Refinery Process Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Key Role Description

Operators are assigned to one of the seven operational areas within the refinery. Within each operational area there are several process units that an operator may be assigned to after their initial basic training has been successfully completed. Each process unit has specific job tasks an operator must be able perform.

Operators are responsible for monitoring the operation of their assigned unit during their shift. Operators act independently and with other personnel to maintain and operate equipment and processes as well as respond to directives from the console or operations supervisors. Some of the processes use hazardous and volatile materials under high temperature and pressure. Typical working conditions include the weather typical of Southeastern Pennsylvania, exposure to noise, heat, and vibration. Working from heights and occasionally in confined spaces is also required.
An operator must follow safe work practices including the wearing of various types Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and perform various duties required to keep their assigned process unit / area operating safely, environmentally compliant, efficiently and at the targeted production and product specifications.

Essential Responsibilities

* Makes routine process unit rounds, documents / inputs the required data into the Operator Mobility Hand Held Device or manually on a paper round sheet.
* Checks and monitors mechanical equipment including pumps, compressors, heaters, exchangers, reactors, piping circuits and valves for operability and defects.
* Operates, starts / stops pumps, steam driven turbines, compressors, fired heaters, motor operated valves, safety and protective equipment etc.
* Executes various types of work permits, conducts gas testing and performs Lockout Tag Out and Isolation of equipment and systems.
* Makes manual process and oil flow lineup changes by opening or closing valves, adjusting heater dampers, setting piping line ups, adjusting chemical injections, changing manifold lineups, etc. Verifies line ups by using the "Walk The Line Program" to ensure system integrity and that the lineup is correct.
* Loads and unloads tractor trailer tankers and rail car tankers.
* Operates fork lifts, scissor lifts and high reach equipment as required.
* Executes various daily, weekly and or monthly equipment checklists to maintain and verify equipment operability.
* Supports and assists in the training and education of other operators as requested.
* Draws liquid and gas product and intermediate stream samples for lab analysis.
* Conducts thorough shift turnovers with the relief operator in the operator shelter.
* Provide complete and accurate log book entries, detailing all shift activities and adding comments to document and explain any non-routine tasks.
* Responds to emergencies and process upsets in the process area, acts decisively under pressure while exercising good judgement.
* Performs minor maintenance such as, repairing / replacing steam traps, installing small blinds, pulling and cleaning pump screens, replacing filters, lubricating equipment, cleaning sight glasses, installing temporary insulation, drain / flush / purge / clean equipment, etc.
* Perform daily housekeeping to keep your assigned unit clean, free of debris and trash.
* Utilizes and follows operating procedures and refinery guidelines to start up, shutdown, maintain, prepare for maintenance and adjust process equipment, vessels, towers and units, etc.

Education, Experience, and Skill Requirement
* High School Diploma or GED.
* Process Operator Technology Certificate or related degree preferred. Equivalent industry experience is also acceptable.
* Basic math, reading, writing and verbal communication skills.
* Good mechanical aptitude
* Basic computer skills including typing, use of email software to receive and write communication, and other software programs for training, data entry, maintenance work requests, warehouse orders etc.
* Possess a strong attention to detail.
* Must be eligible to obtain a US Government TWIC ID Card.
* Must pass a Console Operator Basic Requirements Assessment or Cobra Test.
* Must be mechanically inclined and have the ability to troubleshoot and diagnose equipment issues.
* Must pass a Functional Field Agility Test with the ability to lift 50 pounds.
* A successful candidate will be required to take a physical examination, consent to drug and alcohol screening and a fit for duty examination that includes respirator fit testing.
* A successful candidate will be required to participate in and pass the following training programs:
o Refinery Basic Operator Training Program.
o Refinery Job Specific Training Program
o Various Health, Safety & Environmental Training Programs.

Preferred Candidates:
* 5 years of experience working in a petro-chemical facility.
* Emergency Response Training, Experience and/or Certifications.