At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Housing Repairs Team to carry out essential gas and plumbing repairs in homes.
- Company: Be part of Reading Borough Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Work in a friendly team with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Gas Engineer/Plumber with relevant experience and certifications.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and dependable Gas and Plumbing Engineer to join our Housing Repairs Team and support the upkeep of homes throughout Reading. In this hands-on role, you will carry out a variety of gas and plumbing repairs, maintenance tasks and installation work in both occupied and vacant properties. Your contribution will make a meaningful, everyday impact on the safety, warmth and comfort of our residents.
Based at our Bennet Road depot in Reading (RG2 0QX), you will be part of a friendly, supportive and professional team delivering essential gas and plumbing services to our tenants. As a Gas & Plumbing Engineer, you will carry out a mix of reactive repairs and planned maintenance, including servicing and occasional installations. Much of your work will take place in people’s homes, so your technical skills will be matched by your ability to put residents at ease and communicate clearly.
Your day-to-day work will include:
- Carrying out gas repairs, servicing and plumbing works in line with legislation and safety standards
- Diagnosing faults on domestic and commercial gas and plumbing systems
- Completing installations and upgrades as required
- Carrying out minor electrical adjustments within your competence
- Ordering materials and managing supplies through approved channels
- Leaving each property safe, tidy and respected
You will have ownership of your workload, tools, van stock and materials, working efficiently while maintaining the high standards our tenants expect. Accurate record-keeping is also an important part of the role, ensuring transparency and accountability in everything you do.
We provide:
- A fully equipped council vehicle for work use
- All PPE and uniform
- Regular training and development (e.g. asbestos awareness, H&S, safeguarding)
- High-quality tools or tool allowance
Requirements:
- You will be a qualified Gas Engineer / Plumber with a recognised apprenticeship and City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent).
- You will hold current ACS qualifications (including CCN1 and relevant elements) and be Gas Safe registered, or able to become registered.
- You will have strong experience working in occupied properties, with confidence in diagnosing faults and carrying out repairs and installations on domestic and commercial systems.
- You will be comfortable working independently, planning your workload and meeting deadlines.
- Gas Safe registered with relevant domestic and commercial experience
- Proven ability to safely install, maintain and repair gas appliances and heating systems
- Experience working in occupied properties with a customer-focused mindset
- Calm, professional and empathetic approach with residents
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to work flexibly, including out-of-hours emergencies
You will be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you will get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at 19 Bennet Road, Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
Gas and Plumbing Engineer - Housing Repairs Team in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive community where educators can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, teachers are encouraged to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a collaborative environment with dedicated colleagues. Located in a welcoming area, this school prioritises the welfare of its staff and students, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to grow and succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gas and Plumbing Engineer - Housing Repairs Team in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring along a portfolio of your past work or even some testimonials from satisfied customers. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise in gas and plumbing repairs.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a chat! When you get an interview, prepare to discuss not just your technical skills but also how you handle customer interactions. Remember, it’s all about making residents feel comfortable and safe in their homes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings there, so keep checking back for new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Gas and Plumbing Engineer - Housing Repairs Team in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your qualifications and experience in gas and plumbing. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Personable:Since you'll be working in people's homes, it's important to show that you can communicate well and put residents at ease. Share examples of how you've done this in the past!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application to fit the role. Mention specific tasks from the job description that you’ve done before, so we can see you're the right fit for our Housing Repairs Team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to gas and plumbing systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with diagnosing faults, carrying out repairs, and any relevant legislation or safety standards. This will show that you're not just qualified but also confident in your skills.
✨Showcase Your Customer Skills
Since you'll be working in people's homes, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and put residents at ease. Prepare examples of how you've handled customer interactions in the past, especially in challenging situations. This will highlight your calm and professional approach.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations, like a gas leak or an emergency repair. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
The role requires collaboration with your team and flexibility in your work schedule. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked as part of a team in previous roles and your willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, including out-of-hours emergencies.
