Job details

Salary: £33,699 rising annually to £36,363 (gross) pro rata per annum.

Employer: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Location: Exeter Clyst St George, Somerset, EX3 0NW

Contract type: Permanent

Working pattern: Full time

Closing date: 18 December 2025 11:59 pm

About the job

Key information

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, has the opportunity for a Technician (Plumbing and Heating) to join our Estates team at our Service Headquarters in Exeter. This is a permanent, full time position (37 hours per week)

What will I be doing?

As an Estates Technician (Plumbing and Heating), you will have specific responsibility for installing, maintaining and repairing plumbing and heating installations at all Service premises across the counties of Devon and Somerset; ensuring all such work is carried out in a safe manner and to all legislative and Service requirements.

You will also assist with both reactive and planned general building maintenance, refurbishments and grounds maintenance works across all Service premises throughout our two counties, ensuring work is carried out to the required standard.

Key Responsibilities

  • To carry out planned and reactive plumbing / heating and other maintenance tasks to include but not limited to the repair or replacement of:
  • Heating systems – boilers, radiators, underfloor heating, heat pumps.
  • Toilet cisterns / pans / seats
  • Unblocking drains, waste pipes and traps.
  • Repair or replacement of hand basins, sinks, taps and associated plumbing.
  • Hot water heater / boiler repairs / replacements including safe isolation and electrical connection.
  • Shower gutter replacements and installations including safe isolation and electrical connection.
  • Gutter and downpipe clearing and replacements.
  • Hose reel repairs / replacements.
  • Thermostat replacements
  • All associated making good following instructions including but not limited to boxing, tiling, shower board, fire stopping etc.
  • To undertake initial fault investigatory work, identify appropriate remedial repairs, with the ability to be self-autonomous, whilst considering Health and Safety requirements, Operational risk and cost (financial / reputational) to the Service.
  • To carry out planned internal and external plumbing to include design and installation of all plumbing systems to fully update as built building information and identification of assets for future planned preventative maintenance.
  • In conjunction with other Estates Technicians, carry out planned internal and external alternations such as kitchen refurbishments, shower room alterations ensuring all plumbing works are in compliance with requisite legislation.
  • If required to, carry out legionella monitoring inspections and identified remedial repairs in relation to Service premises.
  • To assess proposed repair and improvement works in relation to plumbing requirements, identify materials, estimate quantities and obtain prices for materials and/or quotations for identified repairs / works and advise accordingly.
  • To purchase and arrange the delivery of materials and other identified goods to site / service premises to complete tasks in a safe, efficient and effective manner.
  • To assist other Estates Technicians as and when required, with general building maintenance tasks.

To, when required, undertake site supervision of external contractors to include ‘final checks’/’snagging’ to ensure work is carried out in compliance with legislative requirements, Health and Safety legislation, Service policy and to agreed / specified

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career while contributing to the safety of our communities, we want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to create a safer world and become an integral part of our outstanding team.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Estates Technician (Plumbing and Heating) please click ‘apply’ today, we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.

To be eligible to apply for this role you will need to hold the following essential qualifications:

  • Qualified to a minimum of NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in plumbing.
  • Qualified to a minimum of 18th Edition and Part P for electrical installations.
  • Qualified under the WRAS to carry out work on mains water supplies.

What is in it for me?

As a Service and as individuals:

  • We are proud to help
  • We are honest
  • We are respectful
  • We are working together

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to consider working for us.

Joining Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service comes with a fulfilling career, where you make a tangible difference every day. But that’s not all! We value our employees and offer an extensive benefits package.

DBS check

DBS Check required

Supporting documents and information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services’ Safeguarding Policy.

Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and reprimands.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.

Should you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Amanda Chaplin – Facilities and Estates Admin Manager on 01392 872267, or via email: achaplin@dsfire.gov.uk

Apply on the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service website

Apply now