Operator

Vopak Netherlands; Plaquemine (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Health insurance (50% paid by Vopak)

401(k) incentive

Paid holidays

Life/AD&D insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Engaging work environment

Job summary

Vopak seeks an Operator to ensure safe, efficient loading and unloading of products across multiple modes, while maintaining rigorous tank operations and compliance with safety standards.

You will work in a highly collaborative terminal environment, performing maintenance, documentation, and continuous learning tasks to support daily operations and incident-free performance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in terminal operations preferred.
• Valid state Driver’s License required.
• Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• Strong math skills and basic computer/database knowledge.
• Disciplined, adaptable, able to multi-task and work rotating shifts.
• Knowledge of OSHA/RCRA and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload railroad tank cars, trucks, ships, and barges with load arms and hoses and monitor flow rates.
• Ensure correct tank lineup for receipt and delivery; operate valves and perform manual gauging and temperature checks.
• Review operation orders for errors and verify equipment backup and suitability; complete documentation.
• Adhere to OSHA, Coast Guard, and environmental guidelines; respond to emergencies with appropriate equipment.
• Perform basic maintenance and keep facilities clean (valves, hoses, pump oilers, housekeeping).
• Participate in safety, environmental, and operational training programs.

Skills

Loading

Unloading

Tank operations

Quality verification

Safety compliance

Maintenance

Training & safety programs

Mathematical skills

English proficiency

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Operator

Vopak helps the world flow forward. We store the energy of today and tomorrow. But behind our impressive terminals and tanks, it is our people who make the difference. Guided by our culture of Trust, Collaboration, and Courage, we focus on creating an impact that brings the opportunity to grow and to make a real difference. As an Operator, you will play a key role in realizing our ambitions while building both the future of Vopak and your own.

Your Mission

As an Operator, you are responsible for ensuring that all products are loaded and unloaded safely and efficiently. You will perform critical terminal operations tasks as a highly collaborative team member, mitigating risks and supporting seamless, everyday facility operations.

What will you be doing?

• Loading & Unloading: Load and unload railroad tank cars, trucks, ships, and barges by positioning mechanical load arms, hooking up product hoses, monitoring gauges, and adjusting flow rates.
• Tank Operations: Ensure correct tank lineup for receipt and delivery operations, manually open and close valves, and ascend/descend ladders to perform manual tank gauging and temperature verification.
• Quality & Verification: Review operation orders for errors, verifying proper backup, tank selection, and suitability of equipment while completing all associated documentation.
• Safety & Emergency Response: Champion safety by adhering to all OSHA, U.S. Coast Guard, and environmental (e.g., RCRA) guidelines, responding rapidly to emergencies using appropriate equipment to mitigate damages.
• Maintenance & Housekeeping: Perform simple maintenance (e.g., small to medium valve/hose change-outs, painting, refilling pump oilers) and maintain facility cleanliness by sweeping and cleaning truck stations and pipelines.
• Continuous Learning: Actively participate in and complete all assigned safety, environmental, and operational training programs.

Why you’ll love working with us

• A market-based salary depending on your experience and knowledge, plus attractive bonuses.
• Various growth and career development opportunities.
• Group health insurance where Vopak pays 50% of the nominal costs (Medical / Dental / Vision).
• 401(k) Incentive Savings Plan.
• Paid Holidays (9 fixed holidays and 2 floating holidays).
• Basic Life/AD&D Insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Great atmosphere! Plenty of freedom, room for initiative, and an engaging environment.
• Want to know more about our great work culture? Follow us on Instagram or check out our stories on LinkedIn.

Does this sound like you?

• You have a High School Diploma or GED (required) professional and intellectual level.
• You have relevant work experience in terminal operations (preferred) and must possess a valid state Driver’s License.
• You are proficient in English (reading, writing, and speaking), with the ability to clearly communicate across the organization and interpret manuals, written instructions, and regulatory documents.
• You have strong basic mathematical skills (including fractions and conversions used in the petrochemical industry) and possess basic computer and database knowledge.
• You are highly disciplined and adaptable, with the ability to multi-task, follow through on assignments, and work varying and/or rotating shifts.
• You possess a strong understanding of general business concepts and environmental regulations, including OSHA standards and RCRA.

What energy will you bring? We’d love to meet you!

Together, we help the world flow forward.

Work Environment

(Terminal Employee)

This position requires an employee to be exposed to outside elements. Most extreme elements are heat in the summer months of up to 100°+ and some exposure to cold of generally no less than 0° in the winter months. There will be exposure to various chemicals and compounds, including fumes and smells, some of them hazardous. The employee will enter confined spaces and work in elevated environments, potentially for lengthy periods of time. Employee must be able to wear PPE required by the location. Loud sounds and vibrations will be experienced at times. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. All environments are safe with appropriate PPE.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk (sometimes over long distances and carrying tools weighing up to 15 pounds), crawl, sit, speak, and hear. The employee is required, for extended periods of time, to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; the employee will be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch; must be able to twist around repeatedly. The employee will be required to climb ladders and storage tanks up to 50’ in height. The employee will be required to enter confined spaces and crawl under rail cars or trucks. The employee will lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds including overhead; must be able to carry up to 25 pounds over a distance of up to 30 yards. The employee must be able to roll and tip dolly holding 55 gallon trash receptacle. Must be able lift and secure hose flanges; align and connect/disconnect 6” to 8” hoses manually. Must be able to pass a drug and alcohol screen. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Employee may be required to travel by car, truck or other land vehicles.

Work Eligibility

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. The Company will not sponsor immigration or work visas.

Inclusion & Diversity:

Vopak stores vital products with care. Our commitment to care extends to all our stakeholders, including our own employees, new talents and people in our local communities around the globe. We believe that each individual has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, political orientation or trade union membership, allowing everyone at Vopak to develop their full potential.

It is Vopak’s policy to employ and administer employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era and in accordance with federal and state civil rights laws.

Accommodations

At Vopak we are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong. To support this, we host several active Employee Resource Groups, including our International, Pride, Women’s and Young Professionals networks.

Vopak is an equal opportunity employer. Everyone is different, and the differences in people allow us to match our ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. That's why we are curious about who you are!

To support qualified individuals with disabilities, we provide reasonable accommodations throughout our application and interview process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please email us at [e-mail]. Please include "Reasonable Accommodation" in the subject line and briefly describe the assistance you need. Note that this inbox is not monitored for application status updates.