Estates Technician (Plumbing and Heating)

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service; Exeter; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional fire and rescue service is hiring an Estates Technician (Plumbing and Heating) in Exeter. The successful applicant will handle installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems. This full-time role offers a salary range of £33,699 to £36,363. Candidates must demonstrate proven plumbing skills and the ability to comply with safety legislation. The closing date for applications is 30 Nov 2025.

Benefits

Extensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven skills in plumbing repairs and maintenance.
• Ability to test and commission work according to legislation.
• Experience working unsupervised and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair plumbing and heating systems.
• Assist with general building maintenance and refurbishments.
• Supervise external contractors and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Plumbing skills

Self-autonomy

Health and Safety knowledge

Estimating quantities

Job description

Join Our Team as an Estates Technician (Plumbing and Heating) at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service!

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non‑metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, has the opportunity for a Technician (Plumbing and Heating) to join our Estates team at our Service Headquarters in Exeter. This is a permanent, full‑time position (37 hours per week) that offers a competitive salary starting at £33,699 rising annually to £36,363 (gross) pro rata per annum.

At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, our mission is to create a safer world by preventing fire and rescue emergencies. We pride ourselves on our fantastic reputation, built on the dedication and expertise of our skilled workforce. By joining us, you will be a key player in enhancing the services we provide across beautiful Devon and Somerset.

As an Estates Technician (Plumbing and Heating), you will have specific responsibility for installing, maintaining and repairing plumbing and heating installations at all Service premises across the counties of Devon and Somerset; ensuring all such work is carried out in a safe manner and to all legislative and Service requirements.

You will also assist with both reactive and planned general building maintenance, refurbishments and grounds maintenance works across all Service premises throughout our two counties, ensuring work is carried out to the required standard.

Key Responsibilities

• To carry out planned and reactive plumbing / heating and other maintenance tasks to include but not limited to the repair or replacement of:


• Heating systems – boilers, radiators, underfloor heating, heat pumps.


• Toilet cisterns / pans / seats.


• Unblocking drains, waste pipes and traps.


• Repair or replacement of hand basins, sinks, taps and associated plumbing.


• Hot water heater / boiler repairs / replacements including safe isolation and electrical connection.


• Shower gutter replacements and installations including safe isolation and electrical connection.


• Gutter and downpipe clearing and replacements.


• Hose reel repairs / replacements.


• Thermostat replacements.


• All associated making good following instructions including but not limited to boxing, tiling, shower board, fire stopping etc.


• To undertake initial fault investigatory work, identify appropriate remedial repairs, with the ability to be self‑autonomous, whilst considering Health and Safety requirements, Operational risk and cost (financial / reputational) to the Service.


• To carry out planned internal and external plumbing to include design and installation of all plumbing systems to fully update as built building information and identification of assets for future planned preventative maintenance.


• In conjunction with other Estates Technicians, carry out planned internal and external alternations such as kitchen refurbishments, shower room alterations ensuring all plumbing works are in compliance with requisite legislation.


• If required to, carry out legionella monitoring inspections and identified remedial repairs in relation to Service premises.


• To assess proposed repair and improvement works in relation to plumbing requirements, identify materials, estimate quantities and obtain prices for materials and/or quotations for identified repairs / works and advise accordingly.


• To purchase and arrange the delivery of materials and other identified goods to site / service premises to complete tasks in a safe, efficient and effective manner.


• To assist other Estates Technicians as and when required, with general building maintenance tasks.


• To, when required, undertake site supervision of external contractors to include ‘final checks’/’snagging’ to ensure work is carried out in compliance with legislative requirements, Health and Safety legislation, Service policy and to agreed / specified.

Should you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Amanda Chaplin – Facilities and Estates Admin Manager on 01392 872267, or via email: [e-mail]

Joining Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service comes with a fulfilling career, where you make a tangible difference every day. But that’s not all! We value our employees and offer an extensive benefits package.

When applying you will be required to complete an application form and submit a document detailing how you meet the following essential criteria taken from the Job Description and Person Specification.

Essential Criteria

• Proven current skills in undertaking plumbing repairs, maintenance and minor installation works.


• Must have the proven ability and experience necessary to test and commission your own work in accordance with relevant legislation.


• Proven ability to work within set timescales and deliver against set targets and to required quality standards.


• Proven ability to work effectively and efficiently unsupervised.


• Proven experience of estimating quantities and procuring appropriate materials within defined timescales and budget.


• Proven experience of working with contractors, site supervision and checking of work standards.

To help you complete this part of the application form please find attached on our job page the word document "Essential Criteria for my Estates Technician– Plumbing and Heating Application" for you to download and complete with your evidence for the above criteria. You can then upload this document where requested when completing your application.

Please note the evidence that you upload to your application should not exceed 2000 words in total (excluding titles).

Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria above will be used to shortlist any applications received.

Closing date

30 Nov 2025