BACS Shift Assistant

The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose:

The BACS (Building Automation and Control System) Shift Assistant works as part of a 24/7 continental shift pattern providing site monitoring and system management of a highly automated high containment site, including HVAC and process plant, high containment drainage and effluent treatment plants and equipment, standard building services including gases, water, compressed air, steam, condense and refrigeration systems. Provide the first line response on alarm handling and report back to shift colleagues for advice. Completion of designated planned maintenance also forms part of this role.

The role will aid the BACS Shift team reporting to the BACS Shift Leader, supported by a dedicated management team and technical specialists.

Main duties and responsibility 

Accountable to the BACS Shift Leader, the role will assist the shift team to ensure all BACS critical alarms are responded too and that alarms are escalated to shift colleagues as directed. The role will also provide support in relation to all BACS shift tasking as directed by the Shift Leader.

The successful candidate may also be called upon to carry out general engineering duties within specific competency levels. These could include both maintenance, repair works and provide project support including escorting. This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role; the jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by their line manager.

The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Human Resources Department and The Pirbright Institute.

All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute’s Quality Management. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own Health and Safety and Security by following policies and all employees are responsible for the health, safety, and security of staff under their management.                                                                             

80%                       

Provide assistance on the following and as directed by BACS Shift Leader:

• To ensure duties are conducted in a professional and positive manner to enhance and maintain a positive client perception.
• Compliance with the Pirbright Institute Health, Safety & Risk Policy.
• Understand and demonstrate standards of good working process, with guidance, as necessary.
• Monitor system and plant operational status and respond to alarms including critical, through the site’s Building Automated Control Systems (BACS) covering Trend / Schneider / CMR / COMARK / SCADA systems.
• Escalate all Critical / alarms to BACS colleagues.
• Ability to solve basic problems through own initiative and advise.
• Control Room to be fully staffed by the BACS assistant during the shift and cover provided should the Bacs Assistant be required on other duties / breaks etc. As directed by BACS Shift Leader / BACS Supervisor.
• Carry out EMS Planned Preventive Maintenance and general engineering activities when required, as directed, and dependent on competency levels, enabling the department to deliver excellence and consistency.
• Liaise with the Shift Leader, Supervisors and SEO (Specialist Equipment Owner) and update all site jobs activities through the site’s CMMS system. Recommend updates to the shift handover report at the end of each shift.
• Participation in project’s work including refurbishment of existing building controls equipment / systems and /or new installations under supervision, as directed and in line with competency assessments.
• Support Project Management and Shutdowns which may require dropping out of the shift pattern for periods of time.

20%

Other duties, as directed by Line Management.

• Plan to manage time effectively with guidance, adhere to plans.
• Develop learning by showing interest on a variety of tasks to improve competency levels

Specific requirements

Essential

• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to the Safe System of Work.
• Experience of working in an engineering and / or maintenance environment.
• Being resourceful, self-motivated and have the ambition to progress. 
• Able to work collaboratively and as part of a team. 
• Good communication skills, both written and oral
• Professional manner and conduct.
• Ability to work on shift / night shift.
• To be competent in the use of computer and MS package (Word / Excel / Visio).

Desirable

• NVQ in engineering and / or maintenance.
• 1-2 years’ experience as Control Room Operator.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
• Cycle to work
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities