Special Plant Operator

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 the East Coast of Scotland. 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.

• To 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

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

• 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
• To undertake training in: emergency first aid, crane appointed person, Cat and Genny.
• To 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)

• 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

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

Alongside the amazing opportunity, support and pride that you will gain from developing your career with one of the world’s foremost infrastructure giants, you will also enjoy:

• Company DC pension scheme
• Opportunity to join into the company SIP scheme.
• Flexible benefits window Options to purchase additional holidays, bikes, tech vouchers, dental cover, PMI etc.
• Reward platform where you can get discounts off shopping, insurance, cars etc.
• 22 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Employee assistance programme

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.

At Balfour Beatty we are committed to creating a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential, not only because this is the right thing to do, but because it makes us a better business.

We have a UK Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan which sets out the wide range of targeted, initiative-taking, measurable steps we are taking to make this a reality. You can read our UK Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan in full at

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 collaborating with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them.

We have a BB Academy, which is a great resource to support you with your learning and development.