CONTROL OPERATOR

JOB SCOPE

1. Control the operation of assigned process units through continuous monitoring and regulation of process variables from DCS, PLCs, ESDs, process analyzers and alarm system to achieve operational targets.
2. Monitor process controllers and take corrective measures as required to achieve unit throughputs and product specifications within defined regulations and safe operating limits. Proactively manage and adjust process parameters to sustain variables within alarm limits.
3. Monitors excess oxygen levels, flare gas flows, slop generation, and steam / utility balances to minimize oil & energy loss. Initiates corrective actions as necessary to address deviations or anomalies.
4. Identify instrumentation problems or faults. Maximize utilization / uptime of all Advanced Process Control (APC) applications and update laboratory results as required to optimize product yields. Communicate APC application problems, errors and constraints to section Supervisor and Process Control group.
5. Adhere to Alarm Management objectives and goals. Ensure all disabled alarms and ESD inputs are properly addressed and recorded in Alarm Off / ESD Inhibit log with corrective / mitigation measures and Management of Change considerations captured. Maintain all Alarm Off / ESD Inhibit logs & reports in compliance with established practices & procedures.
6. Initiate emergency response procedures and protocols to secure equipment or shutdown units to safeguard plant personnel & equipment, maintain asset integrity, and minimize environmental impact during abnormal or emergency situations.
7. Troubleshoot causes of off specification products. Initiate timely corrective response and check samples to minimize economic impact. Coordinate and communicate with Operations Planner to mitigate effects of off-specification products.
8. Coordinate with Area Outside Operators and Head Operator on field adjustments and preparation of equipment for maintenance. Validate process conditions before equipment hand-over to maintenance.
9. Complete checklists and run sheets (as applicable). Record maintenance activities, alarm & ESD overrides, abnormal controller, instrument & equipment status, and operational changes into shift turnover report. Conduct face-to-face handover at end of shift highlighting key operational concerns, process and/or specification changes, abnormal controller status and alarm / ESD system overrides & inhibits.

Knowledge Skills and Experience:

• Minimum Diploma in Mechanical/Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years experience in refinery process operations, including 2 years experience as an Outside Operator in the plant/process technology under Job Holders control.
• Must have demonstrated competency to operate DCS control panel by achieving better than minimum qualification criteria set by the department including Operator Training Simulator, and applicable competency tests for area of responsibility.
• Relevant knowledge of Distributed Control System (DCS) and Advanced Process Control (APC) applications, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s) and Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems.
• Must have a detailed knowledge of all equipment and procedures relating to unit operations, emergencies, shutdown and start-up activities of facilities, Maintenance, and safety.
• Good oral and written communication and computer skills with command of spoken and written English. Must be capable of delivering clear verbal instructions to outside Operators, writing Turnover reports, and reading technical correspondence necessary to perform job function.