Plant Operator II

Ultipro; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard Energy Partners operates a natural gas processing facility in Texas. The Plant Operator II role involves overseeing cryogenic and dehydration systems, amine treating, and related plant equipment to ensure safe, efficient operation.

You will monitor flows, temperatures, pressures, and levels; perform basic blending and system calculations; document events; and support on-call duties while collaborating with maintenance and operations teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ years 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.

Responsibilities

• Ensures proper flows, temperatures, pressures, and levels, recognizing operating deviations and taking appropriate corrective action.
• Recognizes equipment abnormalities and communicates with maintenance regarding significant repairs.
• Records parameter values, completes operating reports, notifies environmental deviations, and implements lockout/tag-out for maintenance and repair.
• Complies with PSM regulations.
• Completes basic training and demonstrates system awareness (e.g., SCADA, SOPs, AOC).
• Applies basic knowledge of gas hydraulics/pressures, control schemes, and operational limits.
• Follows SOPs and safety policies.
• Performs blending calculations and quality awareness for upstream/downstream specs.

Skills

Communication skills

Gas components knowledge

Willingness to learn

Crisis management basics

Computer literacy

Shift work ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

DeltaV

Wonderware

Job description

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.
• 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 working 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.

Documentation

Intermediate

Oral/Communication Skills

Advanced

Operations

Advanced

Safety

Advanced

Behaviors

Preferred

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Experience

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

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.