Assistant Shift Plant Operator

Encyclis; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An energy recovery company is looking for an Assistant Plant Operator to support operations at the Protos Energy Recovery Facility in Cheshire. The role involves ensuring safety compliance, assisting with operational tasks, and participating in training to develop skills in plant operations. Candidates should have a technical background, experience in process plant environments, and the ability to communicate effectively. This position offers the opportunity to work in a modern facility focused on sustainability and efficiency.

Benefits

Continuous improvement opportunities

Hands-on training and development

Team environment valuing input

Qualifications

• Commitment to continuous improvement and safety regulations.
• Experience in process plants or related environments.
• Ability to record detailed shift logs.

Responsibilities

• Support the operation and safety of the Protos Energy Recovery Facility.
• Assist with plant checks, inspections, and control room activities.
• Participate in training to gain knowledge of plant systems.

Skills

Safety compliance

Communication

Plant operations

Education

National Diploma or Vocational Qualification Level 2 in technical or science subject

Job description

Overview

JOIN US IN MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE TO THE WORLD WE LIVE IN!

Who are ENCYCLIS?

Encyclis are dedicated to the safe, efficient and sustainable recovery of energy from waste. We develop and operate energy recovery facilities that bring together technical expertise and state‑of‑the‑art equipment to optimise efficiency, performance and safety.

Our state‑of‑the‑art facilities provide a more sustainable option to process residual waste that would otherwise have been directed to landfilled. This utilisation of residual waste provides essential and a sustainable alternative to support baseload electrical production, supplement district heat demand and other practical resources to accelerate the circular economy of the future.

Encyclis currently has under construction the Protos Energy Recovery Facility in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Further to the operating units in Milton Keynes, and Loughborough, this is the third project within the UK.

You will be joining a team of highly skilled, diverse individuals and a business that applauds their successes, loves idea sharing and values its people.

We offer fantastic benefits here!

Where you will be working

Encyclis Protos Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) is located within the Protos energy and resource hub, near Ellesmere Port in Cheshire.

Currently under construction, when complete, this impressive two‑line facility will have the capacity to divert up to 500,000 tonnes of residual waste away from landfill every year, generating sustainable electricity for up to 90,000 homes.

Responsibilities

The Opportunity

The Assistant Plant Operator (APO) supports the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the Protos Energy Recovery Facility (ERF). Reporting to the Day Shift Team Leader (DSTL) or in their absence the Duty STL, the APO assists with day‑to‑day operational tasks, on‑plant activities, and the execution of safe systems of work. The role is essential in ensuring site safety, process efficiency, and environmental compliance & ideally suited to someone who has 2‑3 years process knowledge looking to move forward with their career in a state‑of‑the‑art energy from waste facility.

The APO works Monday to Friday on day shifts, providing hands‑on support across plant operations, including assisting with control room activities, crane operations, permit procedures, plant isolations, and routine inspections and anything else as directed by the DSTL as long as trained and competent.

If required the APO can be called upon to work on shifts for such things as training, sickness or any other reason as directed by the DSTL and Operations Manage.

What we need from you…

Key Duties & Responsibilities of the role

• Follow all Encyclis Safety Rules, site procedures, and environmental regulations always.
• Report all unsafe conditions, near misses, and environmental concerns to the DSTL or STL promptly.
• Work under supervision to support plant isolations, lock‑out activities, and permit‑to‑work processes in accordance with the Encyclis Safety Rules as a Designated Person.
• Actively participate in toolbox talks, safety walks, and health & safety initiatives.
• Help maintain plant cleanliness and assist in housekeeping routines to ensure operational readiness and safety.
• Assist in the operation of the facility, including the waste feed system, steam generation, ash handling, pumps, and water treatment equipment under the supervision of the SPO, DSTL and Shift Team Leader (STL).
• Support, monitoring and manual operational tasks associated with plant equipment and systems, as directed by the DSTL.
• Carry out plant checks and routine inspections, reporting abnormalities or issues to the SPO, DSTL or STL.
• Assist with unloading deliveries of chemicals and consumables, ensuring proper checks and storage procedures are followed.
• Operator Mobile plant equipment for loading and offloading consumables and waste, as well as the tipping hall for waste reception.
• Maintain accurate records of tasks, inspections, and any issues observed during the shift.
• Participate in on‑the‑job training and skill development to gain deeper knowledge of plant systems and control room operations.
• Expected to work toward completing SPO competencies to progress into role when signed off and vacancy arises.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of operational documentation and safety procedures.
• Shadow experienced team members to learn fault identification, emergency response, and plant optimisation techniques.
• Works under the guidance of the DSTL, SPO and STL.
• Expected to liaise with contractors and visitors under direction, ensuring safe practices are followed during activities, performing EnRep duties.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• The preferred level of education is to a National Diploma or National Vocational Qualification Level 2 in a technical or science subject, although relevant other qualifications with energy recovery or large process plant experience will be considered for the role.
• This role requires a broad technical background in either plant operations or maintenance.
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement.
• Effective written and verbal communication, specifically to include the accurate recording of detailed shift logs.
• Experience in industrial, utilities, or process plant environments is desirable.

Want to know more about what we do?

Check out this video of one of our facilities, Rookery South in Bedford, here!