Depot Operator

Salary: £31,175 per annum

Location: Thanckes, Torpoint, Cornwall

The role: We are looking to recruit an additional Depot Operator to be based at our OFD (Oil Fuel Depot), located at Thanckes, Torpoint, Cornwall.

Working as part of a team, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient receipt, storage, and supply of middle distillate fuels for supply to HM Navy and other OPA customers, and normal day to day OFD support operations.

The Depot is an upper tier COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards (2015) site, and all activities need to comply with these regulations. We therefore have a strong focus on ensuring no harm to people or the environment. A strong positive work ethos, attitude, and the ability to remain calm and effective in difficult/emergency situations is essential in this role.

As some occasional travel to other sites may be required, candidates will need to have a full (preferably clean) driving licence.

Responsibilities include:

• Monitor the receipt of product; ensure safe storage and distribution of product from vessels, pipelines, tanks, and road tanker loading.
• Operate tank farm, jetty and road tanker loading equipment to company policies, procedures, and relevant good industry practice.
• Perform fuel sampling, testing and volume measurement duties in accordance with the OPA Fuel Quality Manual and HMRC bonded warehouse obligations.
• Operate and perform basic checks of pumps, valves and other equipment associated with bulk handling of petroleum liquids.
• Berthing and slipping of shipping vessels, assisting in the fuelling of vessels, slinging duties. deployment and recovery of pneumatic fenders and general site maintenance.
• Understand and respond accordingly to defined on-site emergency procedures.
• System configuration.
• Operation of Oil Water separators.
• Completion of relevant documentation.
• Assisting engineering staff.
  Forklift Truck operations (subject to correct licences and training).

The candidate: Experience in hazardous operations, possibly in a COMAH regulated environment would be an advantage but is not essential, as you will receive extensive training in all aspects of the role, including accredited Bulk Liquid Operations training (both on-site and residential) response.

You should exhibit a strong understanding of health and safety requirements in the workplace as well as demonstrate a safe working record, compliant with systems and procedures, and be medically fit to undergo Breathing Apparatus and Confined Space training.

To enable the career progression we offer in this role, candidates must be computer literate to above average level, and able to show they are a motivated team player, willing and capable to be part of a rostered “on-call” team to undertake overtime at short notice.

We are looking for candidates who are willing to be trained to become qualified AP’s (Authorised Persons) to ensure OPA’s Control of Works obligations are carried out, in compliance with the OPA’s written permit procedure. This will involve permit issuing as well as being at the forefront of ensuring construction/installation of equipment has been done with input from operations team.

Remuneration: A basic starting salary of £31,175 per annum, rising to £32,975 once fully trained, plus paid overtime, plus all our other excellent benefits which can be seen below this advert.

Stage 1 Interviews: 22 July 2026 (Face to Face)

Stage 2 Interviews: 30 July 2026 (By Teams)

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)

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.