Lead Thermal Operator

Republic Services•Robstown, TX

About The Position

The Lead Thermal Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of a thermal desorption unit and related facility systems. The role leads shift activities and monitors critical process conditions, coordinating startup, steady-state operations, shutdowns, and responses to upset conditions. The Lead Thermal Operator serves as an on-shift technical resource for operators and helps ensure production targets, quality standards, equipment reliability, and regulatory requirements are consistently met. The position supports environmental, health, and safety compliance across the facility. It involves leading and supporting operators, monitoring and troubleshooting processes and equipment, maintaining operating records, coordinating with maintenance and other teams, and training and mentoring operators. The role also supports emergency response and continuous improvement activities. The job requires a minimum of 3–5 years of industrial plant operations experience and experience in thermal desorption, waste treatment, remediation, oilfield waste processing, chemical processing, or similar continuous-process operations. Previous lead, senior operator, or shift leadership experience is preferred. A valid driver's license and ability to travel locally within the South Texas region may be needed.

Requirements

Minimum 3–5 years of experience in industrial plant operations.
Experience in thermal desorption, waste treatment, remediation, oilfield waste processing, chemical processing, or similar continuous-process operations.
Strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
Knowledge of industrial hazards, including hot surfaces, pressurized systems, rotating equipment, chemical exposure, fire and explosion risks, heat stress, and confined spaces.
Ability to make sound operating decisions under pressure and respond effectively to alarms, changing process conditions, and emergencies.
Effective leadership, communication, and training skills, including the ability to direct work and reinforce operating discipline across a shift team.
Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capability for diagnosing process and equipment performance issues.
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple activities, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced operating environment.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision and coordinate with operations, maintenance, laboratory, and management personnel.
Working knowledge of pumps, motors, conveyors, burners, heat transfer systems, valves, instrumentation, and control systems.
Experience reading gauges, trends, operating instructions, P&IDs, and basic process flow information.
Ability to use computers and handheld devices for logs, inspections, training records, and production reporting.
Ability to complete site-specific training for hazardous waste operations, emergency response, and safe equipment operation.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally within the South Texas region, if needed.

Nice To Haves

Previous lead operator, senior operator, or shift leadership experience.
Forklift, loader, manlift, or similar mobile equipment experience, where applicable.

Responsibilities

Lead daily operation of the thermal desorption unit and associated material handling systems, burners, heaters, condensers, emissions control equipment, and support utilities in accordance with procedures and permit requirements.
Direct and support shift operators during startup, shutdown, changeovers, normal operations, and emergency or upset conditions.
Monitor and adjust process parameters, including temperature, feed rate, residence time, pressure, flow, and moisture conditions, to optimize throughput, product quality, and system performance.
Review process trends, alarms, and operating data; identify abnormalities; troubleshoot equipment and process issues; and implement corrective actions with maintenance, laboratory, and supervisory personnel.
Complete operating logs, shift reports, inspection rounds, production records, sampling documentation, and incident or deviation reports accurately.
Perform and verify pre-startup checks, lockout/tagout compliance, equipment isolation, line-up verification, and safe work permit requirements before maintenance or non-routine work.
Promote safety through enforcement of personal protective equipment use, safe work practices, hazard recognition, housekeeping standards, and stop-work authority.
Support compliance with environmental and hazardous waste requirements, including waste handling, labeling, storage, inspections, spill prevention, and contingency response procedures.
Coordinate with supervisors and maintenance teams on planned maintenance, equipment readiness, outage preparation, and return-to-service activities.
Train, coach, and mentor operators on procedures, troubleshooting, emergency response expectations, and proper operation of site equipment and control systems.
Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, audits, incident investigations, job hazard analyses, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Maintain readiness to respond to alarms, spills, fires, equipment failures, and other plant emergencies in accordance with site response plans.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned in support of safe and efficient facility operations.