Shift Production Technician

Description:

THE ROLE: Shift Production Technician

LOCATION: VPI Blackburn

SALARY: Competitive + shift allowance

THE CLIENT

VPI is a preeminent power company, part of the Vitol Group. With responsiveness and ability to act swiftly at its core, as well as breadth of experience that spans operations and trading, we are a system solver for the problems that must be resolved to enable the energy transition.

We are already one of the leading Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) operators in the UK, with assets across five locations capable of generating 3.3GW of power. Our efficient and flexible generation portfolio complements an increased use of renewables as part of the energy system, ensuring security of supply in the power grid.

At the same time, we are solving for decarbonisation of gas-fired dispatchable generation, as well as industrial clusters. For example, we are part of Humber Zero, a project to decarbonise critical energy intensive industry in the Humber. Humber Zero is a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project on the south bank of the Humber Estuary. The large-scale decarbonisation project will remove up to 8-million tonnes per annum of CO2 at the Immingham industrial site within the next 7 years.  This represents a meaningful reduction in national CO2 emissions, while protecting local jobs and supporting the region’s economy.

Finally, we are anticipating the shift to zero-carbon storage technologies that will provide flexibility and stability in the energy system in the long term. We are building our portfolio in these areas, and creating a suite of services to suit corporate and grid needs.

VPI has an ambitious growth agenda. We are growing our portfolio in the UK and abroad. We can see an energy system that is changing rapidly and fundamentally. As a company that holds on to a system wide view and responds at pace, we see opportunity in this complex and fast-changing ecosystem.

THE POSITION

An opportunity has arisen for a Production Technician, at VPI Blackburn. The Production Technician will be responsible for the safe operation of the power plant. Including the release of all plant and equipment, and performing first line maintenance and fault finding on a complex power plant.

The Production Technician will actively develop his/her skills and assist in the development, training and coaching of other technicians especially in process operations.

The position requires flexible working arrangements when required and call-out if necessary. The main role is to operate plant equipment that is currently installed and operational at Blackburn by:

Assisting the Production and Engineering teams on projects to improve, reliability, flexibility and replacement of assets
Undertake roles and responsibilities as defined in Management Instructions during planned and unplanned Maintenance events
Support, short, medium and long term strategies to improve Operation efficiencies
Undertake works inclusive of Control and Supervision of Contractors and develop work specifications as required.
RESPONSIBILITIES

Operate and maintain the plant at the power station in a safe and cost-effective manner.
Contribute to the development of procedures and working practices to ensure the continued safe, efficient and cost-effective operation and development of the site.
Ensure records of the site work activities are recorded in accordance with VPI policy and procedures within the Maintenance Management System.
Oversee activities carried out by contractor staff as appropriate
Undertake and oversee where necessary all operation, installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair and calibration work in accordance with a safe system of work, to ensure optimum performance, reliability and safety of personnel and equipment.
Respond and to recover the process from unplanned shutdowns whilst ensuring full compliance with the Sites procedures and safe systems of work.
Operate and carry out first line maintenance.
Active participation during Maintenance and Testing of Functional Safety Systems.
Provide support to Management Team & Maintenance department.
Assist in the implementation of the site business plan.
Proactive and creative approach to fault diagnosis and problem solving and reporting.
Support and deliver the Process Safety KPI’s associated with areas of responsibility.
Implementation of operational routines (PM’s) to achieve optimum plant availability.
Plan and organise activities of self and peers for weekly work routines to achieve effective use of available resources.
Identify plant improvements and modifications.
Report and communicate defects, solutions and conclusions from routine and non-routine activities.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Craftsman level, preferably Technician level vocational qualification in relevant engineering discipline e.g., Mechanical, Control & Instrumentation, electrical and/or electronic engineering or lead production in a chemical or similar discipline.
Minimum HNC or equivalent, in relevant discipline as above.
Minimum 3-years’ experience in the maintenance or operation of similar equipment with respect to steam systems, turbines, pumps, valves, control systems, high voltage distribution etc.
Knowledge of relevant legislation, e.g., health & safety, environment. Preferably with IOSH 'Managing Safely' qualification.
The Production Team Technician will be competent to undertake the following:

Responsible for correctly scheduling gas nominations and operating plant safely, efficiently and with due diligence to meet VPI commercial and third party requirements. This activity in conjunction with VPI Energy Management is vital to the economic success of the facility.
Generate the required WOC/Permit-to-Work to enable him/her to perform first line maintenance operations and maintain records thus maximising the availability of equipment; the identification and reporting of equipment defects and anomalies within the maintenance management system.
Re-commissioning of plant and equipment following maintenance.
Ensure abnormal occurrences are reported to the Management and Maintenance teams.
Prepare equipment for planned and breakdown maintenance and shall return equipment to service in a safe and orderly manner.
Accurate monitoring and diligence in gas quality and metering.
In emergency situations conduct role as Incident Controller until relieved by the appropriate authority. Thereafter they will be a member of the emergency and incident response team dealing with first line response.
Valid Driving License