Shift Operator

Date:  9 Apr 2026
Location: 

Peterhead, GB, AB42 3EP

Company:  National Gas
Requisition ID:  2640

Shift Operator

Salary: £37,882 - £44,566 + Benefits

Locations: St Fergus (Onsite)

About the role

 

We are looking for an experienced Shift Operator to join our operations team at St Fergus, working within a highly regulated, safety‑critical gas terminal environment.

 

This is a highly responsible operational role, central to the safe and efficient running of the plant. You will play a key part in maintaining gas throughput into the National Transmission System, operating terminal and compression assets in line with local operating procedures, network codes, and safety standards.

 

The role operates on a continental shift pattern across a 6‑week rotation, covering 7am–3pm, 3pm–11pm, and 11pm–7am, attracting a 26% shift allowance in recognition of the commitment and responsibility involved.


The importance and stability of this role are reflected in the experience within the team  the current post‑holder has been in position for 12 years, underlining both the longevity of the role and the depth of expertise required.

 

What You’ll Be Doing

 

  • Day‑to‑day operation and monitoring of terminal plant and compression systems, working under the direction of the Duty Shift Officer
  • Responding to operational conditions and plant issues to ensure safe, continuous, and efficient operation
  • Carrying out routine operational tasks, inspections, and checks
  • Supporting gas flow nominations through effective liaison with control centres, suppliers, and delivery facility operators
  • Maintaining accurate operational and shift records
  • Working strictly within Safe Systems of Work, contributing to a strong safety culture
  • Supporting routine maintenance activities and assisting during planned and emergency situations

Key requirements & experience

 

Essential:

 

  • Time‑served apprenticeship or recognised training scheme in Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, or Operations
  • BTEC National Certificate or equivalent (City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ Level 3)
  • Experience in an operational or maintenance role within Oil & Gas or a similar process environment
  • Strong understanding of health & safety legislation and safe systems of work
  • Full UK driving licence
  • Willingness to work a rotating continental shift pattern


Desirable:

 

  • OPITO (or equivalent) Control Room Operator certification
  • Experience with terminal or compressor station plant, gas flow control, blending, or quality systems
  • Experience working in hazardous area environments

 

Security Clearance

 

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.
Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What we offer

 

  • Annual bonus of up to 6% based on personal and company performance
  • 26 days’ holiday plus statutory holidays - option available to buy extra holiday day
  • Generous double-match pension scheme - for every £1 you put in, we'll add £2 (max company contribution 12%)
  • An optional flexible benefit scheme, including private healthcare, dental insurance, technology plans, travel insurance
  • Death in service 10x your basic salary
  • Financial protection if you're unable to work due to long term illness or injury
  • Excellent family friendly provisions - maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental leave
  • Professional development and career progression
  • Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24 hours per day
  • Financial support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, relevant to your role

Inclusive recruitment

 

At National Gas, we are disability confident and signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may need.
 
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