At a Glance
- Tasks: Perform maintenance and emergency response activities on high pressure pipelines.
- Company: Join National Gas, a leader in pipeline safety and maintenance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with great career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be hands-on in a critical role that ensures safety and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Mechanical maintenance experience and a valid driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 39499 - 46469 £ per year.
Salary: £39,499 - £46,469 + Benefits
Location: Lockerley
About the role
As an Operative, you’ll undertake a wide range of maintenance and emergency response activities across our network. You’ll support the protection and performance of high pressure pipelines, assist Technicians and Supervisors, and play a key part in ensuring that operational, safety and environmental standards are met every day. You’ll be out in the field line walking remote pipeline routes, monitoring third party works, supporting inspection programmes, maintaining marker posts and equipment, and ensuring our sites remain safe, compliant and secure. You’ll also be involved in emergency readiness and may participate in duty standby and occasional shift patterns. This is a practical, safety critical role where good judgement, reliability and mechanical understanding are essential.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Delivering scheduled maintenance tasks safely and to required technical standards.
- Supporting Operations Technicians with pressure systems inspection requirements (PSSR).
- Carrying out physical line walking of pipelines (up to 200 km per year), often in rural and remote areas.
- Monitoring third party works, responding to aerial sightings, and protecting pipeline integrity.
- Supporting in line inspections and cathodic protection monitoring.
- Ensuring full understanding and adherence to emergency, security, operational and environmental plans.
- Participating in emergency response activities, including standby rota duties.
- Providing accurate records to the Operations Supervisor and closing out work orders correctly.
- Undertaking Safe Control of Operations (SCO) roles relevant to your level of competence (e.g., Competent Person for low risk tasks, Working Party Member for more complex ones).
- Proactively supporting the wider operations team to deliver business objectives.
You’re hands on, mechanically minded and enjoy practical problem solving. You’re reliable, safety focused and comfortable working outdoors in varied terrains and weather conditions. You take pride in doing things properly and supporting the team to keep the network safe and operating efficiently.
Key Requirements & Experience
- Proven mechanical maintenance and/or operational experience.
- Experience in maintenance, fault diagnosis and mechanical rectification.
- Understanding of mechanical engineering principles and associated equipment.
- Knowledge of Safe Systems of Work and risk assessment processes.
- Aware of relevant legislative requirements (PSSR, Health & Safety regulations).
- Relevant training certifications and evidence of competencies.
Essential
- Good standard of general education (5 GCSEs incl. English, Maths, Science/Technical subjects)
- Valid full driving licence
Desirable
- Time served apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering
- BTEC National Certificate / City & Guilds / NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or similar
What we can offer
- Annual bonus of up to 6% based on personal and company performance
- 26 days’ holiday plus statutory holidays - option available to buy extra holiday day
- Generous double-match pension scheme - for every £1 you put in, we'll add £2 (max company contribution 12%)
- An optional flexible benefit scheme, including private healthcare, dental insurance, technology plans, travel insurance
- Death in service 10x your basic salary
- Financial protection if you're unable to work due to long term illness or injury
- Excellent family friendly provisions - maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental leave
- Professional development and career progression
- Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24 hours per day
- Financial support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, relevant to your role
Inclusive recruitment
At National Gas, we are disability confident and signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may need.
Operative in Somerset employer: National Gas
National Gas is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Aberdeen where you can play a vital role in maintaining critical energy infrastructure. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides competitive salaries, overtime opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package, all while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in the oil & gas sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative in Somerset
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Operative in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch National Gas's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at National Gas. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Gas
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at National Gas.
