Astute People

Mechanical Technician

Waste Management Avonmouth £35,251 - Monday to Friday (Days)

Introduction Our Client is one of the UK's leading provider of Environmental solutions, offering a full range of Waste and Energy Recovery services through a vast and growing network of Plants and Facilities across the country and as such they are looking for a Mechanical Technician to join their new Polymers Recycling Facility in Avonmouth. Working as their Mechanical Technician you will be responsible for carrying out key planned, preventative and breakdown maintenance across the recycling facility on a wide variety of heavy plant and equipment.   

What you will be doing 

As Mechanical Technician, you will be responsible for:

• Ensuring that all plant and equipment on sites is modified and improved, as necessary, to maximise equipment availability and performance.
• Delivering the Planned Maintenance (PM) schedules as well as responding to reactive maintenance tasks on time and to company standard.
• Be aware of stock control and maintain shift paperwork to the highest standard, to complete condition reports and other documentation as defined by the maintenance strategy.
• Undertake engineering project work and assist with new installations or refurbishments.
• Update and administer the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) with good knowledge of these and electrical systems (SAP, Maximo, Holistech etc)
• Attend daily operational review meetings, providing updates on Planned Maintenance compliance, live defects and ongoing improvement plans.

 

What you will need 

To be considered for this position you will need to have a recognised Level 3 NVQ/HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. 

Candidates must have strong Mechanical Maintenance experience (both planned and reactive) working on fast paced production plant within heavy processing industries such as Power Generation, Waste Management, Aggregates, FMCG, Manufacturing or Water Treatment.

You will have experience of working with low levels of supervision in a high-pressure production environment and have a strong knowledge of health and safety regulations, proactive maintenance strategies and condition monitoring.

Candidates will also need to be able to carry out work at height and in confined spaces as well as working closely with electrical technicans providing support as required, driving their "1 team" ethos.

What's in it for you…

• Basic Salary of £35,251 per annum
• 10% Bonus Scheme
• Competitive Package
• Full training and support working on a brand new recycling facility.

How to Apply

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the UK's leading specialists in the Waste and Energy recovery sector. This is a rota-based shift position including nights. For more information please contact Gemma Nixon on 02392 222 964, emailing your CV to [email protected]

Astute’s Power team is partnering with a Principal Contractor in the Energy from Waste Sector to recruit a Commissioning Lead Engineer on a 12 months contract for its Leeds site. The Commissioning Lead Engineer role comes with a day rate of £550.             Key skills  

• Demonstrate leadership and commitment to HSEQ.  Actively encouraging and leading the contractor teams to implement and comply with project HSEQ requirements.
• Ensure that all relevant HSEQ requirements are incorporated into commissioning in consultation with site management, HSE and Commissioning team and that HSE hazards are eliminated or mitigated to the extent practicable
• Ensure that risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) are reviewed with regards to HSEQ requirements, and that work is carried out in accordance with the RAMS
• Lead the commissioning within area of responsibility for the principal contractor and ensure works are executed in accordance with contract requirements, and conform with the approved drawings and standards, project time and budget
• Supervise and check the commissioning works being performed by the contractor in respect of timescales, HSEQ and compliance with the approved drawings and standards
• Liaise and coordinate with other project team members, the Commissioning Manager, Erection Supervisors, HSE and Commercial Dept regarding commissioning works on time delivery, at costs and according to the specified quality and HSE requirements
• Co-ordinates sub-contractor and vendor activities on site in line with programme and project requirements. Ensuring that sub-contractors are coordinated with other site works, material and all other requirements are in place in order for them to efficiently perform required tasks.
• Keep the Commissioning Manager / Site Manager informed of all activities

Location, remuneration and timeframe of the Commissioning Lead Engineer role  

• Leeds
• £550.00 Per Day
• 12 Months
• Outside IR35

Astute’s Renewables team is partnering with a leading Solar EPC with a commitment to professional development and sustainability to recruit a Site Manager for its Dunfermline site. The strategically important Site Manager role comes with a salary of £65k, 10% Bonus, company vehicle, life and health cover, IT and PPE. If you’re a Site Manager and are looking to work for an organisation that puts integrity, quality and people at the forefront of everything it does then submit your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties Reporting to the Head of Sites you will:  

• Represent Employer with key stakeholders, including Clients, ICP’s, DNO’s, Subcontractors, Landowner’s, OEM’s, Technical Advisors etc
• Management of key project resources including engineering team, on site quality managers, subcontractors and suppliers
• On site management of utility scale solar PV and Battery Storage projects.
• Responsibility for ensuring the highest HSQE standards are always maintained on site and in compliance with UK HSE and CDM regulations.

      Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  

• SMSTS Trained
• Black CSCS card preferable

    Personal skills The Site Manager role would suit someone who is:  

• Experienced as Site Manager on utility scale solar PV projects (20MW+) is highly desirable.
• Experience of constructing ‘Tracker’ mounting structure a plus
• Proven track record in ensuring the highest HSQE standards are always maintained on site and in compliance with UK HSE and CDM regulations

    Salary and benefits of the Site Manager role

• £60k - £65k basic
• 10% Bonus
• Company vehicle, health & life cover, IT and PPE

   

Astute’s Nuclear team is partnering with a specialist in water treatment and technology services across the UK to recruit an experienced Water Treatment Engineer in the Basingstoke area. This role will be supporting at customer sites in the maintenance and servicing of the on-site water treatment systems, carrying out key account management duties as well as hands-on testing on the water systems themselves. The customer focussed Water Treatment Engineer position comes with a salary of up to £35,000, company vehicle & fuel card, with overtime and commission available. If you’re an experienced Water Treatment Engineer with previous working knowledge of the water industry and are looking to work for an organization that is an industry leader within the UK water industry, then upload your CV to apply today.                   Responsibilities and duties Reporting to the Service Manager you will be responsible for providing on-site preventative maintenance, after sales support and commercial support to key customers in the water treatment industry. This will include:  

• Carrying out servicing, chemical treatment analysis and system monitoring on existing customer contracts and equipment.
• Providing Legionella checks and control, ensuring customer compliance with ACOP L8.
• Developing good working relationships with customers, providing recommendations for on-site operations and equipment.
• Supporting with new accounts, initiating new water treatment programmes and commissioning new dosing and controls equipment where needed.
• Carrying out on-site risk assessments and customer reports for customer reviews.
• Continually building on customer relationships, assessing opportunities to potentially sell parts, consumables, plant upgrades and refurbishment work, working with the appropriate sales team.
• Feedback to customers on future product development, features and functions and show how they will add value to their business.
• Other duties as required.

    Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:  

• A HNC or equivalent in a Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Chemistry related subject.
• A full UK driving licence is essential.
• Previous knowledge and experience working in the chemical water treatment sector e.g cooling tower management, boiler optimisation.

This role would also suit a recent graduate with an interest in working within the water treatment sector.       Personal skills The Water Treatment Engineer role would suit someone who is:

• Passionate about working closely with customers and providing a first-class service every time.
• Able to handle challenging conversations with customers, working to find a prompt resolution.
• Strong communication skills both with internal and external teams.

    Salary and benefits of the Water Treatment Engineer role  

• Basic Salary of up to £35,000 DOE
• Company Vehicle + Fuel Card for business use
• 25 Days holiday (plus your birthday off)
• Comprehensive pension scheme

   

Astute’s Power team partnering with a Principal Contractor in the Energy from Waste sector to recruit a Senior Authorised Person / Log-out Tag-Out Coordinator on a 18-month contract for its West Midlands site starting in January 2025. The SAP role comes with a day rate of £600.00.             Key skills  

• Implement procedures to ensure Safety from the System and from the test equipment as dictated by the test programme and consulting, as necessary, with Control Persons of other Systems to agree any actions which may be required to maintain Safety from the System.
• Correctly implementing specified procedures for releasing Plant and Apparatus for work or testing and for ensuring that all safety precautions which achieve Safety from the System are in place.
• Obtain the agreement of the Control Person to the release of Plant and Apparatus.
• Confirm through the Control Person that safety precautions at remote locations are complete.
• Check with the Control Person to confirm that the safety precautions which have been taken are suitable and sufficient for the work or testing to be done.
• Instruct Authorised Persons to carry out the necessary operations to establish safety precautions which achieve Safety from the System.
• Decide whether the work to be done under a Permit for Work or Limited Work Certificate.
• Issue the Safety Document together with, any associated documents and Keys. Ensure they are placed in safe custody.
• Cancel or suspend Safety Documentation as required.
• Ensure the details stipulated in the Safety Documentation is correctly applied.
• Inform the Control Person of the completion of work or testing, details of any restrictions on returning the Plant and/or Apparatus to service, and, in the case of a Sanction for Test, any changes to the condition of the System concerned.
• For work on or testing of L.V. Apparatus, determining whether this is to be carried out in accordance with approved procedures by a Competent Person, or under a Safety Document.
• Decide, in those cases where it is not otherwise specified the category of Person who shall provide Personal
• Report writing and documentation review – including RAMS.

Location, remuneration and timeframe of the SAP role  

• West Midlands
• £600.00 Per Day
• 18 Months
• Outside IR35

Job Title: Radwaste Team Lead – Transport & Accountancy Business Line:  Environmental Services Org Area: UK Department: RDAT (Radwaste Disposals, Accountancy and Transport) Location: Winfrith, Dorset Reports To: Head of RDAT Scope: To ensure that all legislative requirements of the appointments are fulfilled together with Regulatory and Nuclear Site ‘License Conditions’ obligations. Stakeholders: Internal Relations: All Tradebe personnel External Relations: ONR, EA, and other Regulatory Bodies, Customer/RAM Consignor and Transport Carrier Senior Technical/Project Managers, 3rd Party recycling/disposal sites/RADSAFE/RamTuc Job Summary - Mission We are seeking a candidate to act as the Tradebe Inutec Site Transport & Accountancy Team Lead, providing leadership and guidance on Transport and Accountancy related matters. The Team Lead holds the Radioactive Material Transport Responsible Officer (RMTRO) appointment at the Tradebe Inutec Nuclear Licensed Site and if not already a qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) then should be keen to work towards this qualification to hold this position for the Licensed Site.  The Team Lead must ensure that all legislative requirements of the appointments are fulfilled, together with Regulatory and Nuclear Site ‘Licence Conditions’ obligations. To manage and coordinate Site Transport, ensuring compliance with the appropriate regulations, including radioactive material and dangerous goods packaging and transport via road, rail, air or sea.  Ensuring the relevant documentation, package approvals, safeguard requirements, insurance and customs are in place where applicable.  The Team Lead is to ensure transport operational integrity is met and aligned with business needs and goals. This is a demanding role requiring excellent team working, attention to detail, IT and communication skills with multi-stakeholder networking skills across all levels of the Tradebe Business including external customers and regulators. The successful candidate will be required to obtain SC National Security clearance. The post-holder will report to the RDAT (Radwaste Disposals, Accountancy and Transport) Manager at Tradebe Inutec. Key Responsibilities · Ensure compliance (both legislative and 3rd party requirements) of all radioactive waste movements in and out of Tradebe Inutec. · Support the Site and provide advice and guidance to the business on profitable technical solutions for waste through thorough understanding of waste recycling/disposal Waste Acceptance Criteria both for primary and secondary wastes. · Line management of the RDAT team · Oversight and management of processes for the management of wastes at Winfrith. · Oversee the preparation of paperwork to send waste to LLWR, Fawley and other radioactive waste processing and disposal sites. · Have oversight of offsite packages compliance as well as package maintenance, inspection, testing and record keeping. · Act as the Safeguard Lead for Nuclear Materials Accountancy and Control. · Liaise with the Security Manager with regards to the requirements of the security plan for Category I to III shipments and any other relevant security matters.  Ensure necessary notifications are made and provide a security movement plan and security escort where necessary. · Approve transport moves.                                                                                                                                                           · Responsible data verification tasks and support PMs in verification tasks as required. · Ensure all waste at Tradebe Inutec comply with statutory regulations, Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR), ADR, and the Tradebe Inutec site and B4 safety cases. · Ensure all radioactive wastes are checked against relevant Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC’s) prior to final disposal to sites listed in our EPR. · Support the team to provide technical advice / reports to members of Site and Division teams (including sales, proposals, projects, operations Inutec & Fawley etc). · Obtaining reports and information on radioactive waste management in UK and overseas and reporting to project and technical managers. · Updating and improving waste compliance instructions. · Management and preparation before and during audits. · Oversight of preparation of waste acceptance paperwork · Ensure waste is correctly recorded and removed from the Tradebe Inutec Waste Tracking database so Tradebe Inutec has a live record of all radioactive waste held on site. · Monitor and move / split waste consignments as they are processed at Tradebe Inutec. · Development and improvements of internal processes and interdepartmental processes that affect the team directly. · Working directly with or for Project Managers on detailed waste issues as required · Participate in Duty of Care Audits Required Qualifications – must have Education: Degree required, ideally a Bachelor's in radiochemistry, physics, or related field Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.), strong organizational and leadership skills Preferred Qualifications – nice to have RAMTUC Level 3 Course 2+ years' experience of radioactive waste and dangerous goods transport desirable. Operational and Compliance experience in manufacturing or equivalent. Capabilities  

• Accountability [Self-motivated and trustworthy, taking ownership of your actions and choices]
• Working together [Honest and willing to speak out, collaborative and respectful of others in building relationships]
• Delivering Results [Resilient and committed to delivering results with drive, energy and a hands-on, proactive approach]
• Forward Thinking [Prepared to challenge the status quo and create innovative out of the box solutions with a long-term vision]
• Commercial awareness [Customer focused with an understanding of the market and strong business acumen]
• Agile Decision making [Able to quickly respond to changing circumstances and make well-judged, timely decisions using facts and data]
• Developing self and others [Focused on learning, reflective and feedback oriented with the drive to build, develop and coach high performing teams & help people to get to their best]
• Communication and influence [A strong communicator able to influence others, building strong networks and energizing teams]

Competencies  

• Appreciation of radiation hazards associated with designated areas
• Relevant experience of working with radioactive materials
• Understanding of radioactive material transport issues and interface arrangements
• Practical grasp of quality assurance practices
• Knowledge of designated area operations and safety controls

Astute’s Power team are looking to recruit an Project Scheduler on a 24-month contract for a project in Wisbech from June 2026.             Key skills

• Develop, maintain, and update Site System Time Schedules, integrating construction, M&E, and commissioning activities.
• Monitor and report schedule performance using CPM and Float Management, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate schedules across internal teams, subcontractors, clients, and consortium partners, resolving issues proactively.
• Provide weekly/monthly progress reports, including S-curves, supporting the Construction Manager with on-site data collection.
• Maintain an as-built schedule, comparing baseline vs actual progress, and recommend improvements to prevent delays.
• Must hold a degree in either Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)
• Must hold Project Scheduler experience in heavy/industrial sectors and projects, ideally EfW / Power generation.
• Must have strong skill sets within MS, MS Projects and advanced Primavera P6.
• Must hold valid safety certifications such as a SCC, CSCS or CCNSG card.

Location, remuneration and timeframe of Project Scheduler role  

• Wisbech
• June 2026
• 24 Months min
• Competitive Day Rate

Astute’s team is partnering with one of the UK leaders in waste management and specialist industrial services to recruit a Waste Coordinator to join its team in Berkeley. The Waste Coordinator role comes with a salary of £30,000 - £35,000 plus 25 days annual leave. If you’re a Waste Coordinator and are looking to work for an organisation that puts people at the heart of everything it does, then submit your CV to apply today.                 Responsibilities and duties Reporting to the Project Manager you will:

• Actively promote and support the company’s safety culture, behaviour, and values in all services and activities.
• Help with operations and development of waste treatment and disposal services, ensuring safety for the public, environment, and staff.
• Make sure all environmental permits, regulations, contracts, and company guidelines are followed.
• Prepare and organise waste management documents, including records and paperwork to go with each waste shipment from one site to another.
• Work with accredited labs to manage tests and ensure timely results.
• Review and assess test results.
• Decide how to handle waste based on the test results.
• Communicate with the client for approval of document packs.
• Coordinate with transport companies to arrange waste shipment logistics.
• Inspect waste and facilities to ensure everything is in order.

Professional qualifications We are looking for someone with the following:

• HNC/HND/Degree in Chemistry/Physics related subject
• Full UK Driving license
• An interest in the environmental/ waste management industry
• Safety conscious with a view to improve safety culture/report any H&S issues
• Ability to deal with clients in a professional manner

Salary and benefits of the Waste Coordinator role

• Basic Salary of £30,000 - £35,000
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Private Health Care and other benefits

   

Astute’s Power team are looking to recruit a Microsoft Project Planner in Cheshire on a contract basis. Key skills required for the Microsoft Project Planner role  

• Develop, update, and maintain detailed project schedules using Microsoft Project
• Build and manage work breakdown structures (WBS) aligned with outage scope
• Integrate contractor schedules into the master outage plan
• Liaise daily with engineering, maintenance, operations, and site management teams
• Track progress against baseline schedules and identify critical path impacts
• Produce daily and weekly progress reports for stakeholders
• Conduct schedule risk analysis and propose mitigation strategies
• Coordinate shutdown activities to ensure sequencing and resource optimisation
• Monitor labour, plant, and material resource allocations
• Support planning meetings, toolbox talks, and coordination briefings
• Ensure all planning activities align with site safety and compliance requirements
• Assist with change management and scope variations
• Capture lessons learned and contributed to post-outage reviews

• Must have proven experience as a Planner on outage or shutdown projects
• Background in heavy industrial sectors
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project
• CSCS Card (or equivalent recognised Safety Passport)
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and compliance standards in industrial environments

Location, day rate and timeframe of the Microsoft Project Planner role  

• Cheshire
• £35.00 per hour
• 3+ Months contract
• March 2026