[Hiring] Authorized Person / Field Technician @The Oil and Pipeline Agency

Role Description

Due to ongoing growth and investment, we are looking to recruit two Authorised Person / Field Technicians to play a key role in the safe and efficient delivery of capital and engineering projects, maintenance programmes, and site works across the OPA and MoD estates throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland. One role will be based in Northern Ireland, with the other based in Scotland.

These newly created roles will take full responsibility for ensuring that all SSoW (Safe System of Work) requirements are implemented and maintained. In addition, the post holder will provide engineering support through the inspection of assets, identifying and reporting defects, working closely with the Capital and Engineering Projects team to maintain operational integrity and compliance.

These are dual function roles where the post holder must be able to function as an Authorised Person in addition to act as a Field Technician, ensuring the Agency’s standards of inspection maintenance, and SSoW are upheld throughout OPA and MoD assets.

A strong commitment to process safety is essential, with the confidence to challenge unsafe behaviours and take immediate action when standards are not being met.

These roles are primarily focused on supporting sites across OPA’s Scottish and Northern Ireland MoD estate, with regular travel of 2 to 3 days per week (maximum), with the potential for overnight stays depending on the applicant’s geographical location. Therefore, a full (preferably clean) driving licence is essential for the successful candidate. There may also be a requirement to provide cover at other sites located in the UK.

Responsibilities include:

• Carry out first-line maintenance activities on fuel infrastructure, undertaking routine inspection, minor maintenance and defect rectification within the individual’s competence and authorisation.
• Preparing assets for planned or reactive engineering work by coordinating with the Operating Authority, applying the agreed Safe System of Work and permit-to-work arrangements, and safely draining, isolating and venting pipelines, tanks, pumps, valves, and associated equipment as required.
• Visual inspection for leaks, corrosion, coating deterioration and mechanical damage, routine checks and operation of valves, and minor maintenance in accordance with approved procedures and manufacturers’ recommendations.
• Where work requires specialist skills or falls outside the individual’s authority or competence, the task will be escalated for specialist engineering support.
• Identify and address defects at the earliest opportunity, maintain safe asset availability and ensure the infrastructure is left in a safe, controlled and correctly documented condition following completion of the work.
• Ensure compliance with SSoW (Safe Systems of Work) by all staff detailed in the procedure, especially contract staff who may be unfamiliar with the site.
• Promote effective liaison with site management throughout the end-to-end defect rectification, maintenance process ensuring the required SSoW paperwork is in place prior to any commencement of work.
• This includes periodic visits during work to ensure compliance; this will include issuing of permits and supervision of contractors.
• Liaise with the OPA Regional Operations Manager, Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Planner to de-conflict works and ensure adequate resources are allocated to complete inspections and defect rectification in accordance with OPA criticality procedures.
• Schedule contractor resources and liaise with the OPA Regional Operations Manager, Engineering Supervisor and Site Operations teams to ensure induction and work control processes are executed efficiently to minimise ‘permit delays’ and down-time of the assets.
• Act as contractor escort on Military bases for site maintenance / inspections as required.
• Embrace process safety, which is the core of OPA’s culture to ensure all the activities are carried out safely and in compliance with the policies and procedures laid out and raise any concerns on safety with the line manager/supervisor.
• Ensure all tasks carried out conform to the Agency’s policies, procedures and systems; e.g. Data Protection, System Security and Health & Safety Policy.
• Ensure compliance with all aspects of JSP440 – Security, including IT.
• Willing to undertake Short Notice overtime and be part of a Rostered “On-Call” Team.
• Understand and comply with the requirements of “Control of Major Accidents and Hazards” (CoMAH) in addition to any site-specific applicable MoD regulations.
• Identify and initiate Management of Change processes where there is a change to procedures, plant & equipment, people, or substances.

Qualifications

• Experienced Engineering Technician (preferable Mechanical) familiar with the maintenance and inspection of process plant.
• Good working knowledge around Engineering, Maintenance, and Inspection Processes.
• Completed a recognised Craft Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship with a minimum qualification of ONC or equivalent.
• At least five years’ experience in an engineering role, preferably in a high hazard industry.

Requirements

• Comfortable working across multiple sites or remotely.
• Ability to effectively manage time and priorities to meet operational demands.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and administrative skills.
• Ability to develop strong interpersonal relationships within a safety-critical environment.
• Willingness to learn new processes, skills, and knowledge beyond what is expected in the industry.

Benefits

• 30 days Holiday [Plus Bank Holidays]
• 4 x annual salary life assurance [after probation] & Group Income Protection Policy
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Group Healthcare Scheme (permanent staff only)

Company Description

The Oil & Pipelines Agency is a Public Corporation formed by the Oil and Pipelines Act 1985. Our current primary purpose is to manage, operate and maintain 6 Naval OFD’s (Oil Fuel Depots) and 1 Petroleum Storage Depot in the UK, as well as overseas, on behalf of the MOD. We currently have around 200 employees in the UK.