Shift Operation Technician

Our Vision is to be the UK’s leading innovator of resource recovery and recycling, transforming waste for a climate-positive future.

Are you someone who lives and breathes high performance, leads with ambition, and would like to be part of an organisation that looks after tomorrow?  Viridor has a redefined purpose, a bold Vision, and an ambitious, market-leading strategy. We are investing in the future, and we need a talented team with exceptional people, who believe in each other, to help us achieve this.

Join us, as we rise to the challenge and build a world where nothing goes to waste

Viridor is at the forefront of waste management and resource recovery in the UK, operating the largest network of Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs). We play a crucial role in supporting the UK's climate goals by diverting waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable energy resources. 

We have an opportunity in Runcorn for a Shift Operations Technician to join our team working 40 hours per week.

The salary for this role will be £43,871 per year, plus a shift allowance and participation in an annual bonus scheme, in addition to our great range of benefits.

The closing date for applications is 15th October 2026. We encourage all applicants to apply as soon as possible as we may close vacancies early if we receive a high number of applications.

About the role:

Working within a 24-hour shift rota, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the plant from both the central control room and operational plant areas.

As part of a skilled shift team, you will monitor and control plant processes, optimise performance, diagnose and rectify faults, and ensure all activities are carried out in line with health, safety, environmental and operational standards. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with mechanical, electrical or process plant experience who enjoys problem-solving in a fast-paced operational environment and wants to develop their career within a technically advanced facility.

You will play a key role in maximising plant performance, waste throughput and electrical export, while ensuring ongoing compliance with environmental permit requirements and safe systems of work. Continuous development is encouraged, including training to become an Authorised Person and progression towards Senior Authorised Person status.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Shift Operations Technician, you will:

• Operate and monitor plant systems through the Distributed Control System (DCS) and SCADA platforms.
• Ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant during normal running, start-up, shutdown, and emergency situations.
• Monitor plant performance and implement process changes to optimise production, waste throughput, and power export.
• Diagnose and rectify operational and equipment faults through trend analysis and plant inspections.
• Carry out routine testing, inspections, and frontline maintenance activities.
• Monitor boiler water chemistry and undertake associated operational duties.
• Manage plant isolations and work safely within permit-to-work systems.
• Maintain accurate shift logs and provide detailed handovers to incoming shift teams.
• Monitor consumable stock levels and coordinate bulk deliveries.
• Support planned shutdowns and maintenance activities to minimise downtime.
• Raise and manage defect reports through the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Assist with visitor inductions and ensure site safety procedures are followed.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits, company standards, and all relevant legislation.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience working within a mechanical, electrical, or process plant environment.
• Strong understanding of safe systems of work, including plant isolations and safety systems.
• Good computer literacy and confidence using operational systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Good numerical and written communication skills.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• IOSH, NEBOSH, or equivalent health and safety qualification.

Desirable:

• Experience within a power generation, energy-from-waste, or process plant environment.
• Knowledge of environmental permit compliance (PPC Permit or equivalent).
• Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Experience producing operational reports.
• Ability to develop towards Authorised Person and Senior Authorised Person status.

What You'll Bring

You will be a proactive team player with a strong safety mindset, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and focused in a fast-paced operational environment. You'll be committed to continuous learning and eager to develop your technical expertise and career progression opportunities within the business.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary of £43,871 plus shift allowance
• Structured training and development opportunities
• Career progression pathway towards Authorised Person and Senior Authorised Person status
• Opportunity to work with advanced control room and process plant technology
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Play a key role in delivering safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations

How to apply

Click apply at the bottom of the page and you will be asked to create a profile. Make sure you have an up-to-date CV ready!

We are a Great Place to Work

There has never been a more exciting time to join Viridor. Following the acquisition of the business by the global private equity firm, KKR, the core business has been reshaped to focus on our leading UK Energy from Waste portfolio.

What we can offer you

We invest in our people to reward them for their hard work, and we have a host of company benefits available to you when you join - take a look at our Rewards and Benefits

As an equal opportunities' employer, Viridor is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.