At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and monitor a modern biochar production plant safely and efficiently.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company in the low-carbon technology sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic 24/7 shift work with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team making a real impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in operating industrial process plants and strong safety commitment required.
Location: Warrington
Salary: £38,000 per annum (including 20% shift allowance)
Contract: 3 months fixed-term | Hours: 24/7 rotating shift pattern
Reports to: General Manager | Start date: 1st October
Join the Future of Biochar production
We are seeking an experienced, safety-focused Shift Process Plant Operator to join our modern biochar production facility. You will play a key role in the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the plant, monitoring a continuous thermal process and ensuring production, quality, environmental and safety standards are maintained. This is a hands-on, safety-critical role suited to an experienced process operator who enjoys working with industrial technology, process control systems and continuous operations.
The Role
Working as part of a 24/7 operating team, you will monitor and operate the pyrolysis plant and associated equipment using SCADA/HMI systems and field inspections. You will respond to alarms and abnormal conditions, support safe start-ups, shutdowns and changeovers, and work closely with maintenance and management to maximise plant availability and performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate pyrolysis, process and ancillary equipment within approved parameters.
- Monitor temperature, pressure, gas systems, emissions and other critical process conditions.
- Operate SCADA/HMI systems and respond appropriately to alarms and process deviations.
- Conduct routine plant inspections and accurately record operational data.
- Support safe start-up, shutdown, changeover, isolation and recommissioning activities.
- Assist with maintenance and authorised operation of mobile plant, including telehandlers/loading equipment.
- Receive and handle feedstocks, consumables and finished products; package, store and dispatch biochar safely.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping, production quality and environmental compliance.
- Complete production records, electronic reports and structured shift handovers.
- Report defects, incidents, near misses and abnormal conditions promptly.
- Follow Permit to Work, LOTO/isolation, confined-space, work-at-height and hot-work procedures.
- Use Stop Work Authority whenever an unsafe condition or behaviour is identified.
- Participate in emergency response, fire prevention, toolbox talks and safety initiatives.
- Support environmental permitting, emissions monitoring and safe handling of fuels, chemicals and waste.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve safety, reliability, efficiency and operational performance.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Previous experience operating industrial process plant, manufacturing equipment or continuous-process facilities.
- Experience with SCADA, HMI or DCS-controlled processes.
- Understanding of Permit to Work, risk assessment and Safe Systems of Work.
- Strong commitment to safety-critical, lone working practices.
- Good communication, teamwork and computer skills.
- Ability to use electronic operational reporting systems.
- Telehandler licence or willingness to obtain one.
- Physically capable of carrying out operational duties safely.
- Ability and willingness to work a 24/7 rotating shift pattern.
- Proactive approach to identifying hazards, defects and improvement opportunities, troubleshooting.
Desirable
- Experience in pyrolysis/biomass, energy-from-waste, chemical or thermal processing, combustion, process control, mechanical/electrical systems or continuous improvement.
- Additional desirable qualifications include First Aid, Fire Warden/Marshal, Banksman/Slinger.
What You'll Bring
- Safety leadership
- Situational awareness
- Accountability
- Calm decision-making
- Process discipline
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Clear communication
- Teamwork
- Continuous improvement
You will be expected to maintain safe operating standards, communicate effectively during shift handovers and take ownership of plant conditions and operational decisions.
Why Join Us?
- Work with modern process-control technology.
- Develop specialist expertise in biochar production.
- Build experience in an emerging low-carbon technology sector.
- Contribute directly to plant reliability, efficiency and performance.
- Develop your technical and process-operation skills.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced process operator who takes safety seriously and wants to develop your career within an innovative biochar and pyrolysis operation, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining your relevant process-operations experience and why you are interested in joining us.
Shift Process Plant Operator – Severn Wye Biochar in Warrington employer: Severn Wye Energy Agency
Severn Wye is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals facing fuel poverty. With a supportive and flexible work culture, employees benefit from comprehensive training, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to work-life balance. The opportunity to engage with local communities across Powys while advocating for energy efficiency makes this role not only rewarding but also impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Process Plant Operator – Severn Wye Biochar in Warrington
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With Severn Wye Energy Agency looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Process Plant Operator – Severn Wye Biochar in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Severn Wye Energy Agency
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at Severn Wye Energy Agency.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into Severn Wye Energy Agency’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
