Operations Technician

EP UK Investments; Carrickfergus; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in Northern Ireland seeks an Operations Technician for the safe operation and monitoring of energy generation units. Candidates should have hands-on experience and complete relevant apprenticeship or training. Responsibilities include ensuring plant efficiency, resolving operational issues, and maintaining safety standards. This role offers benefits like Private Medical Insurance and a Company Pension Scheme.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Company Pension Scheme

Employee Benefits Scheme

Life Assurance Scheme

Qualifications

• Understanding of operational strategies, policies, and technical regulations.
• Hands-on experience with plant equipment.
• Awareness of compliance obligations.

Responsibilities

• Safe and efficient operation of units ensuring all targets are met.
• Liaising with maintenance staff to solve operating problems.
• Carrying out inspections and reporting defects.
• Monitoring plant performance and operational safety.
• Communication with operations and maintenance teams.

Skills

Understanding of plant operations

Hands-on experience in operating and/or maintaining plant equipment

Strong numerical aptitude

Clear communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to uphold high safety standards

Education

Completed a recognised apprenticeship or equivalent training

A-level qualifications or substantial experience in plant operations

Job description

Overview

An opportunity has arisen to recruit a permanent Operations Technician within the Operations Team. The role is primarily focused on the safe operation, monitoring and control of the EP units and all associated auxiliary plant and systems on site. Specific tasks include operational logs and routine duties on a range of plant, in accordance with operational requirements. A core aspect of the duties will include isolation of plant and apparatus as defined within the safety rules as required to make plant safe for maintenance activities.

The Operations Technician is required to provide technical and business support to teams throughout all areas of the plant including operational, commercial, maintenance, environmental compliance and safety. Scope of the role includes the operation of OCGTs, CCGTs including all associated generation plant (including common systems). Responsibility also includes the non-operational phase 1 plant and equipment but may in future include any other new plant within the NI sites.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Site Operations Engineer or Shift Team Leader, the successful candidate will have responsibility for, but not limited to:

• Provision of safe and efficient operation of units and associated plant ensuring safety, commercial and product targets are met economically and within environmental limits.
• Operation of the plant according to procedures and standing instructions to ensure plant is optimised and resources utilised effectively.
• To be conversant with the Incident Response Procedures required for the multiple scenarios possible and capable of adopting any role in the Incident Response Team in such situations
• Carrying out on load and off load general plant inspections, noting and reporting any defects as necessary, and recording any defects in the Computerised Maintenance Management System, Station Log and Station Incident Reporting system.
• Liaising with maintenance and engineering staff to identify operating problems and under direction implements remedial action, ensuring the smooth running of the plant.
• The start up and shut down of units in accordance with operating instructions and systems - prepare and start up unit; synchronise unit to system; load up; control output; de-load and shut down.
• Monitoring the operation of the main and auxiliary plant during normal running conditions, recording and reporting divergences and taking action within defined limits to correct defects and/or abnormalities to maintain maximum operational safety and efficiency.
• Identifying operating problems on running unit and instigating remedial action, ensuring actions are recorded and relevant personnel informed.
• Co-operating with colleagues to support effective communication with all other members of staff. Working to achieve goals set by line manager.
• Gathering, analysing, interpreting log plant performance data during shift and implementing changes to improve operational efficiency with assistance of peers as required.
• Assisting with projects for the team, department or station benefit and adopting the most suitable working pattern to facilitate this considering the needs of the Operations Technician group.
• Communicating all changes on the plant at shift change over and updating the electronic log accordingly. Communicating effectively with both Operations and Maintenance teams during shift.
• Developing awareness of isolation requirement by liaising with Site Operations Engineer and maintenance staff.
• Providing initial contact for external agencies and maintaining control procedures as required under guidance of peers. Be competent in use of EDIL, Remit and SONI communication protocols and updating declarations as necessary.
• Carrying out remote HV switching on the 275kV, 110kV, 11kV and 17kV systems including synchronising Gas Turbines and Steam Units.
• Carrying out operational routines, inspections and tests and updating records as necessary.
• Fulfilling the role of an Authorized Person in the Safety Rules management system to the required level of Authorisation (minimum – AP 400v and Mechanical Plant).
• Participating in the development of a team based culture and adopting a flexible approach to work in accordance with business needs.
• Participating in career development as part of a company-wide staff development programme.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Background

• Understanding of plant operations, including operational strategies, policies, technical regulations, and legal requirements.
• Awareness of the commercial drivers and financial considerations in power generation.
• Hands-on experience in operating and/or maintaining plant equipment.
• Knowledge of industry standards, operational procedures, and compliance obligations.
• Ability to uphold exceptional standards of safety and quality in all aspects of work.

Behaviours

• Strong numerical aptitude with a logical and analytical approach to problem solving.
• Clear and effective communicator, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate successfully within a team and encourage a positive team environment.
• Adaptable and responsive to changing organisational needs, demonstrating flexibility in approach and priorities.

Qualifications

• Have completed a recognised apprenticeship or equivalent training in a relevant engineering discipline; OR
• Possess a minimum of A-level qualifications or demonstrate substantial experience in plant operations or maintenance (desirable).

Equal Opportunities

We have a comprehensive Equal Opportunities Policy, which is based on equality of opportunity and the merit principle. The company is committed to appointing the best person for the job irrespective of personal factors that are not relevant to the performance of the job. In accordance with our Equal Opportunities Policy the Company welcomes applications from all sections of the community and especially from women and the Roman Catholic Community recognising their underrepresentation in the workforce.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance, Company Pension Scheme, Employee Benefits Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme