Shift Preservation Operator

Biffa Waste Services; Derby; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in waste management is seeking a Shift Preservation Operator in Derby. The role involves preserving the Materials Recycling Facility and Gasification Plant, ensuring safety and efficiency. Candidates should have engineering skills and experience in power plant operations. This fixed-term contract offers competitive pay and a shift pattern of 4 on 4 off.

Qualifications

• Experience in power plant, EfW operations, or similar.
• Willingness to work shift patterns associated with 24/7 operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the development and implementation of preservation procedures.
• Accurately record all preservation activities.
• Operate and inspect plant and equipment as part of preservation schedules.

Skills

Basic engineering and maintenance skills

Self-motivated

Understanding of H&S principles

Education

Equivalent experience and education

Tools

Computerized monitoring and reporting systems

Job description

Shift Preservation Operator – Derby

Fixed Term Contract until March 2026 (with potential for extension)

Salary: Up to £44,212.35 per annum DOE

Working Pattern: 4 on 4 off – 12 hour shifts (Days and Nights)

Overtime paid at 1.5 times

The Derby EfW Facility (DDWTC) is currently in a state of preservation due to operational challenges during commissioning. A plan to re-commission and fully operate the facility is under development.

Working as part of a small team, the main responsibility of the role is to preserve the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) and Advanced Conversion Technology (ACT) Gasification Plant at Sinfin in Derby. You will report to the Operations Engineer and Shift Team Leaders to ensure preservation services are carried out safely and efficiently. The successful candidate will collaborate with site colleagues and maintenance staff to complete daily, weekly, and monthly preservation tasks, ensuring asset integrity, safety, and security of the DDWTC site.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the development and implementation of preservation procedures and routines.
• Accurately record all preservation activities.
• Operate and inspect plant and equipment as part of preservation schedules, reporting defects or issues.
• Support maintenance team in preservation works and inspections.
• Operate and preserve plant within health, safety, and environmental guidelines.
• Report incidents, accidents, or near misses following H&S procedures.
• Complete Work Orders, Risk Assessments, and Method Statements (RAMS) for tasks.
• Monitor and test fire detection and suppression systems.
• Conduct fire watches and security inspections.
• Record usage data from site meters.
• Manage authorized personnel access, ensuring proper sign-in and control.
• Respond to out-of-hours emergencies per site procedures.
• Oversee routine contractor attendance for cleaning, grounds, and pest control.

Essential Criteria:

• Basic engineering and maintenance skills.
• Experience in power plant, EfW operations, or similar.
• Experience with computerized monitoring and reporting systems.
• Equivalent experience and education will be considered.
• Willingness to work shift patterns associated with 24/7 operations.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Understanding of H&S principles in an industrial setting.

Biffa – we’re changing the way people think about waste

At Biffa, we love working with waste—turning it into power, recycling, and keeping communities clean. Our 11,000+ employees are committed to making a difference, offering rewarding and challenging careers. We champion diversity and equality, believing different perspectives foster innovation.