Assistant Plant Operator

Astute People; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruiting agency in the UK seeks an Assistant Plant Operator to support operations at a Waste to Energy plant in Exeter. The role offers a day rate between £300 and £350 inside IR35 and will commence in November 2025. Candidates should have experience in operating plant equipment and a good understanding of health and safety practices. Possession of relevant licenses and practical skills is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience in operating plant equipment essential.
• Ability to conduct safety inspections and record data.
• Awareness of industrial health and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate plant equipment for efficiency.
• Conduct rounds to check equipment conditions.
• Operate remote access cranes and mobile plant equipment.

Skills

Monitoring and operating plant equipment

General understanding of plant operations

Effective communication skills

Basic maintenance tasks

Use of hand tools

Problem-solving skills

Tools

DCS/SCADA systems

CPCS card

Forklift operating license

Telehandler operating license

Job description

Overview

Astute's Power Team are currently recruiting for an Assistant Plant Operator to join the Operator on an Operational Waste to Energy plant in Exeter on a 3 months initial contract, with a potential for an extension.

The Assistant Plant Operator position offers a day rate from £300.00 to £350.00 per day inside IR35 (PAYE).

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and operating plant equipment, to ensure efficient and continuous plant operations.
• Make plant rounds/inspections to check conditions of plant equipment and record operational data on log sheets.
• Operate handing systems including remote access cranes, traffic management systems and other mobile plant equipment.
• Conduct some basic maintenance tasks as required.
• Proficient with the use of hand tools.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Demonstrate well-rounded general skills with an understanding of plant operations.
• Communicate effectively with a logical approach to problem solving.
• Practical skills including basic fitting or similar would be an advantage, but not essential.
• CPCS card or other Plant Operator licences would be an advantage (forklift/telehandler).
• A good understanding of industrial Health & Safety practices would be an advantage.
• DCS/SCADA experience on an operational plant would be beneficial.

Location, Day Rate and Timeframe

Location: Exeter

Day rate: £300.00 to £350.00 per day (Inside IR35)

Start date: November 2025

Employer and Compliance

INDPOW

Astute People are acting as an employment business in relation to this vacancy. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government's Disability Confident Employer initiative. We endeavour to get back to everyone; however, if you have not heard anything after 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.