Mechanical Engineer - 32073

-; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government environmental organization is seeking a Mechanical Engineer in Oxford. You will conduct maintenance on vital water systems and ensure the safety of equipment. Candidates should have an NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering, a valid UK driving license, and the ability to work in all weather conditions. The role includes an on-call rotation, flexible working hours, 25 days annual leave, and an attractive salary.

Benefits

Flexible working

25 days annual leave

Award-winning Pension Fund

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a small, dispersed team.
• Confidence accessing assemblies or platforms using ladders.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and reactive maintenance across the region.
• Attend breakdowns and carry out small projects.
• Participate in an on-call MEICA rotation.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering discipline

Teamwork

Decision making

Weather adaptability

UK driving license

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Tools

Personal Electronic Devices

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - 32073

Number of jobs available: 3

Region: East of England, South East

City/Town: Oxford, Sunbury-on-Thames, Waltham Abbey

Building/Site: DEFRA GRP EA NEWMANS SLUICES STORE, EN9 1BA; DEFRA GRP EA OSNEY LOCK, OX2 0AX; DEFRA GRP EA SUNBURY DEPOT, TW16 6AH

Grade: Staff Grade 4

Post Type: Permanent

Role Type: Environment & Sustainability

Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time

Salary Minimum: £34,320

Closing Date: 16/11/2025, 23:55 hours

Job description

Want to make a difference and help water conveyance within Thames area’s Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM)? Predominantly working across Thames and parts of Hertfordshire and North London, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control & Automation (MEICA) Engineers provide vital, in‑house maintenance and repairs on equipment ranging from 1940’s pumps and Navigable Locks up to the latest PLC‑controlled systems, playing a very important role in protecting people, property and the environment.

In Thames we want to create a diverse workplace where people are respected, valued and listened to. By embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal‑opportunity employer and grow together.

Role overview

As a MEICA Mechanical Engineer your day‑to‑day role involves travelling across the region (work vehicle provided) to conduct routine maintenance, reactive maintenance and attend breakdowns. You will also carry out small projects such as gearbox and drive‑system replacements. These posts are full‑time; the team currently works a 9‑day fortnight with every other Friday off. An Incident Response role will be part of your contract, typically on–call MEICA on a 6‑week rotation.

New starters will receive the training and support needed to succeed. You will be provided with a van, all necessary tools, and Personal Protective Equipment to complete your job safely and to the high standards the Environment Agency sets.

The team

The Field MEICA team is part of the Local FCRM Operations department, undertaking asset management, maintenance and incident response. We are a small, mechanically skilled team that supports both flood risk management and waterways, ensuring that our assets are operating, fit for purpose and safe.

Experience and skills required

• Essential:
• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a Mechanical Engineering discipline.
• Ability to work in a small, dispersed team, potentially the sole engineer on site.
• Ability to make informed, effective engineering decisions and perform timely repairs.
• Confidence accessing assemblies or platforms using ladders and stairwells.
• Use of supplied Personal Electronic Devices to accurately record maintenance activities, faults, and repairs.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions across urban and rural environments.
• A valid UK manual driving licence.
• Ability to travel to the base depot within 60 minutes to respond to incidents.
• Helpful but not essential: experience of hydraulic and mechanical drive systems; nationally recognised welding qualification; awareness of electronic control systems.

Contact and additional information

Please note that this role does not qualify for skilled worker sponsorship. The base location will be at one of our depots in Oxford or Sunbury, from which you will travel to sites across the region. Read the candidate pack and generic role profile along with the advert. We offer an attractive salary, flexible working, 25 days annual leave and an award‑winning Pension Fund. Interviews are expected to begin from 25 November. For questions, contact David Platt at [e-mail].