Estates Mechanic

Windsor Forest Colleges group is looking for a Mechanic to join our Berkshire College of Agriculture Estates team on a permanent, full-time basis working 40 hours per week.

The position of Estates Mechanic at BCA Campus involves servicing, maintaining, and repairing agricultural and horticultural equipment, ensuring that machinery like tractors and mowers support the college's educational activities. The role requires maintaining service records, diagnosing mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues, and engaging in welding and fabrication of components for college infrastructure. Responsibilities also include ordering parts, managing fuel supplies, waste materials in adherence to regulations, and collaborating with external contractors to maintain operational standards. Moreover, the Estates Mechanic mentors apprentices or students on work placements and supports curriculum departments with equipment demonstrations and projects. The role involves preparing for public and promotional events, operating vehicles for the Estates department, and ensuring the workshop and yard adhere to safety and security guidelines. Maintaining the COSHH register for workshop materials is vital, and the role also encompasses promoting a discrimination-free environment and safeguarding student welfare, aligning with the Group's values and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Servicing, maintaining, and repairing agricultural and horticultural equipment to support educational activities.
• Diagnosing mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues; engaging in welding and fabrication of components for college infrastructure.
• Ordering parts, managing fuel supplies, and handling waste materials in accordance with regulations.
• Collaborating with external contractors to maintain operational standards.
• Mentoring apprentices or students on work placements and supporting curriculum departments with equipment demonstrations and projects.
• Preparing for public and promotional events; operating vehicles for the Estates department.
• Ensuring the workshop and yard meet safety and security guidelines; maintaining the COSHH register for workshop materials.
• Promoting a discrimination-free environment and safeguarding student welfare, in line with the Group's values and responsibilities.

Qualifications and Skills

Qualifications in agricultural or mechanical engineering, with experience in maintaining agricultural and horticultural machinery. Essential skills include knowledge of engine, hydraulic, and electrical systems, fault-finding efficiency, and sound communication and organizational abilities, together with a practical, methodical approach to tasks. Desired qualifications include certifications in welding, tractor driving, and telehandler operations, supporting the role's demand for flexibility and a positive attitude.

Benefits

• Support roles enjoy 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Career progression opportunities for ambitious staff.
• Access to a wide range of subsidised leisure courses.
• Access to excellent defined benefit pension schemes.
• Free on-site parking at all sites.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Family friendly policies to support Work Life Balance.
• On-site Coffee Shop & Cafeteria.
• Health & wellbeing benefits including discounted gym memberships, confidential staff counselling and discounted hair and beauty treatments at The Salon at Langley College.

How to Apply and Safeguarding

Please be advised that the vacancy will close on 20th March. Interviews will be held on TO BE CONFIRMED. To apply please visit our careers page and complete the online application form, ensuring you address how you meet each of the essential criteria listed on the person specification. Applications will be shortlisted on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS and Barred List check along with other legally required checks which are an essential part of the safeguarding process.