Operations Shift Breaker

Parpacific; Newcastle (WY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Par Pacific in Newcastle, WY, USA is seeking an Operations Shift Breaker to provide flexible coverage for operating posts and, after training and certification, to support the Shift Supervisor position. This role emphasizes safety, reliability, and teamwork within a 12‑month probation period, with opportunities to advance upon certification.

The position requires a strong operational background and the ability to train, mentor, and coordinate responses to issues while meeting production targets.

Qualifications

• US work authorization without visa sponsorship.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; 4+ years refinery operations with Controller 3 or 4 qualification.
• Broad refinery knowledge across FCC, BenzOut, SWAATS Complex, Alky, Crude, HDS, Reformer, NHT.
• Ability to read operating and safety procedures and write accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Provide coverage for operating posts where certified, including vacations and cross-training.
• When covering Shift Supervisor, lead shift personnel and prioritize work.
• Train and mentor operations personnel in procedures and safe work practices.
• Develop refinery objectives with management for safety, reliability and production.
• Identify process improvements to meet targets and support long-term reliability.
• Monitor adherence to safety, environmental, and housekeeping standards.
• Assist with updating procedures and document operational activities.

Skills

English proficiency

Communication skills

Task prioritization

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

Job description

Job Location (Short): Newcastle, WY, USA, 82701

Operations Shift Breaker

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Operations Shift Supervisor, the Operations Shift Breaker provides flexible coverage for operating posts and, after receiving appropriate training and guidance and demonstrating readiness, for the Shift Supervisor position during absences. The role requires broad operational knowledge, sound judgment, and demonstrated leadership while meeting refinery safety, environmental, operational, quality, and housekeeping standards. Appointment to the position includes a 12-month probationary period during which the selected employee is expected to complete any remaining unit certifications and gain experience in supervisory responsibilities. The employee may not independently cover an operating post until certified for that post

Key activities include:

• Provide coverage for operating posts in which the employee is certified, including during vacations, vacancies, and cross-training assignments.
• If selected at the Controller 3 level, complete certification on the remaining control board within six months of accepting the Shift Breaker position. Continued placement in the role is contingent on completing this requirement.
• Receive appropriate training and guidance from a qualified Shift Supervisor and demonstrate readiness before independently providing Shift Supervisor coverage.
• When covering the Shift Supervisor position, lead shift personnel, prioritize work, and coordinate responses to operational issues.
• Direct assigned personnel during daily operating work and turnarounds, and assist the Shift Supervisor in addressing routine team concerns and conflicts.
• Monitor and troubleshoot refinery process and equipment issues. Take action within established procedures and training, and escalat[e] issues requiring additional support.
• Work with operations management to develop refinery objectives for safety, regulatory compliance, reliability, production quality and quantity, efficiency, and cost.
• Identify and lead process unit improvements to meet operating targets and support long-term refinery reliability.
• Train and mentor operations personnel in their duties, operating procedures, safe work practices, and post qualifications.
• Participate in reviewing and updating operating and safety procedures, provide input on new or revised policies and procedures, and assist with implementing approved changes.
• Follow and reinforce applicable operating, safety, and environmental requirements. Monitor operational quality and housekeeping, and address or report deficiencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Note: This description is intended to give candidates a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to complete applicable work assignments.

Qualifications

To meet the basic qualifications for this role, candidates must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship.

Additional qualifications include:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering preferred.
• At least four years of refinery operations experience and current qualification at the Controller 3 or Controller 4 level.
• Broad working knowledge of refinery operations, including FCC, BenzOut, SWAATS Complex, Alky, Crude, HDS, Reformer, and NHT.
• Strong working knowledge of the processes and procedures for all operating posts in which the candidate is certified.
• Working knowledge of loading dock equipment and tank farm layouts.
• Understanding of refinery laboratory procedures and product testing specifications relevant to operations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the operations team.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, communicate clearly, and meet shift deadlines and production requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
• Ability to read and understand operating and safety procedures, communicate effectively in English during routine and emergency operations, and prepare accurate written records.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet and maintain the Company’s driving eligibility standards for operating Company vehicles.

About Us

At Par Pacific, we own and operate market-leading energy and infrastructure businesses in logistically-complex markets. We have