• Water quality management awareness
• Ability to drive a fork lift truck

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• NVQ level 3, C&G or equivalent in a relevant mechanical discipline
• Recognised mechanical apprenticeship or equivalent qualification and experience

Desirable

• IOSH Working Safely

Experience
Essential

• Proven experience in a service and/or maintenance role
• Ability to carry out a wide range of mechanical maintenance tasks
• Experience of working within a team

Desirable

• Experience in the maintenance of healthcare building services and equipment
• Experience of on call working
• Experience of lone working

Knowledge
Essential

• Proficient in the safe usage of all tools and equipment required to carry out the tasks required
• Reasonable level of computer skills
• Good awareness of health and safety legislation and experience of working to safe systems of work
• Flexible to multi skilling and responsive to changes in technology

Desirable

• In depth working knowledge of building services engineering
• Basic electrical skills
• Water quality management awareness
• Ability to drive a fork lift truck

Skills Required