Operator

Vopak; Plaquemine (LA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-based pay

Bonuses

Health insurance (50% employer paid)

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Life/AD&D insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Supportive work culture

Job summary

Vopak in Plaquemine, LA is seeking an Operator to ensure safe and efficient loading and unloading of products at our terminals. You will be part of a collaborative team, following procedures to maintain safety and reliability in daily operations.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED, basic math and English proficiency, and the ability to work shifts. Training will cover OSHA and environmental guidelines; a valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Good English reading/writing and clear communication.
• Basic math skills including fractions and unit conversions.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload railroad tank cars, trucks, ships, and barges using load arms and hoses.
• Ensure correct tank lineup for receipts and deliveries; operate valves and monitor gauges.
• Review operation orders for errors and verify equipment suitability; complete documentation.

Skills

English proficiency

Basic math

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer & database knowledge

Job description

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

(Terminal Employee) 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 dolley holding 55