Trainee Operations Technician in Carrickfergus

An opportunity has arisen to recruit a permanent Operations Technician (Development Programme) within the Operations Team, covering both Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations. This structured 2–3 year programme provides comprehensive training and development towards qualification as a fully competent Operations Technician. The role is primarily focused on the safe operation, monitoring and control of the power generation units as they start up, change load and shutdown to meet system demand.

The large rotating equipment on the sites includes gas turbines, steam turbines, generators and heat recovery steam generators. There is also a wide range of auxiliary plant and systems on site – compressed air, fire systems, reverse osmosis plant, fuel gas etc. As well as operation to meet demand, other daily tasks will include operational logs and the isolation of plant and apparatus as defined within the safety rules as required to make plant safe for maintenance activities.

The Operations Technician (Development Programme) is required to provide technical and business support to teams throughout all areas of the plant including operational, commercial, maintenance, environmental compliance and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Provisioning of safe and efficient operation of units and associated plant ensuring safety, commercial and product targets are met economically and within environmental limits.
• Operating the plant according to procedures and standing instructions to ensure the plant is optimised and resources utilised effectively.
• Carrying out on load and off load general plant inspections, noting and reporting any defects as necessary, and recording any defects in the Computerised Maintenance Management System, Station Log and Station Incident Reporting system.
• Liaising with maintenance and engineering staff to identify operating problems and implements remedial action under direction, ensuring the smooth running of the plant.
• Starting up and shutting down units in accordance with operating instructions and systems, which includes preparing and starting up the units; synchronising the units to system; loading up; controlling output; de‑loading and shutting down.
• Monitoring the operation of the main and auxiliary plant during normal running conditions, recording and reporting divergences and taking action within defined limits to correct defects and/or abnormalities to maintain maximum operational safety and efficiency.
• Identifying operating problems on the running unit and instigating remedial action, ensuring actions are recorded and relevant personnel informed.
• Co‑operating with colleagues to support effective communication with all other members of staff, whilst working to achieve goals set by their line manager.
• Participating in career development as part of a company‑wide staff development programme.
• Gathering, analysing, and interpreting log plant performance data during shift and implementing changes to improve operational efficiency with assistance of peers as required.
• Assisting with projects for the team, department or station benefit and adopting the most suitable working pattern to facilitate this considering the needs of the Operations Technician group.
• Communicating all changes on the plant at shift change over and updating the electronic log accordingly, and communicating effectively with both the Operations and Maintenance teams during shift.
• Developing awareness of the isolation requirement by liaising with the Site Operations Engineer and Maintenance staff.
• Providing initial contact for external agencies and maintaining control procedures as required under guidance of peers, and to be competent in the use of EDIL, Remit and SONI communication protocols and updating declarations as necessary.
• Carrying out remote HV switching on the 275kV, 110kV, 11kV and 17kV systems, including synchronising Gas Turbines and Steam Units.
• Carrying out operational routines, inspections and tests and updating records as necessary.
• Fulfilling the role of an Authorised Person in the Safety Rules management system to the required level of authorisation (minimum – AP 400v and Mechanical Plant).
• Participating in the development of a team‑based culture and adopting a flexible approach to work in accordance with business needs.
• To be conversant with the Incident Response Procedures required for the multiple scenarios possible and capable of adopting any role in the Incident Response Team in such situations.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Background

• Understanding of plant operations, including operational strategies, policies, technical regulations, and legal requirements.
• Aware of the commercial drivers and financial considerations in power generation.
• Hands‑on experience in operating and/or maintaining plant equipment.
• Knowledge of industry standards, operational procedures, and compliance obligations.
• Ability to uphold exceptional standards of safety and quality in all aspects of work.

Behaviours

• Strong numerical aptitude with a logical and analytical approach to problem solving.
• Clear and effective communicator, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate successfully within a team and encourage a positive team environment.
• Adaptable and responsive to changing organisational needs, demonstrating flexibility in approach and priorities.

Qualifications

• Have completed a recognised apprenticeship or equivalent training in a relevant engineering discipline; OR Possess a minimum of A-level qualifications or demonstrate substantial experience in plant operations or maintenance.

Further Information

We have a comprehensive Equal Opportunities Policy, which is based on equality of opportunity and the merit principle. The company is committed to appointing the best person for the job irrespective of personal factors that are not relevant to the performance of the job. In accordance with our Equal Opportunities Policy the Company welcomes applications from all sections of the community and especially from women and the Roman Catholic Community recognising their underrepresentation in the workforce.