Operator Technician Trainee - HNO

Operator Technician Trainee - HNO

Job Category: Support Requisition Number: OPERA001715

Posted: January 6, 2026

Full-Time

Location: Houston, TX 77017, USA

Description

The Operator Technicians work a rotating shift schedule and are responsible for the daily operations of their assigned operating area, including troubleshooting and resolving operational issues, monitoring of process equipment, and performance of preventative maintenance activities.

The Operator Technicians are expected to learn and know the mechanical workings of pumps, piping systems, distillation systems, and other equipment within their assigned operating area.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Proper execution of the safety processes.
• Operate the assets in compliance with regulations for 24/7 operations. Conducts rounds on equipment, lines up and makes chemical transfers, troubleshoots, etc.
• Effective execution of core work processes, including daily readings, loading/unloading trucks, shift handover, check sheet and log sheet completion and continuously monitoring assigned units to deliver planned throughput and product quality targets
• Thoroughly understands how the process in their area operates and how it is integrated with other upstream and downstream processes as well as within common plant systems.
• Ensures the safety of personnel with work permits through proper review, job walkdown, and issuance.
• Takes the lead in addressing abnormal situations.
• Provides support as required to root cause investigations.
• Continually maintains good situational awareness by proactive monitoring assigned area.
• Initiates any necessary actions required to stabilize, slowdown, or shutdown the processes if warranted to avoid operation beyond any Critical Limits.
• Recognizes symptoms of an emergency and responds appropriately keeping safety as the top priority. Understands when and who to call for help to maintain safe and successful operation of the process.
• Takes ownership of operating procedures through critical review, editing, and writing.
• Continuously seeks to improve the process operation.
• Participates in training such as startups, shutdowns and emergency procedures.
• Trains less experienced personnel.
• Performs minor/routine maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria as a minimum requirement for the position:

• A High School Diploma or GED with 3+ years operator, maintenance craft or environmental tech experience in a petrochemical manufacturing facility.
• An Associate Degree in Process Technology or Process Technology Certification
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited Institution
• Military Experience

Preferred Skills

• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Good mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrated application of safe work practices.
• Initiative to take on additional responsibilities.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member.
• Application of root cause analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and apply knowledge of work processes, policies and procedures to ensure safe, reliable, optimized operation.
• Basic computer skills needed to perform job tasks.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to perform the following activities for 3-4 hours at a time: stand and walk, climb stairs and ladders, lift at least 50 pounds and open/close valves up to 16 inches.
• Must be able and willing to wear safety equipment such as PPE and respirators.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States continually without company sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities 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.