Production Technician

Production Technician

Role Purpose

Based at the Barrow Gas Terminal, the Production Technician is an integral member of the Terminals Shift Production Operations Team, reporting to the Production Team Lead (PTL).

The Production Technician is part of a team responsible for operating the onshore gas processing terminals safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved procedures and operational standards. The role places strong emphasis on effective planning of work, control of activities throughout each daily shift, and comprehensive and thorough handover between shifts.

The Production Technician will work closely with the Production Team Lead to ensure effective liaison across the Production Team while demonstrating the ability to operate independently and without direct supervision when undertaking routine activities.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Production Team Lead, the Production Technician will work as part of the Shift Production Operations Team and will require the flexibility, competence, and confidence to operate as an Area Authority.

The Production Technician will:

Operate high-pressure gas production and processing plant, utilities, and associated equipment in accordance with approved operating procedures.

Utilise both on-plant and control room equipment to monitor and control plant performance.

Monitor plant performance through control systems and regular on-site patrols, recording operational data and producing appropriate reports.

Undertake safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations to maintain plant integrity, operational continuity, product quality, and achievement of gas production schedules.

Monitor one of Barrow's three terminals — South Morecambe, North Morecambe, or Rivers Terminal — and undertake ancillary operational activities as required.

Operate within a complex and diverse range of high-pressure process plant, utilities, and equipment in a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week environment through a rotating shift system.

Provide on-the-job training and knowledge transfer to other Technicians where the Production Technician has developed specialist knowledge or experience in particular aspects of plant operation.

Undertake sampling and analysis of feedstocks, products, effluent, and other process materials using appropriate laboratory equipment and scientific apparatus.

Produce relevant production and laboratory reports, interpreting results and taking appropriate action where required.

Act as Area Technician, monitoring and controlling activities within a defined area of jurisdiction in accordance with Permit to Work requirements, permit specifications, operational constraints, procedures, and approved work practices.

Support the Production Team Lead in preparing and issuing Permits to Work and preparing plant for planned and defect maintenance.

Ensure safe working conditions are maintained during maintenance activities and control the safe return of plant and equipment to service.

Identify and report plant and equipment defects, operating abnormalities, and developing process issues, raising and progressing work orders through the appropriate systems.

Carry out first-line maintenance and remedial activities within the scope of competence, maintaining accurate and appropriate records.

Analyse plant performance data to confirm that equipment and processes are operating at optimum efficiency and provide reports and recommendations based on findings.

Monitor stock levels of chemicals, spares, and consumables to support continuity of production capability and safe, reliable plant operation.

Extract and analyse process material samples to monitor product quality and confirm that effluent discharges meet specified standards, taking corrective action where appropriate.

Develop and review plant operating procedures for approval and implementation in accordance with Company standards, statutory requirements, and operational best practice.

Maintain effective shift communication and ensure that all relevant operational information is accurately communicated during shift handovers.

HSE and Process Safety

The Production Technician is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), process safety, and the Company's Incident-Free Workplace (IFW) principles.

The Production Technician will ensure that all operational and maintenance activities are conducted in accordance with applicable legislation, Company procedures, risk assessments, Permit to Work requirements, and safe systems of work.

The role requires a proactive approach to identifying hazards, recognising changing operating conditions, intervening where unsafe conditions or behaviours are observed, and taking appropriate action to protect people, the environment, plant, and the integrity of the process.

The Production Technician will contribute to maintaining high standards of operational discipline and process safety by following procedures, maintaining effective communication, reporting defects and abnormalities, and ensuring that plant is operated within defined safe operating limits.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

The successful Production Technician will have practical experience and demonstrate a clear understanding of terminal process plant, including the technologies and equipment used at the Barrow terminals.

The Production Technician should demonstrate:

Extensive offshore production experience within Exploration & Production (E&P).

Demonstrable experience in petrochemical process operations or maintenance.

Practical experience operating complex process plant in a high-hazard environment.

A sound understanding of engineering principles and process operations.

A thorough knowledge of operational procedures, process systems, and the hazards associated with high-pressure gas and other substances encountered within the operating environment.

The ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions within defined procedures and limits.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, applied to plant performance, process data, laboratory results, and operational abnormalities.

Strong communication and teamwork skills, particularly when coordinating activities across shifts and working with the Production Team Lead and wider Production Team

A proactive approach to safety, environmental performance, operational integrity, and continuous improvement.

The ability to plan and prioritise activities effectively while maintaining safe and reliable production.

The confidence and competence to undertake Area Authority responsibilities when required.

A commitment to maintaining and continuously developing the competencies required to perform effectively in the role.

Education and Qualifications

The Production Technician should ideally hold a BTEC Ordinary Certificate or equivalent qualification in an engineering discipline.

An Engineering Apprenticeship, supported by relevant experience and associated technical qualifications, with ONC or equivalent as a minimum, will ideally underpin the successful candidate's credentials.

The successful Production Technician will be expected to maintain and continually develop the technical, operational, and HSE competencies necessary to carry out the role safely, competently, and effectively throughout their employment.

The inherent hazards associated with the operation of high-pressure gas processing facilities and the substances involved require the Production Technician to possess a thorough understanding of relevant procedures, process systems, operational risks, and control measures to ensure the ongoing integrity of health, safety, environmental, and process safety performance.