Senior Plant Operator — Chemical Processing (Sandton)

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Shift allowances

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton seeks a Senior Plant Operator to safely run complex chemical processing equipment, monitor parameters, and maintain production targets while upholding safety and environmental standards. You will mentor junior operators, perform routine checks, respond to alarms, and collaborate with engineering and maintenance to keep operations running smoothly.

The role requires a strong background in chemical processes, excellent troubleshooting, and the ability to work rotating

Qualifications

• Minimum N3 Certificate or equivalent qualification in Chemical Engineering, Process Technology, or related field.
• At least 7 years of experience as a Plant Operator in chemical processing or related industrial environment.
• Experience operating complex process equipment (reactors, distillation columns, pumps, control valves).
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, safety procedures, and hazard management.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to plant operations.
• Ability to read and interpret PFDs and P&IDs.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills; able to work in a team.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Must reside in or be able to reliably commute to Sandton, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor complex chemical processing equipment according to SOPs.
• Control parameters: temperature, pressure, flow, levels to meet targets and specs.
• Perform routine inspections and minor maintenance; report malfunctions.
• Respond to process upsets, alarms, and emergencies.
• Maintain logs of operational data, production quantities, and incidents.
• Adhere to safety, health, environmental regulations and policies.
• Assist in training junior operators and mentoring.
• Participate in process improvements and provide feedback on efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance to resolve issues.

Skills

N3 Certificate (qualification)

7+ years experience

Chemical plant ops

PFD & P&ID literacy

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Shift work

Team player

Education

N3 Certificate or equivalent

Job description

Placements24 in Sandton seeks a Senior Plant Operator to safely run complex chemical processing equipment, monitor parameters, and maintain production targets while upholding safety and environmental standards. You will mentor junior operators, perform routine checks, respond to alarms, and collaborate with engineering and maintenance to keep operations running smoothly.

The role requires a strong background in chemical processes, excellent troubleshooting, and the ability to work rotating