Instrument Operations Technician I

Messer Americas; Cortez (CO); On-site; USD 44,083 - 60,614; Full time

Job summary

Messer Americas is seeking an Instrument Operations Technician for its Colorado operations. This role involves basic process plant operation, instrumentation and controls troubleshooting, and electrical system work with support from experts.

Qualified candidates will have math and PC skills, ability to work independently, and a pathway to ISA Level 1 certification within two years. On-site role with opportunities in maintenance and reliability tasks at the plant.

Qualifications

• HSD or GED required and prior plant ops experience preferred.
• 3 years of relevant experience in process plant operations, maintenance, or reliability.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and climbing as required.
• ISA Level 1 certification targeted within two years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety policies and participate in safety meetings.
• Apply HWP, LOTO and energy isolation procedures.
• Direct and monitor contractors during work.
• Support inventory management and CMMS data entry (SAP).
• Perform calibration checks on analyzers and process controls.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, controls, and basic electrical systems.
• Assist in shutdowns, startups, and production state changes.

Skills

Math basics

PC proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work alone

Mechanical aptitude

Chemical hazards knowledge

Electrical hazards & troubleshooting

Interpret P&IDs and PFDs

Preventive maintenance tasks

Forklift/overhead crane operation

ISA Level 1 certification

Education

HS diploma or GED

Technical certificate or two-year degree

Recent military technical training

Tools

CMMS (SAP)

Job description

Job Summary

The primary function of this position is to serve as an Instrument Operations Technician. In addition to having prior experience related to basic process plant operations, the ideal candidate will have prior experience and basic skills in maintenance and troubleshooting in one or both of the following: 1. process instrumentation and controls; 2. electrical equipment.

Principal Responsibilities

Safety

• Understand and adhere to company safe work policies; participate in operations, maintenance and safety meetings
• Apply the hazardous work permit (HWP) process, lockout‑tagout (LOTO) and energy isolation procedures as required for company and contractor personnel
• Follow management of change (MOC) procedures for all changes to process and operating procedures
• Direct and monitor contractors

Reliability and Maintenance

• Support plant inventory management efforts
• Set up and safely operate all tools and equipment necessary to perform assigned work
• Effectively prioritize and schedule all work activities
• Perform and document process and product analyzer calibration checks
• Instrumentation & Controls (Once Certified):
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of instrumentation and control valves
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of process control systems
• Electrical (Once Certified):
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of electrical systems
  • Perform LOTO and confirm zero energy

Process Operation and Efficiency

• Assist in shutdowns, start-ups, derimes, and production state changes for plant(s) in area
• Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) (SAP)
• Troubleshoot process problems to identify equipment requiring maintenance
• Perform water treatment analysis and associated tasks
• Accept on‑call duty and overtime as required

Required Skills

• Math – basic algebra, fractions/percentages, unit conversion
• Personal computer proficiency
• Strong interpersonal abilities to support team philosophy and strategy
• Ability to work alone
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with simple mechanic's hand tools
• Basic knowledge of chemical manufacturing hazards
• Understanding of basic electrical hazards and safety and skills in troubleshooting electrical systems, with support from subject matter experts
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings including P&IDs and PFDs
• Ability to complete basic preventive maintenance tasks according to best practices
• Capable of operating a forklift, and/or overhead crane, and/or man lift
• Certified to ISA Level 1 to qualify for instrumentation skills requirement
• Certificate in a technical discipline, two‑year related degree or recent military training in a technical field will be considered in lieu of ISA Level 1 certification
• The job requirement is to obtain ISA Level 1 certification within two years of hire date

Qualifications

• HSD or GED
• 3 years of relevant experience in a related process plant operations, maintenance, or reliability activity
• Physically able to perform all duties required which may involve among other things; bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing ladders, and lifting and carrying loads of up to 50 lbs
• Ability to climb to heights 200 ft above grade and work effectively
• Valid driver's license

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $32.00 - $44.00. Messer provides medical, dental, vision, short‑term disability, life insurance and paid time off as well as other voluntary benefits, such as long‑term disability in accordance with the terms and conditions of these Plans. Employees are eligible to enroll in Messer's 401(k) Plan. Employees may be eligible to participate in the company's bonus program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.