Plant Operator (Field) – Level I

About the role

The Plant Operator (Field) – Level I is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of assigned plant units in a refinery or petrochemical environment. Working closely with the shift supervisor and console operators, the role ensures smooth start‑up, shutdown and routine operation of the plant.

Key responsibilities

• Perform or assist with start‑up and shutdown of plant units following approved procedures.
• Conduct regular inspections and walk‑throughs to verify efficient plant performance.
• Identify malfunctions, report them to the shift supervisor or console operator, and take corrective field actions.
• Maintain field instrument logs, update check‑lists, and record local measurements.
• Respond to emergency or upset conditions, executing flaring, blow‑down, isolation, diversion, and switching actions while coordinating with the console operator.
• Collect samples and carry out required chemical and physical process tests.
• Support the shift supervisor with communications, work permits, and coordination with contractors or vendors.
• Perform in‑plant housekeeping and share technical advice with fellow operators.
• Execute any additional duties assigned by the shift supervisor.

Required profile

• High school diploma (or equivalent) with at least 4–5 years of experience in a naphtha or similar petrochemical plant.
• Strong understanding of plant start‑up and shutdown mechanisms.
• Basic knowledge of instrumentation, Distributed Control System (DCS) and Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems.
• Thorough familiarity with refinery/petrochemical plant layout and operating processes.
• High safety awareness and ability to implement safety policies and hazard protection measures.

Required skills

• Plant start‑up and shutdown procedures
• Field instrumentation logging and measurement
• Distributed Control System (DCS) operation
• Emergency Shutdown (ESD) system knowledge
• Process sampling and chemical/physical testing
• Refinery/petrochemical plant layout familiarity