Job Title: Operator
Location: Blaise Biogas, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4PN
Salary: Competitive
Job Type: Permanent, Full time
Working Hours / Pattern: 4 on 4 off, 12 hour shifts, half hour unpaid break
About Us:
Blaise Biogas are an anaerobic digestion plant, creating energy from waste. Taking food waste and turning it into digestate, whilst using the gas it produces to inject back to the grid and power homes.
About the role:
Blaise Biogas are looking for an Operator. An OP (Operator) on an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) site is responsible for monitoring and controlling the digestion process, ensuring that organic waste is processed safely and efficiently to produce biogas and digestate. Their duties include checking plant equipment, monitoring temperatures, pH levels, gas production and feedstock levels, loading waste materials, identifying faults and carrying out routine maintenance. They also maintain accurate operational records, follow health and safety and environmental procedures, and ensure the plant operates reliably while minimising downtime and environmental impact.
Responsibilities:
- Operate and monitor all areas of the AD plant, including waste reception, feedstock preparation, digestion, biogas handling, gas upgrading/CHP equipment and digestate systems.
- Receive, inspect and process feedstock in line with site acceptance criteria, reporting contamination or unsuitable materials.
- Monitor temperatures, pressures, levels, flow rates, gas production, alarms and other key process parameters.
- Adjust plant settings and feed rates within authorised limits to maintain stable and efficient digestion.
- Monitor biogas production, quality and process stability, identifying and reporting abnormal operating conditions.
- Safely operate pumps, conveyors, mixers, valves and other plant equipment, including mobile plant where trained and authorised.
- Complete routine start-up, shutdown, changeover, plant inspection and operational checks.
- Maintain accurate operational, production, feedstock, digestate and maintenance records.
- Identify and report equipment defects, process deviations, leaks, blockages and other operational issues promptly.
- Carry out routine preventative maintenance and basic equipment checks, supporting maintenance technicians and contractors with servicing and repairs.
- Maintain clean, tidy and safe working areas, tools and equipment.
- Follow company health and safety requirements, risk assessments, safe systems of work, isolation and permit-to-work procedures.
- Follow appropriate safety procedures when working around biogas, methane, hydrogen sulphide, confined spaces, hazardous substances and potentially explosive atmospheres.
- Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions and environmental incidents promptly.
- Support compliance with environmental permits, waste management requirements and site operating procedures, including preventing and reporting spills, leaks and uncontrolled emissions.
- Support the safe storage, handling and transfer of digestate.
- Participate in emergency response arrangements, drills and safety briefings.
- Communicate operational issues and shift handovers clearly and accurately.
- Assist with sampling and routine process checks.
- Contribute to improvements in plant safety, reliability, efficiency, biogas yield and housekeeping standards.
- Complete required training and maintain relevant operational competencies.
About you:
Essentials:
- A practical, hands-on approach to plant operation and maintenance.
- Good awareness of health and safety requirements in an industrial environment.
- Ability to follow operating procedures and work instructions accurately.
- Good communication, record-keeping and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to identify abnormal operating conditions and escalate issues appropriately.
- Basic mechanical and process awareness.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable:
- Previous experience operating an anaerobic digestion plant, biogas facility, wastewater treatment plant, energy-from-waste facility or similar industrial process plant.
- Knowledge of anaerobic digestion processes, biogas production and digestate management.
- Experience using SCADA systems, PLC-controlled equipment or computerised maintenance systems.
- Experience with pumps, motors, conveyors, valves and process instrumentation.
- A relevant technical qualification in engineering, process operations or a related discipline.
- Relevant plant operation licences or training, such as forklift or loading shovel certification.
Benefits:
- Life Insurance with access to GP24
- Commitment to wellbeing through Employee Assistance Programme
- Electric Car salary sacrifice scheme for eligible employees
- Cycle to work scheme
- Company Events
- GymFlex salary sacrifice
Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV for this role.
Overseas candidates will NOT be considered for this role. We are not sponsoring Visa's at this time, so please refrain from applying unless eligible to work in the UK.
Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of: Anaerobic Digestion Plant Operator, AD Plant Operator, Plant Operations Coordinator, Waste Process Operator, AD Plant Operative may also be considered for this role
Plant Operator in West Malling employer: Envar Careers
Envar is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Cambridgeshire, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront. As a Plant Manager, you will benefit from a competitive salary, a supportive company culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous improvement initiatives, and a comprehensive benefits package including a company vehicle, pension, and annual bonus scheme. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the waste management sector while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that values hard work and dedication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Operator in West Malling
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Envar Careers, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Plant Operator at Envar Careers.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Envar Careers
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
