Plant Specialist

Trecora LLC; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Trecora LLC in Kansas is seeking a Plant Specialist to support safe, efficient operation and reliable production. You will monitor equipment, assist with startups and changeovers, perform inspections, and document data across operations, maintenance, EHS, and quality teams.

The role emphasizes troubleshooting, problem solving, root cause analysis, and implementing improvements to enhance reliability, efficiency, and safety within a chemical processing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in a chemical plant, refinery, or similar facility.
• Experience with plant operations, equipment monitoring, and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with pumps, valves, tanks, heat exchangers, and control systems.
• Experience in safety- and quality-focused environments.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and data-entry habits.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to recommend practical solutions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across shifts.
• Reliable, accountable, and safety-focused; adheres to procedures and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant equipment, process parameters, and operating conditions to identify abnormalities.
• Assist operators with startups, shutdowns, changeovers, and operational adjustments.
• Perform routine field inspections of pumps, valves, tanks, and utilities.
• Escalate abnormalities to Operations Leadership to prevent downtime.
• Record equipment readings and production activities in logs and systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and process issues to support reliable plant performance.
• Participate in root cause analysis for failures and deviations.
• Support implementation of improvements to increase reliability and safety.
• Assist with special projects, shutdowns, or plant initiatives as assigned.
• Provide hands-on support to minimize production interruptions.

Skills

Problem-solving

Documentation

Communication

Team collaboration

Ownership

Education

GED or High School Diploma

Associate degree

Job description

Description

The Plant Specialist supports safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations by providing technical expertise, hands‑on troubleshooting, and coordination across production, maintenance, EHS, and quality teams. This role assists with monitoring process conditions, performing equipment checks, documenting operational data, supporting product changeovers, and ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards. The Plant Specialist plays a key role in identifying operational issues, recommending improvements, and supporting daily workflow to ensure smooth production.

Operational Support & Process Monitoring

• 1. Monitor plant equipment, process parameters, and operating conditions to identify abnormal trends or potential issues.


• 2. Assist operators with routine and non-routine activities, including startups, shutdowns, changeovers, and operational adjustments.


• 3. Perform regular field inspections of pumps, valves, tanks, lines, and utilities to verify proper function and identify concerns.


• 4. Escalate equipment or process abnormalities to Operations Leadership to prevent downtime.


• 5. Maintain clean, organized work areas and support housekeeping expectations.

Technical Assistance & Continuous Improvement

• 6. Assist in troubleshooting mechanical, process, and instrumentation issues to support reliable plant performance.


• 7. Participate in root cause analysis for equipment failures, quality deviations, and operational disruptions.


• 8. Recommend and support implementation of improvements to increase reliability, efficiency, and safety.


• 9. Assist with special projects, equipment upgrades, shutdown activities, or other plant initiatives as assigned.


• 10. Provide hands‑on support to operations and maintenance teams to minimize production interruptions.

Documentation, Quality & Compliance

• 11. Accurately record equipment readings, process data, and production activities in logs, systems, or required forms.


• 12. Maintain documentation associated with batch sheets, work instructions, SOPs, and process changes.


• 13. Support sampling, product verification, and communication of quality results to ensure production meets specifications.


• 14. Follow all requirements of the Quality Management System (QMS) and the company’s Quality Policy.


• 15. Ensure compliance with internal procedures, industry standards, and environmental regulations.

Safety & Team Collaboration

• 16. Adhere to all safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements at all times.


• 17. Immediately report unsafe conditions, near misses, and equipment concerns; participate in safety meetings and audits.


• 18. Assist with spill response, containment, or emergency procedures as trained.


• 19. Communicate effectively across shifts, departments, and leadership to ensure smooth handoffs and coordinated operations.


• 20. Support onboarding and training of new team members by sharing knowledge of processes, equipment, and best practices.


• 21. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education High school diploma or general education degree (GED), required.


• Associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school in Industrial Technology, Chemical Processing, or a related field, preferred.


• Experience Minimum of 4 years of experience in a chemical plant, refinery, manufacturing facility, or similar industrial setting


• Experience with plant operations, equipment monitoring, or mechanical troubleshooting.


• Familiarity with pumps, valves, tanks, heat exchangers, control systems, or process flows.


• Experience working within a safety- and quality-focused environment.


• Detail-oriented with strong documentation, data entry, and recordkeeping habits.


• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to assess issues and recommend practical solutions.


• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and shifts.


• Reliable and dependable with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.


• Safety-focused and consistently adheres to established procedures and regulatory requirements.