Role overview
As a Mechanical Fitter you will carry out planned, preventative, and reactive mechanical maintenance across water and wastewater treatment assets. The role ensures the reliability, performance, and regulatory compliance of equipment used in the abstraction, treatment, distribution, and discharge of water.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Maintenance & Repairs
· Perform routine PPM (Planned Preventative Maintenance) on pumps, valves, gearboxes, motors, screens, clarifiers, and associated plant.
· Respond promptly to breakdowns, diagnose mechanical faults, and carry out corrective actions to minimise downtime.
· Install, overhaul, and commission mechanical equipment in line with specifications and industry standards.
· Conduct pipework repairs including flanged, threaded, and welded systems.
Health, Safety & Compliance
· Work to site safety rules, including permit-to-work, confined space entry, and lock-out/tag-out procedures.
· Ensure maintenance tasks align with water industry regulatory standards (e.g., DWI, EA, OFWAT where relevant).
· Maintain high housekeeping and hygiene standards, especially in potable water environments.
Operational Support
· Support engineers and operations teams with asset optimisation and equipment upgrades.
· Assist in shutdowns, plant outages, and installation projects.
· Keep accurate maintenance records using Total mobile/asset management systems.
Continuous Improvement
· Identify opportunities to improve asset reliability and performance.
· Provide feedback on recurring failures and assist in root-cause analysis.
· Support implementation of reliability-centred maintenance practices.
Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
· Strong mechanical fault-finding and problem-solving ability.
· Ability to read technical drawings, P&IDs, and OEM documentation.
· Skilled in maintaining rotating machinery (pumps, blowers, mixers, compressors).
· Experience with mechanical seals, bearings, alignment, and coupling systems.
· Knowledge of water/wastewater treatment processes (preferred).
Personal Attributes
· Good communication and teamwork, working alongside operators, engineers, and contractors.
· Ability to prioritise work, especially during breakdowns.
· Strong safety awareness and compliance-led mindset.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
· Recognised mechanical engineering qualification (NVQ Level 3 / City & Guilds / apprenticeship or equivalent).
· Proven experience as a Mechanical Fitter or Maintenance Technician.
· Experience in an industrial, utilities, or process-plant environment.
· Confined space training (NC1/NC2).
Desirable
· Experience within the water or wastewater industry specifically.
· Water hygiene card (EUSR).
· IOSH Working Safely or similar safety qualification.
· Welding or fabrication skills.
Working Conditions
· Based at treatment works, pumping stations, or regional sites.
· Includes site visits, climbing ladders, confined space areas (with training).
· Participation in standby/rota call-out system may be required.
· Outdoor work in varying weather conditions