Multiskilled Technician (Commercial Vehicles) in Newtownards

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL JOB DESCRIPTION

Directorate: Environmental Services

Service: Estates Service

Unit: Transport

Location: Initially Balloo/North Road Depot, however, may be required to work at any location throughout the borough

Reports to: Transport Manager via Technical Officer (Fleet & Plant)

Salary Scale: SO1 SCP 24 26

Car User Status: Casual

PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST

Reporting to the Senior Multiskilled Technician (Commercial Vehicles), the post holder is responsible for preparing, maintaining and repairing the Council's fleet of approximately 200 vehicles and mobile plant. This multiskilled role encompasses vehicle mechanics, vehicle electrics, and coach building (fabrication and bodywork), ensuring all vehicles remain safe, compliant, cost-effective, and operational. Work is completed independently or as part of a team to required standards, regulations and manufacturer specifications.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out routine servicing, major maintenance, safety inspections, and diagnostic investigations on a wide range of vehicles.
• Dismantle, inspect, repair and replace mechanical, electrical and electronic components in line with legislation and manufacturers' specifications.
• Carry out maintenance (routine and major) as per the relevant Service Schedule (e.g. check for damage, replace timing belts, air conditioning repairs, relining and adjusting brakes, tyre replacement and balancing, change oil, replace fluids etc.), inform supervisor of relevant parts required, obtain authorisation and keep accurate records of everything used.
• Install, test and commission specialist systems (e.g., trackers, CCTV, telematics).
• Perform tyre repair/replacement, wheel balancing and four-wheel alignment.
• Diagnose and repair modern vehicle systems including engine management, transmission, ABS, SRS, climate control, anti-theft and specialist equipment.
• Service and repair electric bin lifts, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Use wiring diagrams, manuals and diagnostic tools to identify faults and ensure accurate, cost-effective repairs.
• Undertake fabrication, welding, and structural/bodywork repairs.
• Conduct test drives for diagnostic verification.
• Test, inspect and sign off contractor repairs when required.
• Test and reprogram technical systems as trained.
• Support Transport Manager/insurers with vehicle inspections following collisions.
• Design and build bespoke racking and storage systems.
• Prepare vehicles to MOT standard.
• Use digital devices to record job times, parts used and work completed.
• Prepare new vehicles for service and decommission vehicles being disposed of.
• Maintain a safe, compliant workshop.
• Quality-check contractor work and provide feedback.
• Complete mandatory training and support service improvements.
• Undertake workshop or remote location duties as required.
• Undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post.

Important Notes

This role incorporates multiple trade disciplines (e.g., mechanic, auto electrician, coach builder), and the post holder is expected to be competent across these fields. The responsibilities listed above represent the major duties of the role, but the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the position as directed by management. Multiskilled Technicians must have their own tool kits, comprising all tools necessary to fulfil the role in its entirety. Council will provide SPECIALIST TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT ONLY.

Additional Factors

Physical Effort and Dexterity: Regular lifting, bending, stretching and work in awkward positions, confined spaces and at height or involving the use of a wide range of tools and specialist equipment which may vary in physical intensity on and off ramps.

Working Conditions: Workshop and off-site environments with potential exposure to noise, fumes, dust, poor lighting, temperature extremes, adverse weather and hazardous surroundings associated with vehicle maintenance and repair. The postholder must be comfortable working in these conditions and take appropriate precautions to maintain health, safety, and wellbeing at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process.

• QUALIFICATIONS: Level 3 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair; Trained in forklift operation; IMI Level 3 award in electric/hybrid vehicle system repair and replacement or be willing to achieve this within 12 months of appointment.
• EXPERIENCE: 1 year's experience in hydraulic and pneumatic vehicle systems; 1 year's experience in maintaining a large HGV fleet; Experience of modern-day heavy vehicle engineering, hydraulics and electronics; Experience of diagnosing faults and repairing vehicles using computer based diagnostic equipment; Experience with electric bin lifts; Experience and certified to De-Gas, Re-Gas and record A/C systems in reference to F-Gas regulations.
• KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES: Knowledge of a wide range of vehicles and ability to investigate new problems and develop resolutions and share these with other colleagues; Ability to read wiring diagrams and trace faults; Knowledge and application of health and safety in a workshop environment and also in relation to the use of tools and equipment; Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing; Ability to focus on customer satisfaction and provide a high quality service; Proactively deals with varied situations with limited guidance with the ever changing Industry Technology; Good organisational and problem solving skills.
• OTHER REQUIREMENTS: A valid driving licence; Work involves frequent lifting, bending, stretching, and working in awkward positions, as detailed in the Job Description; Work is carried out in a motor vehicle repair environment, both indoors and outdoors, and may include exposure to hazardous conditions and surroundings associated with vehicle maintenance and repair as detailed in the Job Description; Must be available for emergency work, outside normal working hours; May be required to work overtime on evenings, weekends and public holidays.