Plant Operator II

Howard Energy Partners; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard Energy Partners is seeking a Plant Operator II to independently operate and monitor a natural gas processing plant, including cryogenic and dehydration systems, utilities, and associated equipment. The role requires ensuring safe, compliant operation, accurate recordkeeping, and clear communication with maintenance and team members.

Responsibilities include operating via Wonderware, following SOPs, performing basic blending calculations, and supporting training of Level I Controllers.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of operating experience in oil/gas industry
• Experience in cryogenics or processing plant
• Experience with DCS control (DeltaV or Wonderware)
• Experience with pressure vessels and equipment

Responsibilities

• Operate plant processes, ensuring proper flows, temperatures, pressures and levels
• Use Wonderware to control plant processes
• Maintain safety and environmental compliance (PSM, SOPs) and document events
• Provide operating reports and on-call/relief duties as required
• Collaborate with maintenance for repairs and troubleshooting

Skills

Clear communication

Gas components knowledge

Willingness to learn

Crisis management understanding

Computer skills

Shift work ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

DeltaV

Wonderware

Job description

The Plant Operator II works independently 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 Wonderware.
• 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 awareness of upstream and downstream quality specifications.
• Provides clear documentation of events and communicates effectively with fellow employees.
• Adheres to all safety and company policies.
• Is always available for scheduled on-call/relief duties.
• Shows willingness and drive to learn tasks at hand.
• Identifies, reports, and corrects safety and environmental concerns.
• Actively participates in company safety programs and initiatives.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of operational capabilities across all systems and facilities.
• Performs complex blending and system pressure calculations.
• Possesses basic knowledge and understanding of gas components and gas quality.
• Assists fellow employees with tasks and troubleshooting.
• Exhibits excellent, clear, concise, and thorough written and verbal communication skills.
• Works under general supervision with job duties.
• Assists with training of Level I Controllers.
• Follows and adheres to all company and safety policies.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge and understanding of crisis management and incident response plans.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline related to the job.
• Good, clear, concise, and thorough written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of gas components and gas quality.
• Willingness and drive to learn tasks at hand.
• Basic understanding of crisis management and incident response plans.
• Basic computer skills and mechanical aptitude.
• 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 DCS control, preferably Delta V or Wonderware
• 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.