Designate Shift Engineer

Designate Shift Engineer

Department

Generation

Employment Type

Full Time

Location

• Guernsey
• Description

To ensure a continuous, secure and reliable supply of electricity to the island through the safe, efficient and cost-effective operation of on-island generating plant and the management of imported power via the subsea interconnector.

The post holder is the senior operational authority on shift, responsible for real-time decision-making to balance generation, imports and system demand, while maintaining compliance with all safety, operational and environmental requirements.

The post holder is part of a team providing 24‑hour, 365‑day operational cover through a rotating shift system.

Each shift typically comprises a Shift Engineer, Control Room Operator and Shift Technician.

During their shift, the post holder has full responsibility for the safe operation, supervision and security of the power station site.

Decisions are frequently required to be made immediately and without reference to superiors, particularly during abnormal system conditions, plant failures or network events.

The role operates within a system where the majority of electricity is imported via the Channel Islands Electricity Grid, with on‑island generation providing security, resilience, peak support and backup.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure island electricity demand is met at all times by the appropriate dispatch of generating plant and management of imported power in accordance with operating limits, system constraints and plant merit order.
• Operate and monitor all power station plant, including diesel engines, gas turbines, generators, boilers, auxiliaries and associated control systems, taking prompt corrective action in response to alarms, trips or abnormal conditions.
• Take immediate and appropriate action to maintain or restore supplies in the event of loss of generating plant or supply systems, including liaison with field engineers and Jersey Electricity / CIEG control teams as required.
• Carry out and supervise approved procedures for the safe isolation, earthing and restoration of high‑voltage and low‑voltage electrical plant and mechanical apparatus in accordance with Electrical & Mechanical Safety Rules.
• Act as the Authorised Person on shift, issuing, controlling and cancelling Permits‑for‑Work and other safety documentation, ensuring safe systems of work are established and maintained.
• Maintain continuous oversight of all activities on the power station site, providing indirect supervision of shift staff, maintenance personnel and contractors working under permit or instruction.
• Ensure effective shift handovers, providing clear and accurate communication of plant status, operational issues, active permits, isolations, defects and ongoing works to incoming staff.
• Ensure the provision of operational cover for fuel delivery operations, including supervision of bulk oil deliveries and associated safety controls.
• Ensure the provision of water treatment and monitoring activities as part of the shift team’s responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate operational logs, records and reports, including system events, safety document registers and incident records.
• Take responsibility for the management of health, safety and environmental matters within the shift team, ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures and statutory requirements.
• Participate in emergency response arrangements, incident investigations, training exercises and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required and interchange duties within the shift team to maintain operational resilience.
• Demonstrate and promote the core values and behaviours of Guernsey Electricity Limited.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum HNC in Mechanical, Electrical or Marine Engineering, or equivalent engineering qualification, or equivalent experience in a relevant operational environment.
• Thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of power generation and distribution systems, including diesel and gas turbine plant, auxiliary systems and grid interconnections.
• Good understanding of steam systems, water treatment processes and associated monitoring and testing.

The post holder is required to become certified under Boiler Operations Accreditation Scheme (BOAS).

• Detailed knowledge of Guernsey Electricity Electrical & Mechanical Safety Rules, operational procedures and safe systems of work.

The post holder is required to become, an ‘Authorised Person’ for Power Station operations under Guernsey Electricity Electrical & Mechanical Safety Rules and to maintain all required competencies and re‑certifications.

• Ability to operate independently, make sound decisions under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a safety‑critical environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to supervise staff and contractors and coordinate activities effectively.
• High level of personal responsibility, professionalism and commitment to safety and reliability.
• Competent in the use of control systems, operational IT systems and standard office software.

Benefits

Guernsey Electricity has been providing power to our beautiful island of Guernsey for over 125 years.

We are committed to providing a safe, stable, value‑for‑money energy supply, while maintaining a responsible attitude towards the environment.

A career in the energy industry will place you at the heart of some of the most innovative work taking place across our island.

If you are looking to begin your career or are looking for a career change, Guernsey Electricity could be just the place for you.

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