Field Technician - Process Operations (Level DOE)

Dakota Gasification Company; Beulah (ND); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Dakota Gasification Company in Beulah, ND is seeking a hands-on operator to assist in process equipment operation and monitoring, ensuring plant reliability. You will perform maintenance tasks, read PFDs/P&IDs, and monitor readings and control changes under supervision.

The role requires an Associate’s degree or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts in an industrial environment with exposure to heat, chemicals, and noise.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or certificate in process tech or power tech, or HS diploma with experience.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to work 12‑hour rotating shifts.
• Familiarity with PFDs, P&IDs, MSDS, and basic lab analyses.

Responsibilities

• Perform housekeeping and cleanup tasks and write safe hot work permits.
• Understand PFDs, P&IDs, MSDS, and reference materials.
• Take air tests, respond to spills, and monitor equipment for proper operation.
• Conduct minor maintenance, lubrication, and planned maintenance activities.
• Operate mobile equipment and assist in maintenance planning.
• Monitor process operations via readings and control board adjustments.
• Review field controls, apply SOPs, and support higher level technicians.
• Take samples, run tests, and interpret lab results.
• Monitor heat tracing and report issues; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Reading and writing

Math calculations

Data interpretation

Effective communication

Education

Associate’s degree in Power or Process Plant Technology

Certificate of Completion in Power or Process Plant Technology

High school diploma or equivalent with 2 years related operating experience

Job description

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is located at our Dakota Gasification Company in Beulah, ND. Supports Process Operations by assisting in the operation and monitoring of process equipment in assigned area to ensure plant reliability.

Essential Duties

• Perform and schedule general housekeeping and cleanup work.
• Write general, safe, and hot work permits.
• Understand Process Flow Diagram’s (PFD’s), Piping & Instrument Diagrams (P&ID’s), and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s), and where applicable reading material and resources are kept for reference.
• Complete air tests using portable atmospheric testing equipment during hot work.
• Keep up to date with all chemicals located in assigned area and be prepared to respond to emergencies/spills.
• Examine all area process equipment to ensure proper operations, service, and maintenance.
• Perform minor maintenance work, Planned Maintenance PM, and lubrication.
• Operate various mobile equipment.
• Assist in preparation work for process equipment maintenance repairs.
• Monitor area process operations by taking readings, filling out reading sheets, and responding to changes in process demands by making necessary control changes to equipment in emergent and non-emergent conditions as determined by the Control Board Operator.
• Monitor field mounted controls.
• Apply Standing Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
• Assist to higher level Field Technicians in implementing process control decisions.
• Take samples, run appropriate tests, and understand lab analysis.
• Monitor electronic heat tracing and reports any problems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Power or Process Plant Technology; or
• Certificate of Completion in Power or Process Plant Technology; or
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED or HSED) and 2 years of previous related full-time operating experience.
• A valid driver’s license.
• The incumbent will work 12-hour rotating shifts.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires frequent walking, standing, stooping/bending, climbing stairs and ladders, kneeling, lifting/carrying up to 60 pounds, reaching above and below shoulder level; and occasional sitting, crawling, pushing/pulling up to 90 pounds, grip strength of 70 pounds, and use of a keyboard/computer and test equipment. Approximately 20% of the incumbent’s shift is spent operating equipment. Duties may include opening and closing valves and railcar hookups without assistance. Occasionally requires working in confined spaces and high climbing areas on grating, ladders, scaffolding at heights up to 200 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards. Over 50% of the incumbent’s shift is spent outdoors. The incumbent will be exposed to heat, cold, dirt/dust, fumes, chemicals, and noise. Required to wear dust masks, respirators, and full-face Scott Air Paks when necessary. This position requires good color vision, finger dexterity, hearing, and the ability to speak. The incumbent must be respirator qualified.

Key Skills

• Ability to read, write, perform mathematical calculations, follow and comprehend instructions.
• Knowledge and understanding of plant equipment and process plant or utility operations. This would include, but is not limited to, chemical processes, fluid mechanics, gas conversion and general water chemistry, and the operation of boilers or other fired equipment, operation of pumps, compressors, and turbines.
• Ability to analyze data and reports, implement recommendations and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others and present information in a clear, concise manner.

Starting Wage: $42.38/hour