Plant Operative
Severn Beach - Bristol
Permanent | Full-time
6am-4pm Monday-Friday
About the Role
Our client is currently recruiting a Plant Operative / Plant Operator to join their site operations team. This is a hands-on role focused on the recovery of ferrous and non‑ferrous metals through the safe and efficient operation of static plant and associated equipment.
Reporting to the Site Manager / Assistant Site Manager, you will play an important part in maintaining plant performance, supporting health and safety compliance, and contributing to continuous improvement across site operations.
This role is ideal for candidates with experience in industrial processing, waste recycling, aggregates, quarrying, or heavy plant environments.
Key Responsibilities
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality
Promote and demonstrate high standards of Health, Safety, Welfare, Environmental and Quality compliance
Comply with all site rules, management systems, permits and planning permissions
Understand and fulfil responsibilities under HASWA (Health & Safety at Work Act)
Report all accidents, near misses, safety concerns, environmental incidents or damage
Support internal and external audits and help close out actions where required
Participate in site safety briefings, toolbox talks and H&S meetings
Maintain a clean, safe and organised work area, ensuring PPE is worn, maintained and stored correctly
Plant Operation & Metal Recovery
Operate and monitor static plant and metal recovery systems
Support the efficient recovery of ferrous and non‑ferrous metals
Carry out plant patrols, picking station duties and control room operations
Communicate with loading shovel drivers to maintain a consistent flow of materials
Monitor plant performance and product quality throughout operations
Identify and report any issues affecting plant efficiency or metal recovery rates
Maintenance & Housekeeping
Maintain high standards of site housekeeping
Carry out routine cleaning and basic plant maintenance
Report defects or breakdowns immediately
Complete planned preventative maintenance (PPM) checks accurately and on time
Highlight problem areas and contribute practical improvement suggestions
Training & Development
Attend all required company and site-based training
Participate in toolbox talks (TBTs) and performance discussions
Take an active role in ongoing skills development and site improvement initiatives
Key Behaviours & Attributes
Strong commitment to health and safety
Proactive, reliable and results‑focused
Flexible approach with the ability to prioritise workload
Team‑oriented with clear communication skills
Professional when dealing with colleagues, contractors and visitors
Willing to challenge unsafe behaviours and suggest improvements
Key Relationships
Internal: Site Management, Operatives, Production, Commercial and Head Office teams
External: Customers, Clients, Regulatory Bodies (including HSE and Environment Agency), auditors, laboratories and training providers
Decision‑Making Authority
Responsibility for day‑to‑day site operational duties within the scope of the role
Escalation of operational or safety concerns to line management as required
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