Thermal Plant Operator
Thermal Plant Operator

Thermal Plant Operator

Milton Keynes Full-Time 40000 - 52000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Thalia

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Operate and maintain the Energy from Waste Plant, ensuring compliance and safety.
  • Company: Thalia Waste Management transforms waste into energy, promoting sustainability and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive, inclusive environment.
  • Why this job: Join a team making a real impact on the environment while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
  • Qualifications: Experience in thermal treatment facilities and strong problem-solving skills are essential.
  • Other info: We value diversity and support adjustments for all applicants throughout the recruitment process.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 52000 £ per year.

Job Description

Posted Monday 23 March 2026 at 01:00 | Expires Sunday 12 April 2026 at 23:59

We are looking for an experienced Thermal Plant Operator to support the safe and efficient operation of our Advanced Thermal Treatment (ATT) Plant during steady state, start up, shutdown and emergency situations.

In this role you will:

  • Ensure day to day compliance with all aspects of the Environmental Permit, reporting to the ATT Shift Team Leader any non‑compliance or incident for further reporting
  • Work within our company’s Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental Systems and all relevant legislation
  • Participate in Company/Site HSE initiatives including the HSE forum activities
  • Liaise closely with the Maintenance Team to ensure the Plant is fully operational and running optimally
  • Coach and mentor new site personnel on all aspects of ATT Plant operations and ensure they comply with all of the above
  • Ensure all documentation, shift handovers, maintenance requests and associated supporting information is provided and recorded in a timely and consistent manner

Shifts

4 on 4 off (2 days, 2 nights) – 12 hour shifts with holidays included in the overall shift pattern (periods of 10, 12 and 18 off)

The Person

  • WAMITAB Level 4 Operator Competence for Managing Thermal Treatment Facilities (desirable)
  • National Diploma or NVQ L3 in a relevant subject (essential)
  • Clear and analytical thinking – able to diagnose technical issues and take responsibility during dynamic situations
  • Excellent problem‑solving ability
  • Build and maintain professional expertise through networks, learning activities and research, and effectively communicate this to the team.
  • Strive for continuous improvement of systems, processes and services relative to the ATT Facility
  • Relevant technical competency for the ATT facility
  • Working to defined KPI deliverables
  • Evidence of a proficient level of combustion and boiler process experience/knowledge
  • Demonstrable successful operation of an Energy from Waste facility(s)
  • Entry into Company bonus scheme – up to 5%
  • Contributory pension up to 6%
  • Life assurance: 4 x annual salary
  • Flexible benefits: Access to a wide range of flexible benefits through Bravo Benefits, allowing you to tailor your package to suit your individual needs, including health, wellbeing, and lifestyle options.
  • Free parking

Our Business

At Thalia Waste Management, we are creating a future to be proud of. We think differently, questioning everything, enabling us to develop progressive waste into energy solutions and services. Being motivated, tackling problems together, inspiring others to take responsibility, making a difference, being ambitious and contributing value.

We operate the best technology available across our four strategic sites in North Yorkshire, Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire and the Isle of Wight. Our technology includes everything from mechanical and biological treatment, traditional mass‑burn energy from waste and material recycling technologies to in‑vessel composting, advanced thermal treatment, innovative small‑scale energy from waste and anaerobic digestion. In a single year we process 300,000 tonnes of waste that is turned into energy. This generates the same amount of energy as approximately 600 million solar panels. Similarly we recycle circa 95,000 tonnes of waste.

Inclusion

At Thalia Waste Management, we work hard to make sure we are an inclusive and diverse place to work. This means we don’t just look at your CV, we’re focused on who you are, your skills and passion that can be brought to Thalia Waste Management. We know and understand the everyone is different and has a life outside work, so we’re happy to discuss flexible working and any adjustments that could be needed! We’ll do all that we can to support everyone from their first contact with us. For any support or adjustments needed through our recruitment process, please speak to our recruitment team who will be happy to support.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. As a Disability Confident Employer, we will make sure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

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Thermal Plant Operator employer: Thalia

Thalia Waste Management is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Allerton Waste Recovery Park in Knaresborough, where innovation meets sustainability. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to health and safety, continuous professional development, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. With opportunities for career growth and a focus on teamwork, Thalia empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact in the energy from waste sector.
Thalia

Contact Detail:

Thalia Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Thermal Plant Operator

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and processes used at the Allerton Waste Recovery Park. Understanding the operational nuances of Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities will give you an edge during discussions with the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Thalia Waste Management. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and experiences in dynamic situations. Be ready to share specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges in thermal plant operations or similar environments.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to HSE initiatives in previous roles, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

We think you need these skills to ace Thermal Plant Operator

Thermal Treatment Facility Management
WAMITAB Level 4 Operator Competence
Environmental Compliance
Health and Safety Regulations
Problem-Solving Skills
Technical Diagnostics
Operational Efficiency
Documentation and Reporting
Coaching and Mentoring
Combustion Process Knowledge
Boiler Process Experience
Continuous Improvement
Team Communication
KPI Management
Emergency Response Procedures

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Thermal Plant Operator. Highlight key skills such as compliance with environmental permits, health and safety regulations, and technical competencies.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in energy from waste operations. Emphasise any previous roles that involved compliance, problem-solving, and teamwork, particularly in dynamic situations.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage thermal treatment facilities and your commitment to health and safety standards.

Highlight Continuous Improvement: In your application, discuss how you have contributed to continuous improvement in past roles. Provide examples of how you have optimised processes or systems in energy management or similar fields.

How to prepare for a job interview at Thalia

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Thermal Plant Operator. Familiarise yourself with the Energy from Waste (EfW) processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the job requirements.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of past situations where you've successfully diagnosed technical issues or handled emergencies. Highlight your analytical thinking and ability to remain calm under pressure, as these are crucial for this role.

✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance

Since the role involves compliance with Health & Safety and Environmental regulations, be prepared to discuss your understanding of these areas. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Mentoring Abilities

The position requires liaising with maintenance teams and mentoring new personnel. Be ready to talk about your experience in teamwork and how you've coached others in previous roles, showcasing your leadership skills.

Thermal Plant Operator
Thalia
Location: Milton Keynes

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