Plant Operator

oxy; Denver City (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxy is seeking a Plant Operator to safely operate, monitor, and maintain plant equipment and processes to ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant facility operations. You will inspect equipment, respond to alarms, document data, and collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to support continuous improvement.

The role requires following procedures, maintaining a strong safety focus, and contributing to daily production goals while adhering to environmental and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in plant operations, production, manufacturing, oil and gas, chemical processing, utilities, or related industrial environment preferred.
• Ability to read and follow operating procedures, safety policies, equipment manuals, and work instructions.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to recognize abnormal equipment or process conditions.
• Ability to use radios, computers, log sheets, electronic systems, and MS Office as required.
• Valid driver's license may be required depending on site responsibilities.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and callouts as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Operate plant equipment, systems, and controls according to SOPs and safety expectations.
• Monitor process conditions (pressures, temperatures, levels, flows, alarms) to maintain stable operations.
• Perform routine rounds, inspections, and field checks for leaks or abnormal conditions.
• Start up, shut down, and adjust equipment as directed by procedures or supervision.
• Respond to alarms and process upsets while following safety procedures.
• Record operating data accurately in logs and electronic systems.
• Communicate status, concerns, and maintenance needs to team members and supervisors.
• Assist with troubleshooting and coordinate with maintenance for repairs and reliability improvements.
• Support lockout/tagout, permitting, line breaks, confined space entry, and other safe work practices.

Skills

Safety mindset

Communication

Procedures literacy

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Radios

Computers

Log sheets

Electronic work systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Oxy produces , markets and transports oil and natural gas to maximize value and provide resources fundamental to life. The company leverages its global leadership in carbon management to advance lower-carbon technologies and products. Headquartered in Houston, Oxy primarily operates in the United States, Middle East and North Africa. To learn more, visit Oxy

Oxy strives to attract and retain talented employees by investing in their professional development and providing rewarding opportunities for personal growth. Our goal is to meet the highest employer standards by ensuring the health and safety of our employees, protecting the environment and positively impacting our communities where we do business.

The Plant Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant equipment and processes to ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant facility operations. This role supports daily production goals by performing equipment inspections, responding to alarms or abnormal conditions, documenting operating data, and working closely with maintenance, supervision, and other operations personnel. The Plant Operator is expected to follow established procedures, maintain a strong safety focus, and contribute to continuous improvement across the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate plant equipment, systems, and controls in accordance with standard operating procedures, production requirements, and safety expectations.
• Monitor process conditions such as pressures, temperatures, levels, flows, alarms, and equipment status to maintain stable and efficient operations.
• Perform routine rounds, inspections, and field checks to identify leaks, abnormal vibrations, unusual noises, equipment failures, or unsafe conditions.
• Start up, shut down, and adjust equipment as directed by operating procedures, supervision, or changing process conditions.
• Respond promptly to alarms, equipment issues, process upsets, and emergency situations while following established response procedures.
• Record operating data, readings, inspections, work activities, and equipment conditions accurately in logs, reports, or electronic systems.
• Communicate operational status, concerns, maintenance needs, and shift turnover information clearly with team members and supervisors.
• Assist with troubleshooting process or equipment problems and coordinate with maintenance personnel to support repairs and reliability improvements.
• Support lockout/tagout, permitting, line breaks, confined space entry, and other safe work practices as required.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and keep work areas clean, organized, and free of unnecessary hazards.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, emergency drills, hazard recognition activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow all company policies, regulatory requirements, environmental standards, and site-specific procedures.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in plant operations, production, manufacturing, oil and gas, chemical processing, utilities, or a related industrial environment preferred.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow operating procedures, safety policies, equipment manuals, and work instructions.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to recognize abnormal equipment or process conditions.
• Ability to use radios, computers, log sheets, electronic work systems, and basic Microsoft Office tools as required.
• Valid driver's license may be required depending on site responsibilities.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and callouts as business needs require.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Strong commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and operational discipline.
• Good troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to remain calm and focused during abnormal or emergency situations.
• Clear communication skills and ability to work effectively with operations, maintenance, contractors, and supervision.
• Strong attention to detail when recording readings, completing checklists, and monitoring process changes.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and work independently with limited supervision.
• Willingness to learn new systems, technologies, procedures, and operating practices.

Safety and Environmental Expectations

The Plant Operator is expected to perform all work in a safe, responsible, and environmentally compliant manner. This includes identifying hazards, stopping unsafe work when necessary, using required personal protective equipment, following permit and isolation procedures, reporting incidents or near misses, and supporting a culture where safety and environmental stewardship are core priorities.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, bend, reach, lift, and work in an industrial plant environment. Ability to work outdoors and indoors in varying weather conditions, temperatures, noise levels, and operational envi