Assistant Plant Operator

Support Operator | Energy from Waste | South West

Intro

Astute’s Power Team is partnering with a leading UK Waste Management company to recruit a dedicated Support Operator for a large-scale Energy from Waste (EfW) facility. This is a high-impact role that combines technical control room duties with hands-on outdoor operations. If you are an experienced operator from a heavy process background—such as power generation, petrochemicals, or marine engineering—this is your opportunity to join a prominent plant and play a vital role in the UK’s sustainable energy infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Safe Plant Operation: Assist in the daily running of the facility while maintaining strict compliance with environmental regulations.

• Monitoring & Testing: Conduct regular plant walk-rounds to inspect and monitor critical equipment including steam turbines, boilers, pumps, and water treatment systems.

• Technical Troubleshooting: Identify operational issues early and perform first-line maintenance to minimize downtime.

• Heavy Machinery: Operate overhead cranes for waste management and utilize forklift trucks or other mobile plant equipment as required.

• Control Room Support: Balance field-based tasks with monitoring duties within the central control room to ensure optimal plant performance.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: At least three years in process plant operations (Power Station, Refinery, Petrochemical, or Royal Navy Marine Engineering).

• Qualifications: Ideally an ONC/HNC, NVQ, or City & Guilds in an engineering discipline; practical equivalent experience is also highly valued.

• Safety First: A solid understanding of H&S protocols in an engineering environment; a valid IOSH certificate is preferred.

• Versatility: The ability to move seamlessly between technical monitoring and physical, hands-on maintenance tasks.

About the Role

As a Support Operator, you are a critical link in the energy production cycle, transforming waste into sustainable power. You will oversee the lifecycle of thermal treatment, from the initial handling of waste via overhead cranes to the monitoring of high-pressure steam systems and turbine output.

This role is designed for a proactive problem-solver who understands the mechanics of a modern power station. Beyond the technical scope, you will join a culture that rewards expertise with a competitive salary and bonus structure, offering a clear path for career growth within a major energy project.