Plant Inspector

Viva Energy Australia; Geelong; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Viva Energy Australia is seeking an experienced Plant Inspector to safeguard refinery static equipment, drive integrity-related turnaround scope, and deliver risk-based inspection assessments. You will collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Turnaround, and Inspection teams to optimise asset reliability and safety across the refinery.

You will lead inspections, interpret results, and provide practical recommendations for repair, replacement, and fitness-for-service decisions,

Qualifications

• Recognised trade qualification with a minimum of five years relevant trade experience.
• AICIP In-Service Inspector certification or API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector certification.
• Minimum five years' experience in refinery plant engineering, inspection, or asset integrity management preferred.
• Assessor of Quality Assurance Systems qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the integrity of refinery static equipment in accordance with statutory requirements, company standards, and inspection procedures.
• Lead the development of integrity-related turnaround scope and identify cost-effective repair strategies to support ongoing asset safety, integrity, and reliability.
• Maintain inspection records and develop comprehensive equipment histories to support future inspection planning, asset life assessments, and integrity management decisions.
• Investigate equipment failures, integrity incidents, and nominated technical investigations, identifying root causes and recommending preventive actions.
• Deliver assigned Mechanical Threat Assessment (MTA) actions relating to static equipment and corrosion threats.
• Actively participate in the Refinery's RBI Living Program and plan inspection plans.

Skills

Inspection expertise

Risk-based inspection

Asset integrity management

Communication

Turnaround planning

Education

Trade qualification

AICIP In-Service Inspector or API 510

QA systems qualification (preferred)

Mechanical Engineering degree (advantageous)

Tools

NDT coordination

Inspection procedures

Job description

A career with Viva Energy is more than just a job. It’s a chance to join a group of people dedicated to supporting Australia’s evolving energy and convenience needs. We’re a leading retail, industrial and energy business, and we’ve been helping Australians reach their destination for more than 120 years.

Our plans for the future support Australia’s energy transition to sustainable, lower carbon energy solutions. Through our acquisitions of Coles Express and OTR, we provide Australians with outstanding convenience.

At the heart of our plans is people power. People who want to grow and evolve with us. People with new perspectives, energy and passion to drive Viva Energy and their careers forward.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Plant Inspector to play a critical role in maintaining the safety, reliability, and integrity of our refinery's static equipment assets.

Job Description

Reporting to the Integrity Manager, you will be responsible for driving the effective development of integrity-related Turnaround (TA) scope, conducting fabrication and in-service inspections, and providing expert assessment of the mechanical integrity of refinery equipment. You will interpret inspection results, maintain detailed equipment histories, and provide practical, risk-based recommendations regarding continued service, repair, replacement, and fitness-for-service assessments.

A key focus of this role is the development and optimisation of integrity-related turnaround scope, ensuring inspection activities are effectively planned and executed to maximise asset reliability while minimising risk and cost. You will also play a vital role in assessing opportunities for turnaround extensions through sound engineering judgement, inspection data analysis, and risk-based decision making.

Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Turnaround, and Inspection teams, you will identify asset integrity risks, investigate equipment failures, and develop practical solutions that support safe, compliant, and reliable refinery operations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the integrity of refinery static equipment in accordance with statutory requirements, company standards, and inspection procedures.
• Conduct fabrication inspections to verify quality requirements and project objectives are achieved.
• Lead the development of integrity-related turnaround scope and identify cost-effective repair strategies to support ongoing asset safety, integrity, and reliability.
• Maintain inspection records and develop comprehensive equipment histories to support future inspection planning, asset life assessments, and integrity management decisions.
• Investigate equipment failures, integrity incidents, and nominated technical investigations, identifying root causes and recommending preventive actions.
• Deliver assigned Mechanical Threat Assessment (MTA) actions relating to static equipment and corrosion threats.
• Proactively monitor asset condition and respond to emerging integrity threats with urgency and sound technical judgement.
• Assess inspection findings and implement mitigation strategies to prevent recurrence of integrity issues.
• Effectively coordinate and utilise contract NDT personnel to ensure high-quality, cost-effective inspection outcomes.
• Actively participate in the Refinery's Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) "Living Program", including planning, preparation, assessment, implementation, and continuous improvement of inspection plans.
• Determine inspection requirements to assess equipment condition and ensure continued fitness for service.
• Develop recommendations regarding asset end-of-life, repair priorities, replacement strategies, and continued operation.
• Determine equipment out-of-service schedules in accordance with statutory requirements and inspection procedures.
• Plan and execute inspection activities to achieve turnaround and business objectives.
• Assess and mitigate short-term integrity threats identified through both proactive and reactive inspection activities.
• Provide recommendations regarding materials of construction, repair methodologies, and quality requirements for maintenance and capital projects.
• Interpret welding documentation, construction records, quality assurance documentation, and inspection reports.
• Support refinery turnaround planning and execution activities through effective inspection planning and integrity assessments.

Qualifications

About you

You are an experienced inspection professional with strong technical knowledge of static equipment integrity, refinery operations, and risk-based inspection principles. You can confidently assess equipment condition, balance risk and operational requirements, and provide practical recommendations that support safe and reliable plant operation.

You thrive in a collaborative environment and are passionate about finding effective integrity solutions that deliver value to the refinery.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Recognised trade qualification with a minimum of five years relevant trade experience.
• AICIP In-Service Inspector certification or API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector certification.
• Minimum five years' experience in refinery plant engineering, inspection, or asset integrity management preferred.
• Assessor of Quality Assurance Systems qualification preferred.
• Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline is advantageous.
• Sound understanding of continuous process plant operations, ideally within oil refining, petrochemical processing, or oil and gas industries.
• Strong understanding of pressure equipment inspection, degradation mechanisms, and statutory inspection requirements.
• Experience with turnaround planning, inspection execution, and integrity scope development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of technical risk management principles and decision-making aligned to ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively utilise multiple communication channels and adapt messaging for different stakeholders.

What Success Looks Like

• Effective development and delivery of integrity-related turnaround scope.
• Improved reliability and safety of refinery static equipment.
• Timely identification and mitigation of integrity threats.
• Accurate equipment histories and inspection records that support informed decision making.
• Cost-effective repair strategies and asset life management solutions.
• Strong collaboration across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Turnaround, and Integrity teams.
• Proactive contribution to the continuous improvement of refinery inspection and integrity programs.

Our Values & Behaviours

The successful candidate will:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders through a highly collaborative approach.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability for asset integrity outcomes.
• Commit to lifelong learning and maintaining awareness of contemporary industry developments, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Champion assurance, risk management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Apply sound technical judgement and risk-based decision making.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical and sustainable integrity solutions.
• Display professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to safety leadership.

If you are an experienced Plant Inspector looking to play a key role in refinery asset integrity, turnaround planning, and the long-term reliability of critical process equipment, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

About Viva Energy

Join a team that values diversity. Viva Energy is a great place to be yourself. We believe in our people, trust in their positive intentions, and empower everyone to amplify their voice across the business. We value inclusion because that’s how we get the best outcomes.

Awarded the WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for the past five years highlights that we are driven by our people and continuing our focus on making Viva Energy reflect the ever-changing face of Australia.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and encourage and support diversity in our traditional and non-traditional roles.

Please note: This role is being sourced through Viva Energy Australia, therefore we will not be accepting applications via external recruitment agencies.

Only applications from candidates holding full working rights for employment in Australia will be considered.