Overview
The Field Operator at the Zuluf Water Treatment Plant is responsible for the hands-on operation, monitoring, and routine maintenance of process equipment used in the treatment of produced water and process water associated with oil and gas operations. The role requires strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and chemical systems involved in water treatment and hydrocarbon separation processes. Field Operators play a critical role in ensuring safe, continuous, and compliant operation of the facility under Aramco standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and Operate Plant Equipment
- Operate and monitor field equipment such as pumps, chemical dosing units, filtration systems, degassers, CPI/TPI separators, DAF units, and hydrocarbon recovery systems.
- Ensure that water treatment and separation processes are running efficiently and within set operational parameters.
- Routine Inspections and Maintenance
- Conduct regular inspections of equipment for signs of wear, leakage, vibration, or abnormal operation.
- Perform basic maintenance and cleaning of mechanical systems including pumps, valves, piping, and separators.
- Assist in planned and unplanned maintenance activities under supervision of maintenance personnel.
- Troubleshooting and Fault Response
- Identify equipment malfunctions or process deviations and notify the control room and shift supervisor.
- Respond to faults and process upsets in a timely and safe manner, taking initial corrective action as per procedure.
- Isolate faulty equipment when required and ensure safety protocols are followed.
- Chemical Handling and Water Treatment
- Operate and adjust chemical dosing systems used for coagulation, pH control, and corrosion inhibition.
- Monitor the effectiveness of chemical treatments and support water quality monitoring programs in coordination with lab and QA teams.
- Operational Support and Coordination
- Maintain clear communication with control room operators, shift leads, and support departments to ensure smooth and coordinated operations.
- Participate in daily briefings and shift handovers, reporting plant conditions, abnormalities, or required follow-up.
- Safety and Environmental Compliance
- Adhere strictly to Aramco and plant HSE standards and work procedures.
- Identify and report any unsafe conditions, near-misses, or environmental non-compliances.
- Use appropriate PPE and follow all safety protocols when handling hydrocarbons, chemicals, or pressurized systems.
- Data Collection and Reporting
- Record field data such as pressures, flow rates, chemical levels, and equipment status in logbooks or digital systems.
- Assist in preparation of shift reports and maintenance records.
- Provide feedback on operational inefficiencies or suggested improvements to supervisors.
- Emergency Response
- Respond effectively to plant emergencies including equipment failure, leaks, or spills.
- Follow emergency shutdown procedures as required.
- Participate in emergency drills and contribute to plant safety readiness.
- Shift Work
- Work on a rotational shift schedule (day/night) including weekends and public holidays.
- Ensure clear and complete communication during shift handovers.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Technical or vocational training in mechanical, process, or chemical plant operations is preferred.
- Additional certifications in industrial safety, oil & gas operations, or water treatment are advantageous.
Experience
- 2–3 years of hands-on experience in an oil & gas or water treatment facility, preferably handling produced/process water.
- Familiarity with oil-in-water separators, degassers, DAF units, filtration systems, and hydrocarbon-contaminated water treatment is highly preferred.
- Experience working under Aramco or equivalent industry standards is desirable.
Skills
- Strong understanding of field equipment used in upstream oil & gas water treatment systems.
- Ability to operate, monitor, and troubleshoot pumps, chemical dosing systems, and separation technologies.
- Basic knowledge of water quality control and chemical treatment principles.
- Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a shift-based team environment.
- Safety-conscious with strong situational awareness in hazardous environments.
Personal Attributes
- Attention to detail and a proactive approach to preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Ability to remain calm and act decisively in high-pressure situations.
- Committed to high standards of safety, environmental compliance, and team collaboration.
- Adaptable and willing to work in rotating shifts and harsh site conditions.