Workshop Technician

Job Description

Location: Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9SY
Salary: £32,089 – £32,724 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent | Full-time | Flexible Working Available
Job Grade: Executive Officer (Pay Band 5)
Reference Number: 403484

About Forest Research
Forest Research (FR) is the research agency of the Forestry Commission and the UK’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related science. As a recognised leader in environmental science, we support policy and land management decisions to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises. We offer a collaborative, inclusive work culture with a focus on work-life balance, innovation, and sustainability.

About the Role
As part of the Programmes and Estates team, you’ll play a key role in supporting our science operations through engineering project coordination and facilities management. You’ll ensure research infrastructure is fit for purpose and aligned with health, safety, and environmental standards. This is a hands-on role that includes supervising contractors, delivering maintenance programmes, and contributing to strategic estate planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate engineering projects across FR sites
• Provide day-to-day facilities support and oversee general maintenance
• Ensure facilities meet regulatory and health & safety requirements
• Assist science teams with engineering tasks such as fabrication, fault diagnosis, installation, and repairs
• Manage both planned and reactive maintenance programmes
• Support capital investment projects and supervise external contractors
• Maintain compliance with ISO14001 and support the Greening Government Commitment
• Serve as a first point of contact for staff, tenants, and visitors for facilities issues

Essential Criteria

• A relevant trade or engineering qualification (e.g., SVQ Level 3, City & Guilds, or equivalent)
• Strong practical engineering and maintenance skills
• Experience working in building operations or engineering support
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and health & safety legislation
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and minor works projects within budget
• Proficiency in MS Office
• A full UK driving licence (required for transporting materials and supplies)

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with ISO14001 environmental standards
• Understanding of H&S business processes
• Experience supporting laboratory or research facilities
• Skills in metal or plastic fabrication

Key Behaviours Assessed

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

• Civil Service Pension Scheme with 28.97% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30, plus 8 public holidays and 2.5 privilege days
• Flexible working options including blended work-from-home arrangements
• Paid volunteering leave and parental leave benefits
• Employee discounts and Cycle to Work scheme
• On-site parking and electric vehicle charging
• Access to on-site gym, wellbeing events, and professional development support

Right to Work and Sponsorship
This role is open to UK nationals and other eligible applicants under the Civil Service nationality rules. Forest Research holds a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence. Sponsorship may be available subject to role assessment criteria aligned with workforce planning priorities.

Application Process
Please apply via the Civil Service Jobs portal with the following:

• An up-to-date CV outlining your career history and key achievements
• A 500-word personal statement demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the role, focusing on the essential criteria

Key Dates

Application deadline: [Not specified – check Civil Service Jobs site]

Sift expected: Week commencing 31 March 2025

Interviews expected: Week commencing 7 April 2025

Contact
For queries, email: hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk

Visa Sponsorship

Forest Research holds a Home Office licence to sponsor Skilled Worker visas under the points-based immigration system. Sponsorship for this role may be considered based on:

• Whether the role is identified as a Critical Role in Forest Research’s workforce plan
• Whether it addresses a known Capability Gap
• Evidence of significant recruitment challenges for this position

Applicants who may require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be assessed against these criteria and the Home Office eligibility requirements. For full details, please visit the UK Government’s Skilled Worker visa guidance and consult our internal Sponsorship for Skilled Workers – Guidance for Applicants and Managers.