Shift Operations Technician

Viridor Limited; Thurrock; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Viridor Limited seeks a Shift Operations Technician for our Tilbury ERF in Essex. You will operate the plant from the control room and on-site, supporting 24-hour shifts as we move from construction to full operation.

You will implement process changes, diagnose faults, manage DCS and alarms, and keep precise shift logs to ensure safe, compliant handovers as the facility scales up operations.

Qualifications

• Understands safe systems of work and plant isolations.
• Thinks logically and solves problems effectively.
• Has a safety qualification (IOSH or NEBOSH).
• Experience in mechanical, electrical or process plant environment.
• Experience in Energy Recovery Facility or heavy industrial settings is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Operate the plant from the control room and in the field as part of a 24-hour shift rotation.
• Implement process changes to optimise plant performance and diagnose faults.
• Carry out system isolations and manage DCS operation and alarms.
• Maintain shift logs and ensure smooth handovers to oncoming colleagues.
• Continuously monitor plant to maximise safety, performance and environmental outcomes.

Skills

Safe systems of work

Problem solving

Logical thinking

Authorised Person status desirable

Education

IOSH or NEBOSH safety qualification

Tools

DCS operation

Alarm management

Boiler chemistry monitoring

Job description

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Our Vision is to be the UK’s leading innovator of resource recovery and recycling, transforming waste for a climate-positive future.

Are you someone who lives and breathes high performance, leads with ambition, and would like to be part of an organisation that looks after tomorrow? Viridor has a redefined purpose, a bold Vision, and an ambitious, market-leading strategy. We are investing in the future, and we need a talented team with exceptional people, who believe in each other, to help us achieve this.

Join us, as we rise to the challenge and build a world where nothing goes to waste

Viridor is at the forefront of waste management and resource recovery in the UK, operating the largest network of Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs). We play a crucial role in supporting the UK's climate goals by diverting waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable energy resources.

Our new ERF in Tilbury, Essex, is currently under construction and we are looking for 5 Shift Operations Technicians to join our team. This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week, initally Monday to Friday, but moving to a shift pattern when the plant becomes operational.

The salary for this role is competitve , plus participation in an annual bonus scheme, in addition to our great range of benefits.

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2026. We encourage all applicants to apply as soon as possible as we may close vacancies early if we receive a high number of applications.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a major new Energy Recovery Facility from the ground up. Joining during the construction phase, you'll have the chance to support the site's transition into operations and play a key role in preparing the facility for long-term success.

As Viridor assumes operational responsibility for the site in April 2028, you'll help establish safe and effective operational practices, contribute to building a high-performing team, and gain valuable experience as the plant moves from construction and commissioning into full operation.

You’ll work closely with experienced engineering and operations professionals throughout the construction and commissioning phases, gaining valuable knowledge, hands‑on experience and training to support your development ahead of full site operations.

For someone looking to develop their career in energy recovery and process operations, this is an exciting opportunity to grow alongside one of the UK's most significant new ERF projects and help shape its future success from day one.

About the Role

The Shift Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the plant from both the central control room and in the field, working as part of a team on a 24-hour shift rotation.

Your duties will include implementing plant and equipment process changes to optimise performance, diagnosing and rectifying process and equipment faults, and carrying out system isolations in accordance with site procedures.

You will be responsible for DCS operation and alarm management, as well as supporting the operation of the ERF and maintaining boiler chemistry standards. Accurate and timely shift logging is essential, ensuring all plant and process changes are recorded and that effective shift handovers take place so incoming colleagues are fully informed.

The role also requires continuous monitoring of the plant to ensure safe operation, maximise performance and minimise environmental impacts.

A key aspect of this position is a commitment to continuous personal development, helping you unlock your career potential while maintaining a flexible and proactive approach to ensure critical activities are completed safely, accurately and on time.

Our ideal Shift Operations Technician will have:

• An understanding of safe systems of work, including plant isolations.
• The ability to think logically and solve problems effectively.
• A safety qualification, preferably IOSH or NEBOSH.
• Experience within a mechanical, electrical or process plant environment.
• Previous experience within an Energy Recovery Facility, power generation, process plant, chemical, manufacturing or other heavy industrial environment would be advantageous.
• The ability to attain Authorised Person status is desirable.

We are a Great Place to Work

There has never been a more exciting time to join Viridor. Following the acquisition of the business by the global private equity firm, KKR, the core business has been reshaped to focus on our leading UK Energy from Waste portfolio.

As an equal opportunities' employer, Viridor is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.