Army - Vehicle Mechanic

Vehicle Fitters across the Army have a keen eye for the finer detail, are enthusiastic about delivering the highest level of standards, all whilst working as part of a team to deliver results as efficiently as possible to meet our customer's expectations.

101 Regiment Royal Artillery require a Skill Zone 3 Vehicle Mechanic (VM) to work at Kingston Park, Newcastle. This is an exciting opportunity to become a member of the workshop (WKSP) team that support the British Armys only Armoured Reservist Regiment. The Northumbrian Gunners are the Royal Artillerys Army Reserve unit in the North East of England, and the only reserve unit to hold, maintain and train on the armoured Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The MLRS is a precision fire weapon system, able to engage targets at long ranges with accuracy. Each battery has its own reconnaissance and command sections which control the MLRS movement and firing, as well as the delivery of ammunition.

You will be working as part of a small but lively team supporting vehicle maintenance, recovery and equipment care of a wide range of vehicles, including armoured tracked and wheeled vehicles.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week with the exciting opportunity to achieve that with a flexible approach, some travel will be required in support of sub-unit locations.

As a MOD civil servant, you will work alongside other civilians and military personnel. You will provide servicing, repairs and inspections for a wide range of military vehicles, both tracked and wheeled, which support the Regiment.

You will support equipment including: Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), Support Vehicle (SV), Land Rover and Lightweight Field Generator (LFG) in base location (Kingston Park, Newcastle) and occasionally maybe working at other sub-unit locations (Blythe, Gateshead, South Shields and Leeds). Will be responsible for the safe use and management of all workshop tools/test equipment, WKSP maintenance support equipment and Lifting and Recovery Equipment (LRE). Also responsible for the management of WKSP COSHH and Expense.

As a Vehicle Mechanic, you will service and repair all systems within the vehicle including engine and exhaust systems, air brakes, air conditioning and electronics. Work will range from replacing parts, to complex faults using diagnostic methods and equipment. With evermore-complex technologies, the tasks are constantly changing. As a qualified Vehicle Mechanic in service and maintaining light or heavy vehicles you will continue to develop your trade knowledge on tracked vehicles and specialist artillery specific equipment.

Key responsibilities:

• Routine servicing, fault finding and repair of full range of unit equipment including the Regiments main armoured platform MLRS, in order to run and deliver a timely repair programme that is implemented in an efficient manner.
• Lead the equipment maintenance & inspection regime on Joint Asset Management and Engineering Solutions and Management Information Systems and use 93X series to accurately programme and record work completed, equipment usage and Equipment Support material consumption.
• Ensure all vehicle and equipment related documentation is completed accurately, kept up to date and presented for audit as vital.
• Run and apply legislative standards in respect to the unit Safety Health and Environment plan and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health management.
• The safe use and management of all workshop tools and inspection equipment (i.e. Roller Brake Tester, Headlight Beam Tester, Fume Extraction System as well as vehicle specific Specialist Tools and Test Equipment and Lifting and Recovery Equipment as issued to the trades person.
• Operating machinery and power tools where vital in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and all relevant safe systems of use.
• Any other duties reasonably encouraged of the post holder as advised by the chain of command.
• Be prepared to collect/deliver vehicles and spares to and from other military or civilian sites as well as conducting repairs or fault finding at Sub-Unit locations as required. This may necessitate the post holder having a flexible approach to work patterns and must be willing to work on other unit military sites.
• Attend specific equipment automotive courses and complete mandatory training to meet the responsibilities of the job role.
• Able to make effective engineering decisions, based on knowledge, experience, skills, & technical information

We are looking for a enthusiastic and efficient team player making a positive contribution to morale and output. You will conduct planned inspections, servicing, maintenance, mechanical and electrical repairs on equipment and vehicles in accordance with current regulations/legislation.

Essential Criteria:

• Full UK Driving Licence
• NVQ 3 or equivalent in light or heavy vehicle mechanical qualification or a VM Class 1 or Tri-Service Equivalent.
• Passion and interest in vehicles and engineering
• Motivated and a team player
• Good attention to detail

Desirable skills & experience:

• MOT vehicle examiner.
• Experience working with armoured military equipment.
• Full H Cat drivers licence.
• MLRS automotive maintainer experience.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

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