Operator Technician Trainee - HNO

Houston Plant•Houston, TX

About The Position

Operator Technicians work a rotating shift schedule and are responsible for daily operations in their assigned operating area. The role includes troubleshooting and resolving operational issues, monitoring process equipment, and performing preventative maintenance. Technicians are expected to learn and understand the mechanical workings of pumps, piping systems, distillation systems, and other equipment in their area. They help maintain safe, reliable operation, meet planned throughput and product quality targets, respond to abnormal and emergency situations, and support continuous improvement. The position also includes training less experienced personnel and performing minor or routine maintenance.

Requirements

Meet at least one of the following minimum criteria: High School Diploma or GED and 3+ years of operator, maintenance craft, or environmental technician experience in a petrochemical manufacturing facility; an Associate Degree in Process Technology or Process Technology Certification; a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; or military experience.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Good mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Demonstrated application of safe work practices.
Initiative to take on additional responsibilities.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently or as a team member.
Ability to apply root cause analysis.
Ability to understand and apply work processes, policies, and procedures to ensure safe, reliable, optimized operation.
Basic computer skills to perform job tasks.
Ability to stand and walk, climb stairs and ladders, lift at least 50 pounds, and open and close valves up to 16 inches for 3–4 hours at a time.
Ability and willingness to wear safety equipment such as PPE and respirators.
Authorization to work continually for any employer in the United States without company sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Execute safety processes properly.
Operate assets in compliance with regulations for 24/7 operations.
Conduct equipment rounds, line up equipment, make chemical transfers, and troubleshoot operational issues.
Execute core work processes, including daily readings, loading and unloading trucks, shift handovers, and completing check sheets and log sheets.
Continuously monitor assigned units to meet planned throughput and product quality targets.
Understand area processes and how they integrate with upstream and downstream processes and common plant systems.
Ensure personnel safety through proper review, job walkdown, and issuance of work permits.
Lead responses to abnormal situations and support root cause investigations as required.
Maintain situational awareness through proactive monitoring of the assigned area.
Take necessary action to stabilize, slow down, or shut down processes to avoid operating beyond Critical Limits.
Recognize emergency symptoms and respond appropriately, prioritizing safety; understand when and whom to call for assistance.
Take ownership of operating procedures through critical review, editing, and writing.
Seek ways to improve process operation.
Participate in training for startups, shutdowns, and emergency procedures.
Train less experienced personnel.
Perform minor or routine maintenance.
Perform other duties as assigned.