Multi-Skilled Plant Operative, AD Plant, £15.25 per hour

Job Description

Location: McCulla (Ireland) Ltd, Blaris Industrial Estate, 5 Altona Road

Multi-Skilled Plant Operator – Food Waste AD Plant

Location: Lisburn, Altona Industrial Estate

Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off (12-hour shifts – days)

Reports to: Operations Supervisor / Plant Manager

Overview

We are looking for a Multi-Skilled Plant Operator with a strong process operations background to join our team at a food waste Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant. This is a key frontline role in a continuous process environment, responsible for safely and efficiently operating the plant, maximising biogas and power output, and maintaining high standards of safety, environmental compliance, and housekeeping.

This is a 4 on / 4 off rotating shift role, suited to candidates comfortable working days, weekends and bank holidays as part of a small, hands-on operational team.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operations & Process Control

• Operate and monitor the AD plant and associated equipment (feedstock reception, pre-treatment, digester systems, CHP/biogas upgrading, dewatering, pasteurisation, etc.) in line with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Use SCADA and local control panels to monitor process conditions, identify deviations and take corrective actions.

Optimise plant performance to achieve production, efficiency and quality targets (biogas yield, electrical output, digestate quality).

Assist with start-up, shutdown, isolations and safe handover of plant for maintenance.

Maintenance & Multi-Skilling

• Carry out first-line maintenance, basic fault-finding and repairs on mechanical and/or electrical equipment (pumps, conveyors, valves, blowers, mixers, screens, instruments, etc.).
• Support planned preventative maintenance (PPM) activities and inspections, recording findings and escalating issues as needed.
• Work alongside engineers and external contractors during breakdowns, overhauls and project work.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and reliability initiatives.
  
  

Feedstock, Waste Handling & Site Operations

• Receive, inspect and handle incoming food waste and other feedstock materials, ensuring compliance with quality and acceptance criteria.
• Operate mobile plant (e.g. telehandler, forklift, loading shovel – if trained/qualified) to move and load materials safely.

Ensure correct sampling, testing and recording of feedstock and digestate in line with site procedures.

Maintain high standards of site cleanliness and housekeeping, especially in reception, processing, and storage areas.

Safety, Environment & Compliance

• Work safely at all times and comply with all health and safety procedures, permits to work, lock out/tag out, and risk assessments.
• Identify and report hazards, near misses, and incidents; actively participate in safety meetings and toolbox talks.
• Operate the plant in compliance with environmental permits, ABP regulations, and company policies.
• Support audits, inspections and regulatory visits as required.
  
  

Monitoring, Reporting & Teamwork

• Complete shift logs, checklists, and electronic records accurately and on time.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report anomalies or issues promptly.
• Communicate effectively with the incoming/outgoing shift to ensure smooth handovers.
• Work collaboratively with operations, maintenance and management teams to resolve issues and improve plant performance.
  
  

Essential Experience

• Experience in a process plant environment such as AD/biogas, wastewater treatment, power generation, chemical, food & beverage, utilities, or similar.
• Proven ability to operate process equipment and use control systems (SCADA/PLC interfaces).
• Hands-on, practical approach with the ability to perform basic mechanical and/or electrical maintenance and fault-finding.
• Comfortable working in an industrial environment with waste materials, odours, and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Strong awareness of health, safety and environmental requirements and safe systems of work.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a small shift team.
• Basic IT skills for logging data, completing reports and using email/CMMS systems.
  
  

Desirable

• Previous experience in Anaerobic Digestion, biogas, or wastewater treatment.
• Formal qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Process Operations, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Industrial Utilities, NVQ/City & Guilds, ONC/HNC or equivalent).
• Experience with CHP engines, gas upgrading systems, or boilers.

FLT, telehandler or loading shovel tickets.

First aid, confined space, or other relevant health & safety training.

Personal Attributes

• Safety-focused with a proactive attitude to risk reduction.
• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable working a 4 on / 4 off shift pattern including weekends.
• Problem-solver who can remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions.
• Willing to learn, multi-skill and take on additional responsibilities over time.
• Positive team player with a “hands-on” approach and strong work ethic.
  
  

About The Role

What We Offer

• £15.25 hourly rate.
• Overtime paid at time and a third.
• 4 on / 4 off rotating shift pattern providing regular extended rest periods. 7am – 7pm, dayshift.
• Training and development, with opportunities to broaden skills across operations and maintenance.
• Matched employee / employer pension
• Life Insurance
• The opportunity to be part of a growing, sustainable industry turning food waste into renewable energy.
  
  

Skills Needed

About The Company

With more than 50 years’ experience, McCulla Ireland is a leading provider of ambient, chilled and frozen logistics and storage solutions. Established in 1969, we are now a second generation family-owned business which has shown great resilience, adaptability and innovation over the years. Today, we have three strategically-placed facilities in Lisburn, Dublin and Mallusk, and are the market leader for groupage coming from the UK onto the island of Ireland. We have diversified significantly over the years from the original core business of standard refrigerated haulage into a fully integrated cold supply chain, including cold storage and bespoke logistics solutions for customers of all sizes. Services include product collection, storage, picking-to-order and delivery by the box, pallet, or full load to anywhere in the UK, Ireland and the rest of continental Europe.

Company Culture

At McCulla Ireland we live and breathe our company motto: Be More. Deliver More. Expect More. We understand that each customer is unique, so we always seek to deliver flexible, tailored solutions to suit our broad range of customers, from independent restaurants and retailers to major retail and hospitality chains and international manufacturers. Our business ethos is to focus on removing our customers’ problems and to become an extension of their production lines. At McCulla we are highly committed to our staff from the moment they join our team. We recognise that an environment that supports the varying needs of our employees creates a great atmosphere work in.

Required Criteria

Desired Criteria

Closing DateThursday 19th February, 2026

Contract Typefulltime

SalaryStarting from £15.25 Hourly