This is a , Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The Vacancy
The role: An exciting opportunity has arisen as we look to appoint a new Depot Engineer at our OFD (Oil Fuel Depot) located at Garelochhead, Helensburgh, Argyll & Bute.
This is a dual function role where the post holder must be able to function independently as a Mechanical Technician and when required deputise for/assist the Depot Engineer, with a target wrench time of 60%. Ensuring OPA standards of inspection and maintenance are upheld throughout the OPA assets.
The role requires an effective supervisor who can demonstrate strong leadership, and who can positively engage all stakeholders and motivate staff, ensuring a positive culture and that safety standards are maintained at all times.
There may be a requirement to travel to other sites, therefore a full (preferably clean) driving licence is essential.
Responsibilities:
Ensure compliance with Safe Systems of Work (SSOW)at all times by liaison with Site Management reference contractors on maintenance and defect rectification work to have the required SSOW paperwork in place prior to any commencement of work. This includes periodic visits during work to ensure compliance, this will include issuing of permits and supervision of contractors.
Responsible for conducting routine maintenance tasks and maintenance for the site assets.
Allocate and complete scheduled ‘PPM’ inspections to the appropriate trade discipline in a timely manner, manage task completion, defect rectification, and closure via Agility.
Procure equipment and services to support maintenance delivery.
Liaise with the OPA Mechanical Superintendent , Depot Engineer, Operations Manager and Maintenance Planner to de-conflict works and ensure adequate resources are allocated to complete inspections and defect rectification in accordance with OPA criticality procedures.
Escalate conflicts and resource issues to the Depot Engineer (Line manager).
Maintain plant equipment in order to maximise availability of fuel delivery of fuel to authorised demanders in line with relevant SLAs and OPA objectives and targets.
Schedule contractor resources and liaise with the Depot Engineer and Site Operations to ensure induction and work control processes are executed efficiently to minimise ‘permit delays’ and down-time.
Review Maintenance related procedures to ensure compliance to Statutory, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or Relevant Good Practice to ensure the OPA meets obligations under COMAH legislation.
Establish. Monitor and maintain safe working practices and procedures of OPA staff and contractors in accordance with mandated legislation and Relevant Good Practice, with a focus on meeting the requirements and standards of COMAH.
Identify and initiate Management of Change processes where there is a change to procedures, plant & equipment, people, or substances.
Ensure estate management encompassing all aspects of maintenance, minor/major works, and grounds management to the required standards.
Deputise when required for the Depot Engineer.
Willing to undertake Short Notice overtime and be part of a Rostered “On-Call” Team.
Fault Finding and repair for OFD Depots; including plant and equipment, maintenance of plant and equipment.
Full details of the responsibilities can be found in the job description for this role, which is available to download at the bottom of this page.
The candidate: Candidates will need to be an experienced Mechanical Technician, who is familiar with the maintenance of process plant, and has a good working knowledge around Engineering, Maintenance, and Construction Processes.
Ideally the post holder will have a minimum qualification of ONC / HNC in an engineering discipline, and ideally have served a recognised Modern Day Craft apprenticeship or equivalent, with at least three years’ experience in an engineering role within a high hazard industry.
You’ll need to be able to demonstrate first line management potential, leadership, communications, and influencing skills with a focus on ensuring all depot assets are maintained correctly, ensuring a positive safety culture is maintained.
Knowledge/Skills:
Able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the petroleum supply chain and the working arrangements of a Petroleum Depot.
Demonstrable experience of leading / managing Mechanical Technicians, ensuring compliance with Planned Preventative Maintenance schedules.
Working knowledge of COMAH and CDM regulations
Working knowledge of project management principles
Ability to act as the “intelligent client”.
Excellent communication skills.
Knowledge of hazardous area process plant environment, desirable.
Ability to develop new ideas and solutions and have an awareness of current and new emerging technologies.
Ideally hold a basic health and safety qualification and be , or able to demonstrate an excellent safety management record.
Has knowledge and experience around the being able to review and edit policies, procedures, written instructions around critical repairs, overhauls etc.
Stage 1 Interviews: 1 April 2026 (Face to Face, at Garelochhead)
Stage 2 Interviews: 15 April 2026 (Face to Face, at Garelochhead)
The Organisation
The Oil & Pipelines Agency is a Public Corporation formed by the Oil and Pipelines Act 1985.
Our current primary purpose is to manage, operate and maintain 6 Naval OFD’s (Oil Fuel Depots) and 1 Petroleum Storage Depot in the UK, as well as overseas, on behalf of the MOD. We currently have around 200 employees in the UK.
The Benefits
30 days Holiday [Plus Bank Holidays]
4 x annual salary life assurance [after probation] & Group Income Protection Policy
Generous Pension Scheme
Group Healthcare Scheme (permanent staff only)
The Values
Innovation
We are creative and fearless in our work.
Accountability
We take ownership of our work and lead from the front.
Teamwork
We collaborate widely and build supportive environments.
The Values
PROTECT
PROTECT PEOPLE & THE ENVIRONMENT FROM HARM
RESPONSIBILITY
WE HOLD OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE & ACCEPT OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS
INTEGRITY
INTEGRITY, HONESTY AND AN OPEN CULTURE ENGENDERS TRUST
DIGNITY
BE CONSIDERATE AND RESPECTFUL TO OTHERS
EXCEED
WE STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO
Our Mission
To deliver and enable optimal energy outcomes, in order to enable resilience, operational capability and advantage for UK Defence.
Our Vision
To be the enduring partner of choice for UK Defence operational energy delivery.
Documents
The Oil & Pipelines Agency humanresources@opa.gov.uk Head Office: St George’s House, Weevil Lane, Gosport PO12 1AP
Modal title
Login
Alternatively, please sign in with...
Modal title
Already Applied
You have already applied for this vacancy, please go to your account to see your progress.
Privacy Policy
The Oil and Pipeline AgencyPrivacy Statement
This notice explains how The Oil and Pipelines Agency (OPA) obtains, uses and protects the personal information that it holds about applicants during the recruitment process. Contact details for Data Protection Officer are set out at the end of this notice.
OPA complies with Data Protection legislation.
The OPA is the "Data Controller" for the purposes of the Data Protection legislation. As the “Data Controller” we ensure we comply with the Data Protection legislation and only processes your personal data accordingly. We do not use a Data Processor, other than Cifas, although OPA could be considered a Data Processor where an application is submitted by an Agency on behalf of a candidate.
As defined by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) The Oil and Pipeline Agency is the Data Controller and ultimately responsible for ensuring the data you provide is kept secure, processed correctly and that you understand your legal rights in relation to the data you provide.
What information do we collect from you?
We collect information that is specifically provided by you as part of an application process. We will collect the following (but not limited to):
Name, address, email, telephone number
CV (if applicable)
Equal opportunities monitoring information (defined as special categories data) - this information is purely for statistical analysis and monitoring purposes
Answers to application questions
Any other information you wish to provide in support of your application
What is personal information?
Personal information broadly means information that identifies, or which could identify (with other information that we hold or are likely to hold), a living individual. This includes any information provided to us by, or on behalf of, you.
What types of personal information might we hold about you?
We collect and process the information about you that you provide by filling in forms either electronically or through our online recruitment portal. We may also have information about you through correspondence with us, either directly with you or with an Agency handling your application with us, by telephone, email or otherwise. We may hold and process any or all of the following personal information about you:
Personal details such as your name, gender, age, date of birth, contact details (e.g. your address and postcode, email, telephone and mobile numbers), and identifiers such as your National Insurance number;
Employment details such as previous career history, termination details, job titles, training and qualification;
Information to confirm you eligibility to legally work within the UK;
Information about ethnic origin or other such data collected as part of our Equal Opportunities monitoring, which are not mandatory to provide.
Why do we hold this information?
We hold this information because we need it to process your application for roles within OPA. Without your personal information we cannot consider your application.
We may use unique identifier information, such as your National Insurance number, passport number, or email address for the purposes of sending communications to you and verifying your identity.
Using your information in accordance with Data Protection Laws
Data Protection Laws require us to meet certain conditions before we are allowed to use your personal information in the way described in this privacy notice.
We rely on a condition known as 'legitimate interests' in order to use this information in the way described in this privacy notice. We have legitimate interests in collecting and processing your personal information as we need this to process your application for roles in OPA.
We will keep the amount of personal information collected and the extent of any processing to the minimum.
We will only process ‘sensitive’ or ‘special categories' of personal information under the Data Protection Laws (e.g. information about your health) where you have explicitly consented to this by providing us with such information (such as Equal Opportunities Monitoring) or where there is an alternative legal basis for processing this information under the Data Protection Laws.
What do we do with the information?
We may use your personal information for a number of purposes relating to the processing of your application:
To consider your application and whether to select you for interview.
For internal record keeping of the recruitment process.
Complying with our legal obligations, any relevant industry or professional rules and regulations or any applicable voluntary codes.
Cifas membership - Insider threat database
The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by going to: www.cifas.org.uk/fpn or emailing HumanResources@opa.gov.uk and requesting a copy of the full fair processing notice.
What do we do with the information?
We may use your personal information for a number of purposes relating to the processing of your application:
To consider your application and whether to select you for interview.
For internal record keeping of the recruitment process.
Complying with our legal obligations, any relevant industry or professional rules and regulations or any applicable voluntary codes.
How long do we keep your information for?
We will hold your personal information on our systems for a maximum of 12 months following the completion of the application process, unless you are the successful candidate.
You will receive an automated email towards the end of the 12 month period, informing you that your personal information will be delete from our systems. You will have an opportunity to refresh you application, if you wish us to hold your information for any potential future vacancies. However, this can only be refreshed for a further year, at which point the automated email will be sent again.
Who do we share the information with?
Where appropriate for the purposes of processing your application we may share your information with:
The OPA management that are involved in the recruitment process for a specific role.
We may share feedback through an Agency, if your application was submitted by a 3rd Party on your behalf.
A Recruitment Agency may also be controllers under the Data Protection Laws, and they should have informed you of their Privacy Notices.
Where we store your personal data
The data that we collect from you will be stored in the UK.
Your rights in relation to your personal information
The accuracy of the information that we hold about you is important to us. If any of the information that we hold is inaccurate or out of date, please let us know using the contact details set out at the end of this notice.
You have a number of rights under the Data Protection Laws in relation to the way we process your personal data, namely:
To access your data;
To have your data rectified if it is inaccurate or incomplete;
To certain circumstances, to have your data deleted or removed;
In certain circumstances, to restrict the processing of your data;
A right of data portability, namely to obtain and reuse your data for your own purposes across different services;
To object to direct marketing (although we do not carry out direct marketing);
Not to be subject to automated decision making (including profiling), where it produces a legal effect or a similarly significant effect on you (we only use automated decision making in regard to your eligibility to legally work in the UK); and
To claim compensation for damages caused by a breach of the Data Protection Laws.
If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact the Human Resources Director (Data Protection Officer) using the contact details below.
We will aim to respond to any request received from you within one month from your request.
Please note that we may be unable to delete or remove your data whilst we still need this to process your application or to maintain the recruitment records in the event we are challenged on whether a fair process was utilised – see the section 'How long do we keep information for?' above.
Any complaints?
If you are not happy with the way in which your personal information is held or processed, please contact us using the details below. You also have the right to complain about data protection matters to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
The ICO is the UK's independent body set up to uphold information rights. You can find out more about the ICO at:
We keep our privacy notice under regular review, and may change it at any time. We will tell you about any significant changes.
Contact us
If you have any queries about this privacy notice, or wish to exercise any of the rights above, or if you have any other questions about OPA’s recruitment process, please contact:
To continue creating your account, please read the privacy policy and tick the box below
To complete creating your profile with , please read and agree with the privacy policy.
The email used for your profile is not a valid company domain name. In order to
continue to create your profile with you will need to select a profile which uses a company authorised email address.
Cookie Preference Centre
Learn more about what each cookie category does and choose your settings
Cookie policy
Strictly Necessary
Name
__RequestVerificationToken
Duration
Session
Description
Anti-forgery Token
Name
ASP.NET_SessionId
Duration
Session
Description
General purpose platform session cookie, used by sites written with Miscrosoft .NET based technologies. Usually used to maintain an anonymised user session by the server.
Name
NTX_Cookie_Preferences_Live
Duration
6 Months
Description
Your cookie preferences
Performance / Analytics
Name
_ga
Duration
2 Years
Description
This cookie name is associated with Google Universal Analytics - which is a significant update to Google's more commonly used analytics service. This cookie is used to distinguish unique users by assigning a randomly generated number as a client identifier. It is included in each page request in a site and used to calculate visitor, session and campaign data for the sites analytics reports. By default it is set to expire after 2 years, although this is customisable by website owners.
Name
_gat
Duration
A few seconds
Description
This is a pattern type cookie set by Google Analytics, where the pattern element on the name contains the unique identity number of the account or website it relates to. It appears to be a variation of the _gat cookie which is used to limit the amount of data recorded by Google on high traffic volume websites.
Name
_gid
Duration
1 Day
Description
This cookie name is asssociated with Google Universal Analytics. This appears to be a new cookie and as of Spring 2017 no information is available from Google. It appears to store and update a unique value for each page visited.
Name
NetworxTracking_AdvertClick
Duration
90 Days
Description
Used for tracking if the candidate has already clicked the advert - used for analytics
Name
NetworxTracking_AdvertLoad
Duration
90 Days
Description
Used for tracking if the candidate has already loaded the advert - used for analytics
Functional Cookies
Name
ApplicationIntroductionID
Duration
90 Days
Description
Check to see if the candidate has already read the introduction for the Application
Name
FavouriteVacancies
Duration
30 Days
Description
Store any jobs the candidate has flagged as a favourite
Share Vacancy
Click on any of the buttons below to share this page!