Although the mechanics working on fixed and mobile plant each have their own responsibilities, they are expected to work together and provide engineering support, which is essential to the running of the station. You will need to promote and present a professional image and offer service solutions to other departments and frequently liaise with Vehicles Management team. This will be a challenging and demanding opportunity in an extreme and isolated environment, therefore a positive attitude and a flexible approach are the two most valuable attributes you can possess in these roles.

Duties:

• Service and maintain equipment to the manufacturers’ specifications
• Operate mobile plant when required for snow clearance and general station maintenance
• To carry out repairs to the highest standard
• Keep garage and workshops in a safe and tidy condition
• Maintain detailed spare parts inventory
• Build strong and positive relationships with all departments
• Feedback any important information to Vehicles management
• To promote BAS in a professional manner
• Continually look to develop yourself through courses and other media when available
• Maintain and improve vehicles section profile
• Carry out all work practices in line with company health and safety policy
• Contribute to overall success of operations through teamwork and good communication within BAS
• Assist with other station duties as directed by line management
• Responsible for the provision of the station’s vehicles, and mobile plant equipment

In addition to the duties of maintaining vehicles, the Agricultural Plant Mechanics may be called upon to utilise their skills as general engineers for the other base disciplines, such as carrying out small modification or repairs to scientific equipment. The other shared duties on the station include kitchen assistance, housekeeping duties, Sunday cook and night fire watch etc. These are allocated on a rota basis and are shared by all station members.

Other responsibilities will include:

• The reporting of major problems to the Head of Vehicles Engineering at Cambridge and the Vehicles Engineering Manager on site
• The care, use, and re-ordering of the maintenance materials and spare parts
• The upkeep of the workshop and tools
• Simple monthly and annual reports of machinery hours run, and work completed
• Working with other staff to ensure the operational and safety standards of the station are maintained
• Undertaking general duties as required by the Vehicles Engineering Manager and Station Leader

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

Essential

• Clean driving license and good driving record
• Wide range of relevant experience in the maintenance / overhaul of contractor’s plant, farm machinery or heavy vehicles
• Able to convey technical problems/information
• Proficient in written and spoken English language
• Capable working individually and as part of a team
• Capable of controlling a varied fleet of vehicles, diesel generators, and ancillary plant
• Familiar with P.P.M.
• Ability to adapt successfully to changing situations and environments
• To communicate efficiently and express your ideas clearly and confidently at all levels
• Ability to manage time effectively
• Ability to gather information systematically to establish facts and principles for problem solving
• Excellent technical diagnostics skills
• Ability to use initiative, identify opportunities and be proactive in putting forward ideas and solutions
• You will need to pass a medical test to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions

Desirable

• C&G / N.V.Q. / B. TECH or equivalent, in a mechanical discipline
• Able to work unsupervised
• Able to produce reports
• Consultative decision-making style
• Able to interpret technical manuals and simple schematics

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.