Plant Operator

Determined, imaginative, curious-if these are some of the ways you describe yourself, we want to learn more about you!

At TC Energy, we are proud to connect the world to the energy it needs. Guided by our values of safety in every step, personal accountability, one team and active learning, we deliver the critical energy that North America and the world rely on while balancing reliability, affordability and sustainability.

The opportunity

Our USNG, Virginia South Area team is evolving to meet the needs of our growing business, and we are expanding our presence in Chesapeake, Virginia to support the safety, operation and maintenance of our Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility.

Reporting to the Area Operations Manager, the LNG Plant Operator will manipulate valves, operate motors, pumps, fans and other equipment controls, read gauges, and observe equipment while the Controller starts, stops, or makes changes during processing operations and extensively support the maintenance department.

This individual must be a self-starter, capable of working with minimal supervision, who possesses excellent problem solving, communication, and decision-making skills.

What you'll do

• Work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule
• Operate processing equipment, which includes centrifugal and reciprocating compressors for natural gas and refrigerant, cooling towers, LNG pumps, LNG storage tank, vaporizers, water pumps, heat exchangers, gas purification equipment, pneumatic and electrical controls, valves, add refrigerant, clean strainers and filters, blow down and purge systems, etc
• Start or stop equipment in proper sequence by manipulating valves and controls (per direction of the Controller)
• Conduct rounds of operating area and monitor equipment by observing gauges, visual inspections, and sound
• Record instrument readings and prepare reports on operating equipment
• Inspect and maintain equipment oil and water levels, and monitor temperature, pressure, and flow
• Test and maintain chemicals, as necessary, to evaporative cooling system
• Janitorial duties, and other basic housekeeping duties to include painting
• Operate small landscape equipment, manlift, forklift, scissor lift, and rental heavy equipment
• Perform yard work and plow snow
• Inspect fire control equipment
• Perform or assist in overhauls and general repair and maintenance of plant equipment during plant outages or emergencies, to include rebuilding compressors, electric motors, rebuilding valves, repairing drive belts, compressor gearbox and motor alignments, etc
• Calibrate and test gauges
• Perform incipient fire control/response duties
• Rebuild and service valves, actuators, and support systems
• Monitor high voltage MCCs
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and schematics
• Develop lock-out, tag-out procedures based on P&IDs
• Prepare job safety analysis, general work and hot work permits
• Other tasks as required

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Thorough understanding of stop work authority (SWA) and safe work practices
• Knowledge and understanding of lock out/tag out (LOTO) procedures
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and related software
• Mechanical and electrical aptitude
• Ability to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, and PFDs
• Knowledge and experience in the use of hand tools and basic mechanical equipment (grinders, drills, power saw, impact, etc.)
• Forklift and manlift experience
• Train for the duties of Controller and perform such duties as required
• undefined

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-2 years of technical training and/or experience in mechanics, CO2 plant operations, HVAC operations, cryogenic operations
• Military mechanical or electrical technician experience
• Industrial experience in Power Generation, Natural Gas Pipeline or Storage, Nitrogen or Oxygen Storage, LPG processing
• DCS/SCADA experience
• Computerized maintenance management (CMMS) & SAP experience
• Control room management experience
• Knowledge and understanding of:
  • FERC/PHMSA CFR 49
  • NEC 70
  • NFPA 59A
  • Process safety management (PSM)

This position requires candidates to

• Have and maintain a valid driver's license and a safe driving record
• TWIC card holder or the ability to obtain TWIC card within three months
• Successfully complete a pre-employment medical screening, to include drug and alcohol testing
• Meet regulatory personnel health requirements
• Be subject to call out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and work extended days and/or weeks for emergency response purposes
• Pass regulatory required training associated with the plant, to include basic first aid and CPR
• Work at heights and climb stationary steel ladders to access working platforms that range from 6 - 30 feet and LNG tank stairs up to approximately 125 feet above grade
• Train for the duties of Controller and perform such duties as required
• Be subject to working conditions which include adverse weather and temperatures, heavy lifting (50 pounds), and cramped conditions

About our business

We are a leader in North American energy infrastructure, spanning Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Every day, our dedicated team proudly connects the world to the energy it needs-moving over 30 per cent of the cleaner-burning natural gas used across the continent. Complemented by strategic ownership and low-risk investments in power generation, our infrastructure fuels industries and generates affordable, reliable and sustainable power across North America, while enabling LNG exports to global markets.

TC Energy is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the US government. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. We are also committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. Applicants requiring accommodations or accessible formats are encouraged to contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io for support.


All applicants must have legal authorization to work in the country where the position is based, without restrictions. Background screening is required for all positions, which may include criminal and/or credit checks. Offers may be extended at a different level or job title that best aligns with the successful candidate's qualifications.


Learn more

Visit us at TCEnergy.com and connect with us on our social medial channels for our latest news, employee stories, community activities, and other updates.


Thank you for considering TC Energy in your career journey.