GEM_Operator_Vapor Control & Water Treatment

Stronghold Companies; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

GEM Specialized Services is seeking an Operator – Vapor Control & Water Treatment to support field projects at refineries, terminals, and petrochemical facilities. You will safely set up, operate, monitor, and maintain vapor control equipment while ensuring environmental and safety compliance.

This hands-on role requires travel across the U.S. and adjacent regions, with an emphasis on teamwork, problem solving, and precise operation under challenging conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent work experience.
• TWIC card and valid driver's license required.
• Preferred experience in petrochemical/refinery environments.
• Ability to travel extensively for projects.

Responsibilities

• Mobilize, set up, start, and demobilize temporary treatment systems.
• Operate and monitor oxidizers, scrubbers, vessels, pumps, and filtration equipment.
• Inspect hoses, piping, valves, and tanks; verify connections.
• Monitor temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and instrument readings.
• Report leaks or unsafe conditions and follow safety procedures.
• Maintain logs and perform shift handoffs.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Pumps/Valves

Industrial equipment

Job description

Overview

Summary/ ObjectiveThe role of Operator – Vapor Control & Water Treatment is a hands‑on field position that supports mobile vapor control and water treatment projects at refineries, petrochemical plants, terminals, and other industrial facilities. Operators are responsible for the safe setup, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of specialized equipment used for tank degassing, vapor control, liquid transfers, and industrial water treatment, while ensuring compliance with company and customer procedures, safety standards, and environmental requirements. A minimum of one year of relevant experience is required, and the position requires the ability and willingness to travel as needed to support project and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

Essential FunctionsReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.1. Mobilize, place, set up, start up, shut down, and demobilize temporary treatment systems.2. Operate and monitor thermal oxidizers, vapor combustion units, scrubbers, carbon vessels, pumps, filtration systems, and related equipment as trained.3. Connect and inspect hoses, piping, valves, fittings, and tanks; verify connections and valve positions.4. Monitor temperatures, pressures, flow rates, tank levels, and instrument readings; recognize and report abnormal conditions.5. Perform gas detection, sampling, testing, routine inspections, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting as trained.6. Follow operating procedures, chemical handling requirements, permits, JSAs, and all company/customer safety requirements.7. Report leaks, spills, equipment problems, and unsafe conditions; use stop‑work authority when necessary.8. Complete operating logs, inspections, time records, driver/electronic logs when assigned, and clear shift handoffs.9. Assist with loading/unloading, hose handling, material accountability, housekeeping, and job‑site cleanup.10. Maintain professional communication with customers, supervisors, and crew members.11. Communicate with supervisors and crew members to support safe and efficient project execution.12. Maintain poise and focus under time constraint and adverse conditions.13. Attend and complete trainings as required by the Company and client.14. Pass all required drug/alcohol testing and background requirements.15. Perform other related duties as assigned.Competencies1. Organizational2. Problem solving3. Communication (verbal and written)4. Team collaboration5. Mechanical aptitude6. Familiar with pumps, hoses, valves, and industrial equipment7. Detail orientedSupervisory ResponsibilityThis position will have no supervisory responsibilities.Work EnvironmentThis job operates in a petrochechemical / refinery environment. Exposure to cold working conditions during winter months and hot working conditions during the summer months. Exposure to noise, workers must wear protecting hearing equipment or frequently shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level. In an emergency situation, exposure to hazardous chemicals may occur and the use of a respirator is required. All employees will be required to be fit tested for the various respirators used as well as the ability to successfully pass a pulmonary function test (PFT).Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.The position of a Operator – Vapor Control & Water Treatment can be extremely physical at times. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required, and for long periods of time to bend, stoop, walk, climb, squat, reach, kneel, push/pull, stand, sit, hand strength and dexterity. A Operator – Vapor Control & Water Treatment will frequently lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift more than 51 pounds. Must be able to work in confined spaces. Must be able to work at heights and be able to climb ladders and stairways and work off platforms. Move about on hands and feet, bending body downward and forward bending leg and spine- working in a bent over position. Ability to verbally communicate alarms or warnings clearly, concisely, loudly, and quickly. Clearly and quickly hear or otherwise sense alarms or warning and take appropriate action, maintain equilibrium to prevent falling when moving, walking, standing kneeling or crouching- particularly on narrow, uneven, irregular, slippery surfaces, going up and down ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles or other objects using hands, arms, feet or legs. Sensing physical attributes such as size, shape, temperature, texture, or sharpness of an object by touching. Must possess foot agility and dexterity- operating pedals, foot controls, kick bars and other similar tasks that require foot or toe motion. Grasp, grip and/or apply pressure to an object with the fingers, palm, holding an object in the hand. Lift, raise or lower objects in a vertical direction, particularly heavy or bulky objects. Move objects backwards, forward, in or out in a horizontal direction, particularly heavy or bulky objects. Pulling, exerting a steady backward, downward, upward, or outward force against an object- jerking, wrenching, stretching, towing, drawing, dragging or tugging objects in sustained motion. Reaching, extending the hand (s) and/or arm(s) in any direction. See, read, write, and understand communication including directions, instructions, and warning signs. Ability to see and distinguish colors, to visually distinguish shapes and patterns, to accurately sense distances (depth perception), to accurately see objects and detect motion and wide angles (peripheral vision). Must be able to physically fit into confined spaces and/or manways and must be able to physically fit into the PPE required of this position such as a life support helmet, harness, etc.Position Type/ Expected Hours of WorkThis is a project- based position. Typical days and hours of work are variable/ project dependent. Over-time work is common and may be required as job duties demand.TravelTravel is expected. Extensive travel throughout U.S. and overnight stay for extended periods of time may be required of this position.

Qualifications

Required Education and ExperienceHigh school diploma or GED or equivalent work experience. Must have a valid TWIC and valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Education and ExperienceExperience in the petrochemical / refinery industry. Safety Essentials training. Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with pumps, hoses, valves, and industrial equipment. Industrial field service, refinery, vapor control, tank degassing, water/wastewater treatment, or related experience preferred.

Other DutiesDuties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice that are job-related and consistent with business necessity.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) StatementGEM Specialized Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. GEM Specialized Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibitsdiscrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local laws.