Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Motor Vehicle Technician
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Police Vehicle Mechanic – Fleets & Forensics
Cambridgeshire Constabulary
About the Role
At Cambridgeshire Constabulary, we operate a fleet of over 460 vehicles essential for delivering critical services to our diverse community. We’re looking for skilled vehicle mechanics to ensure our fleet remains fully operational, reliable, and ready for action.
As a Police Vehicle Mechanic, your role will involve:
- Maintaining, servicing, and repairing mechanical, electrical, and electronic components of police vehicles and plant to high standards.
- Carrying out safety inspections, diagnostic testing, and troubleshooting to resolve technical issues.
- Responding to breakdowns and addressing urgent mechanical/fleet-related challenges.
- Documenting work accurately, including job sheets, service logs, time sheets, and stores requisitions.
This is a highly technical role where precision, problem-solving, and a commitment to safety are non-negotiable.
Responsibilities
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Mechanical & Diagnostic Expertise
- Perform routine maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics on police vehicles, including engine systems, transmissions, braking systems, electrical components, and tyres.
- Conduct pre-operation safety checks and post-service inspections to meet industry and police force standards.
- Diagnose faults using advanced equipment (scanner tools, multi-meters, and diagnostic software).
- Replace or repair mechanical/electrical components as required.
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Vehicle Emergency Response
- Attend breakdowns and unrecoverable incidents to minimise downtime.
- Troubleshoot vehicle faults on-site under pressure.
- Liaise with fleet operators and police personnel to ensure minimal disruption to operations.
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Administrative & Compliance Tasks
- Complete detailed documentation, including job cards, service records, time sheets, and stores requisitions.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations in workshop environments.
- Maintain up-to-date inventories of fleet parts and tools.
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Collaboration & Initiative
- Work effectively as part of a vehicle maintenance team, sharing best practises and supporting colleagues.
- Operate independently where required, making decisions to resolve operational issues efficiently.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- A good standard of education, typically including GCSEs (A-C/9-4) in Maths and English (or equivalent).
- Apprenticeship or vocational training in motor vehicles (preferably NVQ Level 3 or equivalent).
- City & Guilds Motor Vehicle (Mechanical/Electrical) Level 3 qualification (highly desirable).
- MOT tester qualification (desirable but not essential).
- Digital vehicle diagnostic skills (e.g., experience with scan tools and computerised fault codes).
- Previous experience in a motor vehicle workshop environment (critical).
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Technical Knowledge
- Up-to-date knowledge of health & safety in vehicle workshops, including compliance with PPE and COSHH guidelines.
- Familiarity with police vehicle specifications (e.g., bespoke modifications for radio systems, lighting, fire suppression).
- Experience in a main dealership or similar high-volume workshop (valuable but not mandatory).
- Proficiency across multiple vehicle manufacturers/models (diesel & petrol, hybrids/EVs).
- Knowledge of industry standards (MOT, DVSA regulations, environmental compliance).
Soft Skills & Attributes
- Strong organisational skills to manage multiple repairs/documents under tight deadlines.
- Excellent communication (both oral and written) to liaise with engineering teams, police staff, and external suppliers.
- Problem-solving proficiency to diagnose complex issues quickly.
- Attention to detail to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
- Teamwork & initiative – ability to work independently or as part of a busier team.
- Commercial awareness in parts procurement and cost-effective repairs.
Shifts & Working Conditions
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 0800–1600 (flexibility for overnight shifts to assist with breakdowns may be required).
- Fitness requirements: Lifting and moving heavy/bulky items is part of the role.
- Physically demanding environment: Working in a workshop with exposure to fumes, noise, and oil.
Driving Licence & Clearances
- Full, valid UK driving licence (essential for attending off-site breakdowns).
- Must comply with police standards for security vetting, including:
- Security cleaning (if transferring from a different role/force).
- Possible contact with human resources/supervisor appraisal as part of vetting clearance renewal.
Benefits
Cambridgeshire Constabulary offers a comprehensive benefits package to support your professional and personal development:
Competitive Remuneration
- £33,603 per year (starting salary) progressing to £35,772 with service progression.
- Pension scheme: Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions.
Flexible & Supportive Work Environment
- 24–33 days annual leave (depending on rank).
- Extension support: Sick pay up to six months full, half pay after.
- Family-friendly policies: Occupational maternity/paternity/adoption pay.
- Flexible working options: including compressed hours, job sharing, and Cycle to Work scheme.
Wellbeing & Career Development
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential counselling/legal/financial advice.
- Clause 2 Workplace Assistance – mental health support.
- Blue Light Card for emergency worker discounts.
- Force Lottery – share purchase scheme for on-site events/prices.
- Cycle 2 Work – discounted bike scheme to encourage active commuting.
- Free and confidential counselling support.
- Access to UNISON trade union membership.
- Every month, redeployees receive a £175 discretionary payment.
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Why Join Cambridgeshire Constabulary?
We’re a pioneering and multicultural force policing a diverse population. By working here, you’ll:
- Join a team dedicated to creating safe, thriving communities and delivering outstanding policing for everyone.
- Support victims of crime, vulnerable members of society, and the general public in your role.
- Experience a collaborative work culture that values inclusion and diversity, with structured opportunities for career growth.
Dedication to Inclusion
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee an interview under our Offer an Interview scheme to applicable candidates.
Commitment to Equally Represented Teams
We actively seek applications from all backgrounds, including:
- Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities
- People with disabilities/assisted communication needs
- LGBTQ+ individuals
- Veterans
- Individuals from economically/socially disadvantaged backgrounds
- Faith-based communities
Application Process
Essential Steps Before Applying
- Review the attached role profile, context sheet, and recruitment guidance.
- Internal applicants: Complete probationary period, upload either CV or internal role summary form.
CV Submission Guidelines
- External applicants: Upload a CV with personal CV details removed (address, photo, name, etc.) to ensure fair and equal vetting.
- Non-disclosure behaviours– bona fide qualifications– credibility can be demonstrated via documents (if relevant).
Vetting Required
As part of the 2025 National Guidelines for Vetting, we may contact your current line manager (if transferring roles, renewing clearance, or joining a role involving MV (Manual Vetting) clearance).
Special Consideration
- Redeployment positions are priority eligible.
- Risk of redundancy: priority for internal applicants in the process can apply.
Note on Vetting Process
- BCH Vetting Unit peer-reviewing features may include a Supervisor Appraisal at assessment/trial sets.
- Verify eligibility with your line manager or human resources for vetting fidelity (if required).
Joining a Forward-Thinking Force
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is committed to education, development, and a lifesaving moral purpose. Whether your motivation lies in technical mastery or public service, your contributions will help shape the policing landscape of tomorrow.
If this role resonates with you, apply now—let’s drive toward safer communities together.
[Additional employer information and links available at time of advert closure for full vetting and consideration specifics.]
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