At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair complex plumbing systems in a beautiful rural school environment.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Downside School with a stunning campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free lunches, and access to leisure facilities.
- Other info: Static role with no commuting and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a historic setting while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Gas Safe registered with relevant plumbing qualifications and experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a fully qualified, Gas Safe registered Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer to join the Works Department at Downside School. The School has a large estate with complex plumbing infrastructure and a wide range of boilers and systems. The post holder will be responsible for undertaking routine maintenance, providing efficient responses to reactive works, and helping ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. The successful candidate may need to work at height, in confined spaces, and respond to occasional emergency callouts on a rota basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake routine servicing, statutory safety inspections, fault diagnosis, and reactive repairs on all gas boilers, plant rooms and ancillary equipment across the estate.
- Manage water distribution, heating loops and hot water storage systems.
- Maintain and monitor hot and cold water services to prevent stagnation and ensure hygiene compliance.
- Liaise with and supervise external contractors during major plant overhauls or other site work.
- Participate in an on‑call emergency response rota to address critical heating or plumbing failures on campus.
Qualifications
- Gas Safe Qualifications (Commercial): Valid COCN1 (or CODNC01), CIGA1, CORT1, ICPN1 and TPCP1/1A.
- Gas Safe Qualifications (Domestic): Valid CCN1 and CENWAT.
- Plumbing/Hot Water: HWSS (G3 Unvented Hot Water Systems certification).
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience working in historic or listed buildings.
- Experience working in an educational environment, preferably a boarding school.
- Basic electrical competence for safe isolation and boiler control fault‑finding.
Benefits
- A highly experienced, professional and supportive team of colleagues.
- A static, single‑site role on a beautiful rural campus (no commuting).
- Complimentary lunches from on‑site caterers.
- Free uniform and safety equipment.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Complimentary access to on‑site leisure facilities, including indoor swimming pool, gym and squash courts.
Contractual Details
- Competitive salary between £40,000 and £45,000, dependent on qualifications and experience.
- Working hours: 39 hours per week – Monday‑Thursday 8:00‑16:30, Friday 8:00‑15:30, with a 30‑minute unpaid lunch break.
- Permanent contract – 52 weeks per year with 28 days annual holiday, including bank holidays.
Equal Opportunity and DBS
We strive to be an equal opportunities employer. The successful applicant will be DBS checked.
Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer employer: Downside School
Downside School offers an exceptional working environment for a Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer, situated on a stunning rural campus that fosters a supportive and professional team culture. Employees benefit from a static role with no commuting, complimentary meals, access to leisure facilities, and a competitive salary alongside generous holiday entitlement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful employment and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the plumbing and heating industry. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you. Plus, attending industry events can help us meet potential employers face-to-face.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of past projects or any certifications, bring them along to interviews. We want to see what you can do, so don’t be shy about showcasing your Gas Safe qualifications and any relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for practical tests! Many employers, especially in technical roles like Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer, might ask you to demonstrate your skills on the spot. Brush up on your fault diagnosis and maintenance techniques so we can impress them!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive job listings that you won’t find anywhere else. So, let’s get your application in and land that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Plumber & Heating Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:Make sure to highlight your Gas Safe qualifications and any relevant certifications right at the start. We want to see that you’ve got the skills to tackle our complex plumbing systems!
Tailor Your Experience:When you’re writing about your past roles, focus on experiences that relate to working in educational environments or historic buildings. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do here at Downside School.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Downside School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Gas Safe qualifications and relevant plumbing regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience with different systems, especially in complex environments like schools or historic buildings.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled tricky plumbing issues in the past. Think about times when you had to diagnose faults quickly or respond to emergencies, as this will show your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the School's Environment
Research Downside School and its facilities. Understanding the unique challenges of maintaining a large estate will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to take on the job.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. Inquire about the types of projects you might be involved in or how the on-call rota works, showing that you're genuinely interested in the position.
