Plant Operator I

Howard Energy Partners; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard Energy Partners in Texas is seeking a Plant Operator I to oversee the natural gas processing plant, including cryogenic, amine treating, dehydration systems, and utilities.

You will operate equipment, monitor parameters, perform basic blending calculations, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance through proper procedures. Shift work and on-call duties are required.

The role emphasizes accuracy, clear communication, and adherence to SOPs within a demanding industrial setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ years operating experience in the oil/gas industry.
• Experience with cryogenic or processing plant environments.
• Experience with HMI control systems (DeltaV/Wonderware/Ignition).

Responsibilities

• Monitor flows, temperatures, pressures and levels; respond to deviations.
• Operate plant processes via HMI control system (DeltaV/Wonderware/Ignition).
• Coordinate with maintenance on significant repairs and equipment issues.
• Record parameters and operating reports; implement lockout/tagout for maintenance.
• Comply with PSM regulations and SOPs; maintain safety practices.
• Participate in safety programs and on-call duties as needed.

Skills

Safety protocols

Communication

Troubleshooting

Shift work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

DeltaV

Wonderware

Ignition

Job description

The Plant Operator I carries out tasks to ensure the efficient operation of all aspects of a natural gas processing plant. This includes overseeing the cryogenic plant, amine treating plant, glycol and mole-sieve dehydration systems, tank farm, utilities, engines/compressors, PD pumps, and centrifugal pumps.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Ensures proper flows, temperatures, pressures, and levels, recognizing operating deviations and taking appropriate corrective action.
• Operates plant processes using an HMI control system, preferably Delta V, Wonderware, or Ignition.
• Recognizes equipment abnormalities and communicates with maintenance regarding significant repairs.
• Records parameter values, completes operating reports, notifies environmental deviations, and implements equipment lockout/tag-out for maintenance and repair.
• Complies with PSM regulations.
• Completes basic training and demonstrates system awareness (e.g., SCADA, SOPs, AOC).
• Demonstrates basic understanding of operational capabilities across all systems and facilities.
• Applies basic knowledge of gas and liquid hydraulics/pressures, control schemes, and operational limits.
• Follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Performs basic component blending calculations.
• Maintains clear documentation of events and communicates effectively with fellow employees.
• Adheres to all safety and company policies.
• Demonstrates basic understanding of crisis management and incident response plans.
• Available for scheduled on-call/relief duties and identifies, reports, and corrects safety and environmental concerns.
• Actively participates in company safety programs and initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Possess a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job.
• Awareness of upstream and downstream quality specifications.
• Efficiently Collaborate effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Willingness and drive to learn tasks at hand.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Good, clear, concise, and thorough written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong commitment to safety protocols and procedures.
• Effective troubleshooting and problem resolution skills.
• High level of accuracy and precision in tasks.
• Ability to perform shift work: routinely work holidays and weekends that occur during the shift.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1+ years of operating experience in the oil/gas industry
• Experience working in a cryogenics or processing plant
• Experience with operating processes with HMI control, preferably Delta V, Wonderware, or Ignition
• Experience working with pressure vessels and equipment

Certifications

• None required

Physical Demands and Hazard for Field Employees

This position may require occasional travel to remote sites, potential exposure to flammable material, adherence to safety protocols, compliance with operating regulations, and will require rigorous physical demands.

Thank you for your interest in Howard Energy Partners, an equal opportunity employer. If you need additional information, have questions, or need accommodations, please reach out to the Human Resources department at 210-298-2222.