Depot Operator

The Oil and Pipeline Agency; Torpoint; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 x annual salary life assurance

Group income protection

Pension scheme

Group healthcare scheme

Job summary

The Oil and Pipelines Agency is hiring a Depot Operator for the Thanckes Oil Fuel Depot in Torpoint, Cornwall. You will safely receive, store and distribute middle distillate fuels for HM Navy and other customers, operating tank farm gear, pumps and lifting equipment in a COMAH-regulated environment.

Candidates should hold a clean driving licence, be computer literate, and be prepared for extensive training including Bulk Liquid Operations and Breathing Apparatus/Confined Space.

Qualifications

• Experience in hazardous operations; COMAH environment advantageous but not essential; on-site training provided.
• Strong focus on health and safety in the workplace.
• Medically fit to undergo Breathing Apparatus and Confined Space training.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and be available for on-call overtime.
• Willingness to train as Authorised Persons to support Control of Works obligations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor receipt of product and ensure safe storage and distribution from vessels, pipelines, tanks and road tanker loading.
• Operate tank farm, jetty and road tanker loading equipment per policies and good industry practice.
• Perform fuel sampling, testing and volume measurement per the Fuel Quality Manual and HMRC regulations.
• Operate pumps, valves and other equipment for bulk handling of petroleum liquids.
• Berthing/slipping of vessels and assisting in fuelling, fender deployment and general site maintenance.
• Follow defined on-site emergency procedures.
• Operate Oil Water separators.
• Complete relevant documentation.
• Forklift Truck operations (subject to correct licences and training).

Skills

Hazardous operations

Team player

Computer literacy

On-call readiness

Driving licence

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

The role: We are looking to recruit an additional Depot Operator to be based at our OFD (Oil Fuel Depot), located at Thanckes, Torpoint, Cornwall.

Working as part of a team, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient receipt, storage, and supply of middle distillate fuels for supply to HM Navy and other OPA customers, and normal day to day OFD support operations.

The Depot is an upper tier COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards (2015) site, and all activities need to comply with these regulations. We therefore have a strong focus on ensuring no harm to people or the environment. A strong positive work ethos, attitude, and the ability to remain calm and effective in difficult/emergency situations is essential in this role.

As some occasional travel to other sites may be required, candidates will need to have a full (preferably clean) driving licence.

Responsibilities include:

• Monitor the receipt of product; ensure safe storage and distribution of product from vessels, pipelines, tanks, and road tanker loading.
• Operate tank farm, jetty and road tanker loading equipment to company policies, procedures, and relevant good industry practice.
• Perform fuel sampling, testing and volume measurement duties in accordance with the OPA Fuel Quality Manual and HMRC bonded warehouse obligations.
• Operate and perform basic checks of pumps, valves and other equipment associated with bulk handling of petroleum liquids.
• Berthing and slipping of shipping vessels, assisting in the fuelling of vessels, slinging duties. deployment and recovery of pneumatic fenders and general site maintenance.
• Understand and respond accordingly to defined on-site emergency procedures.
• Operation of Oil Water separators.
• Completion of relevant documentation.
• Forklift Truck operations (subject to correct licences and training).

Full details of the responsibilities can be found in the job description for this role, which is available to download at the top of this advert.

The candidate: Experience in hazardous operations, possibly in a COMAH regulated environment would be an advantage but is not essential, as you will receive extensive training in all aspects of the role, including accredited Bulk Liquid Operations training (both on-site and residential) response.

You should exhibit a strong understanding of health and safety requirements in the workplace as well as demonstrate a safe working record, compliant with systems and procedures, and be medically fit to undergo Breathing Apparatus and Confined Space training.

To enable the career progression we offer in this role, candidates must be computer literate to above average level, and able to show they are a motivated team player, willing and capable to be part of a rostered “on-call” team to undertake overtime at short notice.

We are looking for candidates who are willing to be trained to become qualified AP’s (Authorised Persons) to ensure OPA’s Control of Works obligations are carried out, in compliance with the OPA’s written permit procedure. This will involve permit issuing as well as being at the forefront of ensuring construction/installation of equipment has been done with input from operations team.

Remuneration:A basic starting salary of £31,175per annum, rising to £32,420 once fully trained, plus paid overtime, plus all our other excellent benefits which can be seen below this advert.

Stage 1 Interviews: 19 November 2026 (Face to face, at Site)

Stage 2 Interviews: 26 November (By Teams)

The Organisation

The Oil & Pipelines Agency is a Public Corporation formed by the Oil and Pipelines Act 1985.

Our current primary purpose is to manage, operate and maintain 6 Naval OFD’s (Oil Fuel Depots) and 1 Petroleum Storage Depot in the UK, as well as overseas, on behalf of the MOD. We currently have around 200 employees in the UK.

The Benefits

4 x annual salary life assurance [after probation] & Group Income Protection Policy

Generous
Pension Scheme

Group Healthcare Scheme (permanent staff only)

The Values

PROTECT

PROTECT PEOPLE & THE ENVIRONMENT FROM HARM

RESPONSIBILITY

WE HOLD OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE & ACCEPT OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS

INTEGRITY

INTEGRITY, HONESTY AND AN OPEN CULTURE ENGENDERS TRUST

DIGNITY

BE CONSIDERATE AND RESPECTFUL TO OTHERS

EXCEED

WE STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO

Our Mission

To deliver and enable optimal energy outcomes, in order to enable resilience, operational capability and advantage for UK Defence.

Our Vision

To be the enduring partner of choice for UK Defence operational energy delivery.