Shift Operator (2 positions)

Globeleq is a leading developer, owner, and operator of electricity generation in Africa, delivering tailored energy solutions and supporting the region’s energy transition. Since 2002, Globeleq has built a diverse portfolio of independent power plants, currently generating 1,660 MW across 18 power plants, in seven countries, with 665 MW under construction and more than 2,000 MW in development. Globeleq is owned by British International Investment and Norfund, the UK and Norwegian development finance institutions. More details: www.globeleq.com

The Menengai Geothermal Plant is a 35 MW Greenfield Geothermal Power Plant, forming part of the first phase of the larger Menengai complex. This marks Kenya’s second large-scale geothermal development after Olkaria.

The Shift Operator ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the geothermal power plant during their assigned shift. The role involves monitoring plant performance, operating equipment, control room operations, conducting first-level maintenance, and ensuring compliance with HSESS, manufacturer recommendations, and operational procedures.

The Operator supports the Shift Engineer to achieve and maintain high plant availability and efficiency while ensuring personnel and equipment safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Mobilisation Period (Pre-Commercial Operations Date)
  • Support plant commissioning and mobilization activities.
  • Participate in simulation and operational readiness exercises
  • Review, contribute and assess O&M manuals, OEM recommendations, and standard operating procedures.
  • Assist in the populating the CMMS (e.g., SAP) with initial maintenance data and annual plans.
  • Maintain plant records and provide mobilisation status reports.
  • Participate in cataloguing EPC punch list items and track resolution progress.
  • Participate in contractor-led classroom and hands on training and pre-commissioning activities.
  • Support implementation and use of the Permit-To-Work (PTW) and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) systems.
• Operational and Maintenance Period (Post COD)
  • Transmission of Instructions. When handing over the shift to incoming shift, the Operator:
    • Receive, transmit and justify operating instructions.
    • Review logbook entries from previous shifts and clarify outstanding issues.
  • Power Plant Monitoring. During rounds whose scope and frequency are predefined or on request, the Operator:
    • Conduct routine and regular observation rounds in the Power Plant.
    • Records in the mobile register the values of various equipment’s operational parameters (electrical, mechanical, chemical and thermal parameters)
    • Analyses trends of values recorded, detects malfunctions and reports findings to the Shift Engineer.
    • Anticipates potential equipment deviations and take preventive actions.
    • Operate and monitor plant and auxiliary systems, including fire protection equipment.
    • Carry out equipment starts or shutdown and continuous operations.
    • Monitors fire protection systems and carry out periodic operating tests of various equipment’s.
    • Report abnormalities and request interventions via the Shift Engineer.
    • Issues intervention requests for any animalities noted in the condition of the equipment and submits them to the Shift Engineer for Approval.
    • Monitors and verifies water quality in compliance with operational standards.
    • Updates existing procedures and work instructions, write new work instructions and procedures, implement and recommend them for improvement.
  • Control Room Operations. In the control room, the Operator:
    • Monitors various operating parameters in the Distributed Control System (DCS) screens and informs the shift Engineer of any anomaly or disturbance observed.
    • Recognize, define and implement corrective actions in response to alarm (upset or emergency).
    • Carries out machine load changes at the request of Dispatcher.
    • Carries out systematic surveys.
    • Completes the LOTO instruction book under the supervision of the Shift Engineer
  • First Level Maintenance. At the Shift Engineer’s request, the Operator:
    • Perform first level maintenance (lubrication, filter change, bulb and light fixture replacement etc).
    • Cross job training. Participates in maintenance work during periodic preventive maintenance or minor/major equipment overhaul. He/she works under the supervision of Maintenance Manager or his/her delegates.
    • Participate in preventive and corrective maintenance under supervision.
  • Reporting and Control. The Operator regularly reports to the Shift Engineer on the results obtained and justifies deviations. They seek advice and directions on matters they cannot decide upon and draws the Shift Engineer’s attention on all relevant points. The performance and behaviour of the Operator is assessed by the Shift Engineer through two (2) individual annual progress interviews based on the evaluation sheet.
  • Compliance and HSESS
    • Adherence to HSESS policies, procedures, permit-to-work, and lockout/tagout protocols.
    • Ensure site operations comply with internal controls and procedures.
    • Promote safe working practices and support HSESS investigations and audits.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to consolidate continuous improvement (Quality Assurance, HSESS and Benchmark)
• Knowledge of power plant operations, electrical, protection, instrumentation, control systems, and process flow.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical diagrams, and HMI systems.
• Proficiency in mobile data collection devices and ERP/CMMS systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and abnormal condition detection skills.
• Understanding of water chemistry in power plant operations.
• Excellent record-keeping and reporting skills.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong safety mindset with commitment to HSE best practices.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications

Qualification:

• Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation/Control Engineering or equivalent.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in power plant operations, preferably geothermal or steam turbine-based environment.
• Previous experience in operation or shift-based engineering role is preferred.