Mechanical Operative

Mechanical Operative

Plymouth Full-Time 26000 - 37000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Mechanical Operative, handling gas mains repairs and emergency responses.
  • Company: We're a leading gas distribution business in Wales and the south-west, committed to sustainable energy.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and comprehensive training with career progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making a real impact on energy services and community safety.
  • Qualifications: Basic engineering skills, customer awareness, and a full UK driving licence are essential.
  • Other info: Safety is key; all offers are subject to drug and alcohol screening.

The predicted salary is between 26000 - 37000 ÂŁ per year.

Location

Open to Torquay, Cullompton or Plymouth

Salary

ÂŁ30,633 rising to ÂŁ33,992

Contract

Permanent (Full Time)

Closing date

25th August 2025

Working hours

7.75 hours per day, 38.75 hours per week Monday to Friday between our core working hours 7.30am – 5.30pm. There is also a requirement to work various shift patterns where required which includes weekend and evening work, and participation in a 24/7 standby rota.

Who are we?

We are a gas distribution business that services the gas infrastructure across Wales and the south-west of England. We serve our customers and communities with safe, reliable, and affordable energy services whilst investing to create a sustainable future to deliver our carbon-free vision for 2050.

What we’re looking for?

The purpose of this job is to contribute to a cost effective and customer focused, reliable gas service by carrying out routine and non-routine work across the district under supervision of a team leader.

Working under supervision, the job holder will carry out repairs to our network gas mains and services, attend emergencies and complete all new customer connections work. There is also a requirement to help with the delivery of our Replacement and Capital programmes, to make sure that we can supply all future gas demand.

The job holder will be trained to an appropriate standard to carry out the duties allocated and will receive direction from a First Line Manager or equivalent.

The job holder may well be an experienced practitioner in one aspect of the work, but, with appropriate training may also undertake work across a wider cross section of work.

We’ll trust you to:

  • Receive instructions and requests, plan and organise resources and make appropriate arrangements to ensure that work is carried out efficiently.
  • Lay, connect, disconnect, commission, decommission and maintain pipework, associated plant and equipment; this may involve non-routine work and/or appropriate specialist knowledge
  • Undertake installation and maintenance work on pressure reduction installations, holders, compressor stations, heaters, pipework, valves, filters, meters and associated equipment; this may involve non-routine work and/or appropriate specialist knowledge.
  • Respond to emergencies, participate in standby and undertake testing, survey, detection and diagnostic work which may be of a non-routine nature, reporting results, ensuring safety and taking appropriate action in order to maintain the transportation system and associated equipment
  • Undertake and ensure that excavation, backfill, reinstatement and repair work is carried out to the necessary standards, including the removal of surplus/waste material

You can read a full job description here.

You’ll need to have:

  • Good practical and team working skills
  • Basic engineering principles and skills
  • Customer awareness and care
  • An understanding of on-site health and safety and all aspects of gas safety
  • The ability to follow written and verbal instruction
  • An understanding of the gas supply network and the behaviour of various gases
  • Gas detection equipment and its usage
  • How to deal with internal and external gas emergencies
  • Knowledge of New Roads and Streetworks Act Activities
  • Ability to communicate with fellow workers, management, public officials, site managers and the general public in order to carry out work, deal with routine complaints and ensure that we satisfy our customers and the general public
  • Full UK Driving Licence

We would also love to hear about anything else you feel you could add or bring to the role!

As we are a safety critical organisation, all offers of employment are subject to pre-employment drug & alcohol screening.

What’s in it for you?

  • A competitive salary from ÂŁ30,633 rising to ÂŁ33,992
  • A structured pay & competency framework which rewards skills, competence and enables development and career progression
  • Additional earnings through the standby rota plus overtime and additional work available
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Retirement Savings Plan (pension) with Aviva: 5% employee contribution, with WWU doubling your contribution at 10% – totalling 15%
  • 14 x salary Life Insurance linked to membership of the Retirement Savings Plan
  • “Choices” flexible benefit scheme options including corporate gym memberships, dental insurance, and health cash-plans
  • Access to our Financial Wellbeing Programme – allowing you to manage your benefits flexibly to suit your financial needs
  • Enhanced pay for parental leave
  • Retail discounts and cashback scheme
  • Annual salary review
  • An opportunity to earn a monthly bonus via our incentive scheme
  • Company Sick Pay
  • In-house Occupational Health Team
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Comprehensive training
  • Company vehicle (including vehicle insurance & fuel card), tools, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and uniform

The way we do things

Our Ambition, Priorities and Values inform everything we do as a business – from our strategic planning to the performance management of our colleagues. Our values underpin everything we do and we are committed to creating a working environment that supports and fosters diversity, inclusion and equity, where all of our colleagues feel valued and supported to contribute to their full potential.

We are focused on creating a culture where it doesn’t matter about gender, race, sexuality or disability; it’s about our colleagues’ skills, the way we do things and how we live our values.

You can find out morehere.

Interested?

If you think you’d make a good addition to the team, we would love to hear from you!

To apply, click the link below.

If you would prefer to complete your application form in an alternative format such as Microsoft Word or would like to discuss the role in a little more detail, please contact us atrecruitment@wwutilities.co.ukor on 07971 038 982.

You can also ask us about flexible working practices that may be available or tell us if you have any special requirements during the application process.

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Mechanical Operative employer: Wales & West Utilities

Join a forward-thinking gas distribution company that prioritises safety, reliability, and sustainability in the heart of Wales and the south-west of England. With a competitive salary structure, comprehensive training, and a strong commitment to employee development, we foster a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Enjoy generous benefits including flexible working options, a robust pension plan, and opportunities for career progression, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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Contact Detail:

Wales & West Utilities Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Mechanical Operative

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the gas supply network and the behaviour of various gases. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the industry.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any previous experience you have with emergency response or maintenance work. Being able to discuss specific situations where you've successfully handled emergencies can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your understanding of health and safety regulations, particularly those related to gas safety. Showing that you prioritise safety will resonate well with the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Be ready to talk about your teamwork skills and how you communicate effectively with colleagues and the public. Providing examples of successful collaboration can illustrate your fit for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Operative

Practical Engineering Skills
Team Working Skills
Customer Service Awareness
Health and Safety Knowledge
Gas Safety Understanding
Ability to Follow Instructions
Knowledge of Gas Supply Network
Gas Detection Equipment Proficiency
Emergency Response Skills
Excavation and Reinstatement Techniques
Communication Skills
Full UK Driving Licence
Understanding of New Roads and Streetworks Act
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability to Shift Patterns

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Mechanical Operative position. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with what the company is looking for.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. Emphasise your practical skills, teamwork abilities, and any experience related to gas safety or engineering principles.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the role and how you can contribute to the company's goals. Mention specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your capabilities and commitment to safety and customer service.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a safety-critical role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wales & West Utilities

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'gas mains', 'pressure reduction installations', and 'New Roads and Streetworks Act'. This will help you answer questions confidently.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare to discuss your practical skills and any relevant experience you have in engineering or gas safety. Be ready to provide examples of how you've worked effectively in a team and handled customer interactions.

✨Health and Safety Knowledge

Since this role is safety-critical, be prepared to talk about your understanding of health and safety regulations, especially regarding gas safety. Highlight any training or certifications you have that relate to this area.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or future projects. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to the position.

Mechanical Operative
Wales & West Utilities
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