Drying and Restoration Technician

Hastings Direct•Knoxville, TN

1d•Remote

About The Position

Hastings Direct is hiring a Drying and Restoration Technician for its growing team. The team visits customers to evaluate insurance claims, take urgent steps to remove debris, and install suitable equipment to restore homes. Technicians manage claims onsite, may offer immediate settlements, or act as the customer’s key contact until building repairs begin. The role is home-based/remote and field-based, requiring travel to different locations throughout the week. The technician assesses building work, carries out repairs and drying-program installations safely, and plans restoration work for escape-of-water incidents. They work directly with customers to agree settlement plans and arrange alternative accommodation or temporary solutions, while coordinating complex cases with surveying leads and supply-chain partners. The role also involves maintaining accurate IT records, managing company-provided equipment and a vehicle, and developing skills through operational support and ongoing training.

Requirements

Extensive experience managing flood and escape-of-water damage, with strong knowledge of restoration best practices, health and safety regulations, and relevant legislation.
Proven expertise across damage perils and restoration scenarios, including hands-on use of specialist tools and equipment.
A proactive approach to diary management and claim volumes.
Experience in domestic property claims and a strong commitment to customer care and professionalism.
Physical capability to carry out property strip-outs and handle equipment.
Proficiency with IT systems and claims management software, such as CoreLogic and Microsoft Teams.
A clean driving licence; subject to DBS and ID checks.
Positive, adaptable attitude and willingness to learn.

Nice To Haves

A qualification in drying and restoration, such as BDMA, or an equivalent.

Responsibilities

Deliver accurate scopes for building works, repairs, and drying-program installations while complying with health and safety standards, safe systems of work, and COSHH regulations.
Identify and apply best practices for escape-of-water incidents, maintain accurate IT records, and plan effective restoration work.
Work with customers to agree settlement plans and arrange alternative accommodation or temporary solutions.
Manage and maintain company-provided equipment and vehicle, and travel to various locations throughout the week.
Escalate complex cases with proposed solutions and collaborate with Surveying Leads and supply-chain partners to resolve claims efficiently.
Provide policyholders with a seamless experience throughout the claims journey.
Develop skills with operational support and contribute to best practices, policy improvements, efficient drying times, and settlements.

Benefits

Competitive salary.
Flexible working, with a flexible hybrid approach.
Annual 4Cs performance bonus scheme.
Life assurance cover worth four times salary.
Income protection at no extra cost.
Matched pension contributions up to 10%.
Discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice, and free access to financial wellbeing support.
Mental wellbeing programme, including the Thrive mental health app, a 24/7 colleague assistance programme, in-house mental health first aiders, support groups, and a dedicated support team.
25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one week.
Health care cashback plans, dental plans, and discounted health assessments.
Cycle-to-work and technology schemes.
Discounted and free onsite facilities and social events throughout the year.