Plumbing Craftsperson

Hours per week: Annualised hours - full time (you will complete on average 36 hours per week)

We are looking to recruit a Plumbing Craftsperson for the delivery of essential planned and reactive maintenance on a variety of plumbing/mechanical installations in a variety of buildings across the RGB Kew estate. Reporting to the Maintenance manager for technical support, the role will provide all aspects of plumbing and mechanical maintenance, including but not limited to:

• Planned Preventative Maintenance
• Fault Finding
• Remedial Repairs
• New Installation Works
• Professional advice

The role is a key function with the Estates department, to ensure the care and protection of the collections and making sure buildings are fit for purpose.

Ensuring effective consultation and collaboration with stakeholders, to address prioritisation, and resolve conflicting objectives/demands where they exist.

More details

The post holder will be Qualified to a minimum of NVQ Level 3, BTEC Certificate or Diploma, City and Guilds level 3 in Engineering (mechanical/plumbing) or equivalent qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience. Proven knowledge, experience, and capability to diagnose faults on plumbing and mechanical equipment in large commercial properties.

The role will be engaged on an annualised hours contract working a 5 over 7-day shift rota.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world's plants and fungi.

The salary for this position is £34,216 - £37,966 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band C]

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking "Apply for this job".

At Kew, our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the insights they bring. When you join us, you will find an organisation that values your perspective and lived experience. You will receive support to achieve your full potential and access opportunities to develop and progress. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing, shaped by the people who work here and the communities we serve. As a disability confident employer, we are breaking down barriers to be an inclusive workplace for everyone.

Whoever you are, and however you experience the world, there is a place for you to grow and belong at Kew.

No agencies please.

Job profile (attached PDF)

Job Profile
Section 1: Job Description
Job Title: Plumbing Craftsperson Post No: 1
Band: C ( £34,216 to £37,966) Job family: Estates Operational Services
Directorate: Resources Section/Dept: Estates & Facilities
No. of Direct Reports: 0 No. of Indirect Reports: 0
Reports to (Position): Estates Technician
Job Purpose:
To del iver RBG Kew's mission by:
The Plumbing Craftsperson actively participates in the delivery and implementation of the Estates maintenance
strategy under the instruction of the Maintenance Manager at RBG Kew. The maintenance strategy underpins the
standards required and constant availability of the built facilities. These standards and service levels being
commensurate with a UNESCO World Heritage Site of major significance, and a centre of excellence for botanical
science.
The Directorate is also responsible for all aspects of the delivery of building maintenance, services maintenance,
facilities management, cleaning, porterage, and office services at RBG Kew. These are delivered through In-
House and contracted services with an operating budget of circa £3.5M per annum.
The successful candidate will be expected to work as part of a team providing support to Gardens, Science,
Administrative and Commercial functions. The Maintenance team carry out Reactive and Planned tasks to assets
and infrastructure to ensure all RBG Kew's, a World Heritage Site of major significance and a centre of excellence
for botanical science, activities are able to be carried out with the minimal of disruption through working a 7-day
rotating shift pattern.
Job Context:
Reporting to the Maintenance Manager you will carry out maintenance to M&E plant and infrastructure and the
delivery and implementation of the planned preventative maintenance and emergency and reactive
maintenance within the RBG Kew Estate.
Key Priorities
Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, you will provide Plumbing support to the Estates Operational team.
This role contributes to the delivery of Estates services including, but not limited to:
• Undertaking mechanical planned maintenance, fault finding & repairs to all plant and equipment including:
o LTHW plant
o Heating systems and controls
o Calorifiers ad Hot Water systems
o Mains Cold Water systems
o Environmental computer-controlled systems (BMS)
o Water softening plant
o RO plant
o Pumping systems
o Plumbing maintenance and installation

Job Profile
o Borehole systems
• To carry out planned preventative maintenance inspections and commissioning tests in accordance with
schedules and procedures.
• To undertake various maintenance and operational works (with training where necessary) across all
areas of the Gardens.
• To undertake the essential planned and reactive maintenance on a variety of plumbing/mechanical
installations in a variety of buildings ranging from domestic to scientific.
• Participate in the out of hours call out which will include weekends.
• Liaise with and direct contractors attending site and inspect contractor works to ensure correct standards.
• Responsible for the Health, Safety and Welfare of self and others, and to always comply with the
requirements of the Health and Safety Regulations.
• Maintain good communication and co-operation with colleagues within RBG Kew in the
provision of services that are managed by the Estates & Facilities department.
• To have a multi skilled approach to a wide range of work outside your core trade skills and be able to
ensure maintenance and minor refurbishment tasks are completed on a first fix basis.
• To organise and prioritise own workload, where required, and to work with minimal supervision and also
have the ability to work successfully as part of a team.
• To provide cover for other team members in cases of annual leave, sickness, and vacancies.
• To maintain and improve skills as required by the job.
• To communicate with colleagues, staff, and visitors in a polite and courteous manner at all times to
ensure a high level of customer care.
• Undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the grade of the post, to suit the operational
needs of the organisation.
Accountabilities :
1. Be responsible for Plumbing installations, maintenance, fault finding & repairs associated with
reactive maintenance tasks reported through the CAFM
40%
2. Support the delivery of planned maintenance tasks as directed from the CAFM 40%
3. Prepare & plan work, materials, and access 20%
Management of Resources
Financial Responsibilities : All staff are responsible for management of their own time and resources.
.
1. This role has no financial responsibilities; however, the post holder is responsible for any tools; equipment,
assets and any other items issued by RBG Kew as part of their role.
Management of People
1. No line management responsibilities
Position within the Team -
Plumbing/Mechanical
Craftsperson
Chief Engineer
Maintenance Manager

Job Profile
Section 2: Person Specification
Education and Experience
Essential
• Minimum of NVQ Level 3, BTEC Certificate or Diploma, City and Guilds level 3 in Engineering
(mechanical/plumbing) or equivalent qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience
• Considerable hands-on experience working with pumps, HVAC, water softeners and RO water.
• Proven knowledge, experience, and capability to diagnose faults on Plumbing and mechanical equipment in large
commercial properties.
• Previously used & operated a building energy management system such as Trend.
• Significant building services experience or apprentice trained.
• Familiar with pre planned maintenance good practise and standard industry activities
• Considerable previous experience in building services engineering practises.
• Ability to use Microsoft packages to intermediate level.
• Working knowledge of CAFM systems
Desirable
• Experience of working with listed buildings and on a major visitor attraction.
• Gas safe or F-Gas, WRAS approved.
• Working knowledge and experience with SFG20
Job Specific Competencies -
Essential
• Self motivated and self directing, capable of working with the minimum supervision to complete assigned tasks.
• Highly collaborative style to problem solving, building, and maintaining strong working relationships.
• Team worker capable of motivating others and developing solutions to problems with others.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, and capable of conversing directly with external customers, senior
management, and contractors under their control.
• A proven hands-on practical approach to problem solving and delivery.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Desirable
• Other trade skills and non-trade skills allied to maintenance of buildings and systems