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- Tasks: Join us as a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer, tackling breakdowns and maintaining iconic canal equipment.
- Company: Scottish Canals preserves Scotland's canal network, enhancing community spaces and tackling climate change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, outdoor working allowance, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values heritage, teamwork, and environmental impact while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Must have an engineering apprenticeship or equivalent qualifications and relevant mechanical experience.
- Other info: Flexibility is key; expect outdoor work in all weather and participation in an on-call rota.
The predicted salary is between 34165 - 42500 £ per year.
Job Description
Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to care for and invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities, and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.
As an employer we offer a unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute toward protecting our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now, and in the future.
About the Role
We are currently looking for a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join our team based in Grangemouth covering the Lowlands Canal network. The role is offered on a permanent basis, working 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8am-3.30pm.
Applicants must have served an appropriate, recognised engineering apprenticeship or have equivalent, relevant qualifications, along with practical experience working within the discipline.
Using technical expertise, you will undertake breakdown response, fault investigation, repair, maintenance and improvement works to a variety of equipment and installations throughout the canal network, including The Falkirk Wheel, Automated Moving Bridges, Hydraulic automated Locks.
Desired experience would include installation and maintenance of hydraulic power units, bearings, gearboxes, rotating equipment, actuated valves.
Basic electrical knowledge is desirable, but cross skill training is available.
About the Reward
This role offers a progressive salary starting at £35,532 (Band D) plus 11.25% Variable Hours allowance and £850 Outdoor Working allowance. Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days, plus 10 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution. Salary increases by approximately 3% annually through grade range over 4 years.
About You
Flexibility and initiative are key as responding to emergency breakdowns is part of the role. The post requires frequent outdoor work, in all weather conditions, working both as part of a multi-disciplinary team, as well as without immediate supervision.
Qualifications/Skills/Experience:
- Recognised apprenticeship in an engineering discipline or equivalent qualification
- Relevant mechanical engineering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds, HNC or equivalent).
- Knowledge working within the following areas: Mechanical and Hydraulic.
- Experience working with rotating equipment (pumps, motors, etc.), actuated valves, electrohydraulic systems, cylinder overhaul, fluid pumps and gearboxes.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and manuals.
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Good Communication Skills
- Strong Health & Safety Awareness
- Computer literate with experience of using MS Office Packages
Day to day tasks:
- Working within your skill set, experience, knowledge, training, and ability, deliver the planned preventative maintenance programme.
- Fault investigation and emergency breakdown response.
- Under supervision, produce recommendations to minor problems.
- Providing inspection, monitoring, and reporting on the condition of engineering assets.
- Provide business administration support to ensure accurate documentation and recording of all maintenance activities and duties using asset management software.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues, to ensure technical, health, safety, and environmental performance.
- Participation in an out of hours standby rota as and when required (circa 1 week in 6).
Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Mechanical Maintenance Engineer employer: Scottish Canals
Contact Detail:
Scottish Canals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment and installations mentioned in the job description, such as hydraulic power units and automated locks. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Scottish Canals on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with emergency breakdown responses and fault investigations. Think of specific examples where you've successfully handled similar situations, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your flexibility and initiative by preparing to discuss how you've adapted to changing work conditions in the past. Highlighting your ability to work outdoors and under varying weather conditions will align well with the job requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Mechanical Maintenance Engineer position. Highlight your relevant experience in mechanical engineering, particularly with hydraulic systems and rotating equipment.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your engineering qualifications, apprenticeship details, and any relevant projects or roles that demonstrate your expertise in maintenance and repair.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the organisation. Mention how your background aligns with Scottish Canals' vision and values, and provide examples of how you have successfully handled similar tasks in previous positions.
Highlight Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, emphasise your flexibility, initiative, and communication abilities. Provide examples of how you've worked effectively in teams and managed emergency situations, as these are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Canals
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your technical skills in detail, especially regarding mechanical and hydraulic systems. Highlight any specific experiences you have with rotating equipment, actuated valves, or fault investigation, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Initiative
Since the job involves responding to emergency breakdowns, share examples from your past where you've had to think on your feet or adapt quickly to changing situations. This will show that you can handle the demands of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential, especially when working in a multi-disciplinary team. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as this will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have thoughtful questions ready about the maintenance processes, the types of equipment you'll be working with, and the team's dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
