Special plant operator 2

About the Role: Balfour Beatty is seeking a skilled and motivated Special Plant Operator 2 to join our Power Transmission & Distribution (T&D) team, working across Hull and Southampton. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering essential infrastructure by installing and maintaining high‑voltage overhead power transmission lines, helping to power communities and businesses across the UK.

📍 Hull & Southampton


Key Responsibilities

* Install, build and refurbish overhead power lines up to 400kV
* Maintain and develop new skills and competencies in accordance with Balfour Beatty standards and legislative changes
* Carry out all work in accordance with the standards, policies and procedures of Balfour Beatty and its clients
* Work as part of a team to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient implementation of Balfour Beatty operations
* Always maintain site safety and complete daily risk assessments where required
* Confirm to all instructions stated in method statements and risk assessments


Demonstrate Knowledge Of All Common OHL Activities

* Earthing Plant and Machinery
* Piloting work
* Lifting/Lowering Platforms
* Running out conductors
* Operate all plant and machinery
* Jointing


Correct Use of OHL Equipment

* PPE
* Rope and knots
* Fittings assembly
* Pull‑lifts
* Tirfors
* Blocks
* Bonds and slings
* Clamps
* Toggles
* Hand tools
* Protection systems
* Demarcation
* Lifting and lowering
* Stockings and J Stops
* Understand the site‑specific risk assessments to ensure all known risks are controlled
* Understand and use the safe systems of work to be employed at the work site
* Only operate plant with the correct authorisation and training
* Wear the correct PPE at all times and use any specific PPE as required or instructed
* Ensure that accidents and incidents are promptly reported to the Foreman
* Assist in the training and mentoring of Trainee Linesmen
* Apply appropriate earthing schemes to dissipate induced voltages
* Demonstrate knowledge of setting up, deployment and dismantling the catenary support systems
* Replacing fibre optic earth wire
* Installing dead ends
* Correct use of crane and derrick methods
* Undertake training in: emergency first aid, crane appointed person, Cat and Genny
* Hold a National Grid competent persons card – permit to work
* Responsible for access arrangements and evacuation procedures
* Overseeing the jointing process
* Anchorage systems
* Knowledge of AWNES (Access for Works Near Existing Services)


Essential Qualities & Experience

* Full clean driving licence
* Experience of working on plant and equipment
* Ability to work in a team
* Good verbal and written communication skills
* Able to undertake work in high‑pressure situations
* Flexibility – willing to travel and work across the UK
* Responsibility – a strong attitude towards health and safety


Desirable Qualities & Experience

* Valid Plant Tickets (will be an advantage)
* OHL Authorisations (will be an advantage)
* Emergency First Aid at Work

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.


About Us

Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to provide technical engineering solutions across the full spectrum of the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks. From scoping and feasibility, to design, construction and on‑going maintenance, our in‑house experts, flexible resources and industry‑leading innovations support customers in the development of some of the UK’s most ambitious power transmission and distribution projects.


Diversity and Inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion

We are a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/

We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at candidaterecruitmentqueries@balfourbeatty.com

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