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Assistant Helicopter Observer
Job Reference ER391/2022
This job has been closed.
About Us
With 92,000 kms of overhead lines to be checked and maintained, our unique, Bristol Airport-based Helicopter Unit operates 5 H135 aircraft to patrol the Western Power Distribution network.
The helicopters and their crew can efficiently and effectively patrol between 45,000 and 50,000 kms every year, covering large distances in relatively short times, improving response times to faults and enabling Western Power Distribution to meet our commitments to restoring customers’ power.
Each helicopter is crewed with a pilot, an observer and assistant observer, who are focused on identifying defects and faults, and they are supported by a small team of engineers.
Its exciting work and safety is our priority. So our helicopter teams are regularly checked and trained.
Job Introduction
An opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Helicopter Observer based at Bristol Airport.
The successful applicant shall be required to undertake duties associated with overhead line inspection from a helicopter using high definition, thermal, corona and stills cameras along with a suite of sensing technologies. Applicants should have very proficient IT skills including the use of Outlook, Word and Excel. It would also be beneficial to have a working knowledge of EMU and CROWN although full training will be provided.
You will also be responsible for assisting the Helicopter Observers in programming work, maintaining records of patrols, monitoring and managing large volumes of data, working with LiDAR, liaising with WPD Network Services and other DNO’s on all matters concerning line patrol and overhead network inspections.
Note: this is a role that will, when the opportunity arises, allow the successful candidate to apply for the Observer (EBA Grade 6) role.
If you are offered a position, you will be required to complete and provide a satisfactory basic DBS check that shows any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
Main Responsibilities
An understanding of overhead electrical line design, construction or maintenance would be desirable. The successful applicant should be quick thinking, alert, adaptable to different working environments and have an aptitude for map reading. Much of the working time will be spent flying in a helicopter so it is essential that the successful applicant is able to work in this environment understandably, given the role, previous aviation experience would be preferred.
There will be a requirement, normally one week in every four, for you to work away from home Monday to Friday. You will also be required to undertake out of hours duties (including weekends), a full driving license is therefore essential and successful applicants shall live within a maximum of 60 minutes of Bristol Airport.
About The Company
If this is your opportunity to join us, you’ll find we offer a supportive, rewarding and friendly working environment where you’ll be empowered to build a career. Along the way, you’ll be invested in, be enabled by the latest technology and find that we’re always interested in evolving our systems and processes so that we get even better, every day.
In return, you’ll enjoy a package of benefits designed to reward your hard work and incentivise your ambition. In addition to your competitive salary, we offer a competitive contributory pension scheme where the company will double match your pension contributions up to a maximum company contribution of 10%. You will also have access, subject to eligibility criteria, to join our annual Share Save plan.
You will receive a generous annual leave entitlement on joining, starting at 26 days rising to 28 days following 10 years’ service, plus 8 bank holidays. Protective clothing and Safety Equipment will be provided where required and we offer free parking at all main sites. In addition, you will be able to access support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services.
Additional Application Information
Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, so please do check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.
To enhance your candidate experience, we recommend using Google Chrome to complete your online application. Should you have any questions regarding this or require additional support to complete your online application, please email recruitment@westernpower.co.uk
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.