Hydrogen Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: Senior Plant Operator / Shift Supervisor, Level 1-3

Classification: Non-Exempt

Type/Hours: Full-time position (Shift-work expectation)

Pay: $28-36 per hour

Outlined specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by all employees. Essential Functions are not intended to reflect all duties performed.

WHO WE ARE

Oberon Fuels is a renewable products company focused on producing low-carbon molecules—including renewable dimethyl ether (DME), methanol, natural gas, and hydrogen—from waste-based and renewable feedstocks. Using proprietary technology, Oberon converts biogenic and recycled carbon sources into clean-burning fuels and sustainable chemical products for transportation, power generation, industrial, and aerosol applications.

By transforming waste into high-value renewable molecules, Oberon helps companies decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure. Our renewable DME provides a practical pathway to decarbonize propellant applications, LPG and deliver renewable hydrogen, while our renewable methanol serves as a drop-in replacement for existing methanol applications and emerging low-carbon fuel markets.

With the world’s first commercial-scale renewable DME plant and a growing pipeline of projects capable of producing hundreds of millions of gallons per year, Oberon is helping accelerate the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy. Our approach is built on a vision of local feedstock, local production, and local consumption—creating jobs, strengthening communities, and turning waste into value.

JOB SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILTIES

Primary objective of the Senior Plant Operator/Shift Supervisor (Level 1-3) is to monitor and maintain all plant systems during continuous production runs as well as during idling or shutdown periods. This role operates with limited supervision and is expected to independently respond to routine operating conditions and troubleshoot operational issues. The Senior Operator is expected to demonstrate advanced knowledge of the Maverick facility and its operating systems. They are fully familiar with the operating procedures, safety requirements, and company policies governing the processing units. They are responsible for operation of the plant using the PLC system as a “Board Operator”. They are accountable for making operating and maintenance decisions as required to ensure proper and safe operation of the facility.

The Senior Plant Operator performs all duties and responsibilities of the Plant Operator position in addition to providing shift leadership, operational oversight, and technical guidance to Plant Operators. The Senior Operator/Shift Supervisor (Level 1-3) will report to the Plant Supervisor and/or Plant Manager for day to day operating and maintenance instructions and requirements. They will be proactive and work closely with Plant Operators and provide the necessary understanding, know-how and guidance in carrying out various field tasks.

Under the direction of the Plant Supervisor and/or Plant Manager:

• Performs all essential duties and responsibilities of a Plant Operator
• Performs a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operations and maintenance of Oberon Fuels’ chemical production plant;
• Performs adjustments and preventive/emergent maintenance on all plant equipment;
• Monitors process controls and safe equipment operation, to include at a minimum: valving, packaging, temperature/pressure sensing, and engineering processes;
• Designates when operators are to collect and document samples for laboratory testing and performs a variety of related duties as assigned.

Senior Plant Operator role involves performance of the full range of duties including:

• Operating, repairing, testing, and reading and maintaining plant equipment to ensure safe operations.
• Responsible for effectively communicating instructions over the radio, daily shift handover and maintaining documentation of plant status and activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Operations

• Reading and understanding of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) and Process Flow Designs (PFD)
• Maintain the process within safe operating limits and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Continuously monitor, observe, and maintain process, production lines, instrumentation, utility stations, potable/ freshwater systems, and equipment performance via field, HMI and SCADA screens
• Monitor & troubleshoot operating systems/equipment.
• Load/unload trucks and operate equipment (e.g. forklifts).
• Start-up/Shutdown of all equipment for testing and routine operations.
• During production runs, conduct indoor and outdoor operations in the Process Logic Control (PLC) Center utilizing work related computer systems.
• Outdoor duties include manual valve actuation, leak detection, radio communications, instrument monitoring, and other duties as needed to ensure safe continuous plant operations.
• Indoor duties include working knowledge operating the HMI/PLC for safe plant operations and producing acceptable product.
• Logging records of guests and visitors on site.
• Operate and interpret data from analytical and gas detection equipment including GC (Gas Chromatography), MSA monitors, gas sniffers, and water analysis tests.
• Plant online and offline duties include: product sampling, GC analysis of samples, water sampling/testing, and loading/off-loading of raw materials and final products.
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve technical issues in automated systems to minimize downtime
• Maintain accurate records of production, downtime, and adjustments made in operations
• Adhere strictly to OSHA standards, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and safety procedures
• Adhere strictly to lab safety procedures and maintaining lab cleanliness

Maintenance

• General plant housekeeping and cleanliness (e.g. painting/corrosion prevention, landscaping, power washing, litter removal, pest control, restroom/office bldg. cleaning).
• Perform minor repairs not requiring expertise/tools of outside contractors.
• Track and replenish inventory and supplies, as needed.
• Perform preventive and routine maintenance.
• Maintains documentation and communication records using applications including ClickUp, Slack, Outlook, Word and Excel, or others as required.
• Perform pump testing, manual rotation, and routine operational checks of standby equipment.
• Safely handle hazardous chemicals.
• Performs any related work or tasking as required for safe operations and maintenance of the plant.

REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION, TRAITS, & EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of three years previous experience in operations and maintenance of chemical plants or similar industrial plants is preferred, but not required.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• High school graduate (GED equivalency) with working knowledge of plant operations, maintenance, and an ability to perform repairs as needed.
• Must be proficient in English (written and verbal)
• Basic skills or familiarity with PLC/HMI board operations (FactoryTalkView preferred)
• Basic Microsoft Excel and Word Skills.
• Moderate computer proficiency
• Problem-solving: Ability to analyze data and quickly resolve operational issues
• Attention to detail: Monitoring minute changes in system behavior
• Communication: Clearly reporting issues to maintenance and operations team
• Troubleshooting and ability to remedy and/or source materials and to provide report for replacements
• Must obtain and maintain forklift operator certification (training provided)
• Oberon Fuels will provide the necessary training where appropriate
• Core traits: Grit, Adaptable, Collaborative, Purpose Driven, Sense of Humor

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Entrepreneurial attitude, goal driven, results focused
• Exhibits bias towards action with strength in execution
• Dynamic, creative, and smart leader with energy and vision
• Self-motivated, positive thinker
• Team oriented with a priority on organizational goals, motivated by accomplishments
• Skilled at problem analysis and problem resolution at both a strategic and functional level
• Ability to grasp issues in a dynamic start-up environment and organize activities to quickly achieve desired outcomes

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Physical: Strength: Exert force of 100-150 pounds occasionally, 50-75 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. Constant handling, gripping, grasping. Frequent walking, extension of the neck upward, downward and side to side. Occasional standing, sitting, bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, pushing, pulling, twisting at the waist, fingering, typing, climbing stairs, ladders and scaffolding. Vision: Visual acuity which could be corrected sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed. Hearing: Effectively hear/comprehend oral instructions and communication.
• Mental/Psychological: Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public; utilize complex reading and math skills; utilize simple writing skills; understand, remember and carry out complex job instructions; respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressures; communicate effectively in both oral and written manner; work under pressure; and work within deadlines

The Oberon Fuels team is excited about its continued growth and is looking for people to join us in bringing renewable DME to market to enable cleaner air, increased economic opportunity, and reduced emissions for all. Please visit our careers page at www.OberonFuels.com or the Oberon Fuels jobs section our LinkedIn webpage. Employment is subject to successful background check and drug testing.

EEO Employer: Oberon Fuels is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.