Wind Farm Operator

Airtricity was acquired by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) in February 2008. The acquisition gave SSE the market entry it was seeking to supply energy to customers in Ireland. SSE intends to utilise Airtricity as a platform to develop a truly pan-European renewables business and to become a major market force in the energy supply sector in Ireland. Following its sale, Airtricity now has two definitive businesses – energy supply and renewable energy development.

Airtricity is No.1 for renewable energy. Currently it supplies renewable energy to over 40,000 customers in Ireland with ambitious growth targets over the next 5 years to grow to 500,000 customers.

Scottish and Southern Energy is the 2nd largest energy company in the UK with a primary focus on the electricity, gas and telecoms sectors. It is a supplier of electricity and gas to over 8.75 million homes and businesses throughout Britain. It prides itself on being rated No. 1 for customer service.

Airtricity are currently seeking to recruit a Wind Farm Operator to work within their Generation/Operations team which is responsible for the operations management of Airtricity’s over 500MW continuing expanding operational wind power generation assets.

The location of this position will be based in the Omagh/ Ballygally area Northern Ireland. You will have the following duties and responsibilities:-

  • Ensure highest level of health and safety is maintained on Airtricity Wind Farms.
  • Ensure operation of windfarm meets contracted availability, and work to achieve Airtricity targets.
  • Oversee wind farm operational issues and ensure appropriate maintenance is carried out by Vendors and support with maintenance where possible.
  • Operate and oversee maintenance of site BOP balance of plant, including HV switching.
  • Interface with Vendor and National Grid (utility) regarding HV switching.
  • Manage environmental reinstatement program where applicable.
  • Interface with local landowners and general public where required.
  • Interface with local authorities where required.
  • Develop standard reports, and inspection sheets to cover safety in turbines,
  • HV control buildings, and general house keeping around sites.
  • Develop and implement procedures for dealing with day to day operations and environmental issues.
  • Produce and submit daily, weekly, monthly reports.
  • When required help with planning issues, met mast chip changes on a number of sites.
  • When required help with construction issues especially at hand over from construction to operations e.g. snagging, SCADA tests, etc.
  • Back up for work on Airtricity sites. When required cover at week ends on a rota basis.
  • Carry out scheduled maintenance on Airtricity wind farms outside warranty.
  • Manage stock of spares and delivery on Airtricity wind farms outside warranty.

You will ideally have the following skills and experience:-

  • Experience working on wind generating turbines would be an advantage.
  • Experience of servicing, troubleshooting, and modifying high technology plant
  • Strong relationship skills with ability to work with both executive and technical teams across organizations.
  • Strong interpersonal, communications and relationship management skills.
  • An understanding in agriculture environmental issues is considered an advantage.
  • An understanding / qualification in electrical systems e.g. AC/DC Low, Medium and High voltage systems, electronics and electro mechanical equipment.
  • An understanding /qualification in Aerodynamics, Mechanical Engineering and Hydraulics.
  • Experience of using IT systems and applications
  • Knowledge and experience of electrical and mechanical engineering principles

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter quoting reference AR/08/124 to careers@airtricity.com closing date for applications is Friday 10th October 2008.