Operator - Asset Inspector

Western Power Distribution; Bodmin; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Competitive pension

Job summary

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) invites applications for an Operator - Asset Inspector based at Bodmin. You will inspect network assets up to 132kV, carry out pole surveys and asset condition checks, and support safety compliance across a wide rural area.

Role is field-based, outdoors year-round, with use of mobile devices for records. Eligible candidates will have GCSE English & Maths and a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at or equivalent to the level specified.
• Experience with inspections, surveys or condition assessments in utilities or similar.
• Applicants must be able to work outdoors in varied conditions.

Responsibilities

• Carry out inspections of network assets up to and including 132kV and other statutory assets.
• Conduct pole inspections and asset condition assessments in diverse environments.
• Follow up helicopter inspection reports and investigate defects.
• Measure conductor clearances and support safety/compliance initiatives.
• Liaise with customers, landowners and farmers on safety and clearances.
• Identify/report defects and escalate urgent safety issues as needed.
• Review contractor inspection data for accuracy in company systems.
• Maintain inspection records using iPads and asset management tools.
• Plan daily workload and operate safely within procedures.

Skills

Inspections/field surveys

Customer service

Autonomy

IT skills (tablets)

Attention to detail

Full UK driving licence

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Tools

iPads/handheld devices

Asset management systems

Job description

About Us

We're National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues - who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.

Job Introduction

An opportunity is available for an Operator (Asset Inspector) based at our Bodmin depot.

As an Operator - Asset Inspector you'll play a vital role in helping to maintain the safety, reliability and integrity of National Grid Electricity Distribution's network.

The role involves carrying out inspections of NGED's network assets and other company equipment with statutory inspection requirements, identifying defects, ensuring accurate asset records and supporting the safe operation of the network.

This is a predominantly outdoor, field-based role where you'll work independently across a varied geographical area, often visiting customer properties, agricultural land and remote locations.

To apply, you will need to hold English & Maths GCSE (1-9/G-A*) or equivalent qualification deemed to be at the same level in these subjects, such as Functional Skills.

Evidence of your qualifications will be required prior to appointment.

Main Responsibilities

• Carry out inspections of network assets up to and including 132kV, as well as other assets with statutory inspection requirements.
• Undertake pole inspections and asset condition assessments across a variety of environments, including customer gardens, farmland and rural locations.
• Follow up on helicopter inspection reports and investigate identified defects or areas requiring further assessment.
• Measure conductor clearances and support initiatives to maintain network safety and compliance.
• Liaise with customers, landowners and farmers, providing advice on network safety and safe clearances around overhead lines.
• Identify and report defects, asset deterioration and potential safety concerns, escalating urgent issues where required.
• Review inspection information provided by contractors, resolving errors and ensuring records are accurate within company systems.
• Maintain and update inspection records using iPads, handheld devices and company asset management systems.
• Plan and organise your own daily workload, managing inspection activities efficiently across your allocated area.
• Work safely at all times, following company procedures and promoting a positive safety culture

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors, can work independently and takes pride in delivering high-quality work.

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience carrying out inspections, surveys or condition assessments, gained in utilities, construction, infrastructure, engineering or a similar environment.
• Strong customer service and communication skills, with the confidence to engage professionally with customers, landowners and farmers.
• The ability to work alone and make informed decisions while managing your own workload.
• Good IT skills and confidence using mobile technology, including tablets and computer-based asset management systems.
• A keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to safety.
• A full UK driving licence

This role involves significant outdoor working throughout the year and requires considerable walking across a variety of terrain, including fields, farmland and uneven ground. Applicants should be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Operationally, you will be required to live within approximately 45 minutes of the Bodmin depot.

Full training will be provided to enable you to become competent in carrying out a range of asset inspections across the network.

Where the role involves working at height and the use of Personal Fall Protection Equipment, there are restrictions on the maximum weight of the individual due to the safe working limits of the equipment used. #LI-SC1

About The Company

Joining the UK's leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• 26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Life assurance four times annual salary
• Contributory private healthcare scheme for you and your family
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email [e-mail] .

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check.

Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.