PSM Engineer

Position Summary

This position takes a systematic approach to managing the hazards associated with industrial processes involving hazardous chemicals.  It designs and implements processes, procedures, programs, and systems for Process Safety Management (“PSM”) and Risk Management (“RM”) that facilitate compliance with state, Federal and local regulations and Company policies and procedures.  This position will perform and oversee investigations of accidents and incidents to identify their root causes and present recommendations to prevent their recurrence. 

Essential Job Functions

• Performs risk assessments and enforces preventative measures
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and Federal regulations
• Works with Operations, Projects, and Turnaround groups to simplify processes and ensure safer operations through risk reduction; identifies hazardous conditions; designs processes to reduce risk exposure
• Creates and implements proper barriers in Risk Management system; ensures barriers exist and function fully
• Leads incident investigations; ensures identification of root causes and recommendations for improvement; develops root cause analysis reports; outlines recommendations; confirms recommendation implementation as appropriate 
• Leads and participates in process hazard analyses (“PHAs”), Layers of Protection Analysis (“LOPA”), Safety Integrity Level (“SIL”) studies, MOCs, and other analyses as required; reports findings and recommendations based on findings
• Works with operations and document control to establish and maintain required Process Safety Information (“PSI”) and appropriate documentation; ensures accuracy and availability for each PSM covered process
• Prepares management reports with appropriate metrics and key performance indicators to illustrate overall PSM systems compliance
• Develops and implements PSM strategy; drives continuous improvement in PSM and RM systems, programs, procedures, and training; audits and evaluates effectiveness of PSM and RM programs
• Serves as central resource for PSM and RM practices; uses consistent practices and approach to PSM and RM across assigned site  
• Provides guidance to management at assigned site; identifies appropriate critical PSM activities 
• Uses team-based approach to develop PSM and RM programs; advises and monitors compliance with applicable Federal, state and local regulations and general industry standards
• Drives continuous improvement in PSM and RM programs and practices; maintains PSM and RM related documentation
• Tracks and communicates regulatory changes; implements changes to remain in compliance
• Identifies, tracks, monitors, and communicates key performance indicators to relevant levels of management and operations  
• Keeps records of safety-related incidents; proposes corrective actions; follows open cases to conclusion
• Benchmarks systems, culture, and performance against industry standards; identifies, develops and prioritizes process safety and risk mitigation initiatives 
• Holds, leads and directs PSM meetings; trains others on PSM, provides technical advice on process safety issues and proposed changes
• Abides by all safety procedures and practices applicable to location and position; participates in appropriate safety training; demonstrates commitment to and support of EHSS principles and values; champions safety at all times; participates in and/or leads safety teams or projects as appropriate
• Performs other duties assigned by management that generally fall within the expected scope of this position 

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  

Experience & KSA’s Required  

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience working in a PSM facility; preferably a petrochemical plant
• At least 5 years’ experience working with Bow Tie Risk Management programs
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience overseeing company Risk Management Programs (RMP)
• Fluent in Risk Management software programs
• Experience working with and proven understanding of various governmental regulations, specifically OSHA PSM and EPA RM plan regulations
• Proven experience managing teams
• Self-starter; quick learner; decision-maker 
• Proven ability to write and implement Process Safety Management processes, procedures and programs
• Experience leading or participating in operational risk assessments e.g. PHAs, LOPA, SIL Studies, etc.
• Proven experience working with Federal, state and local regulatory agencies and regulations
• Experience in plant environments subject to OSHA regulations, ANSI, ASTM standards and RAGAGEP
• Customer service focus; ability to influence and communicate diplomatically; excellent negotiations skills
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and follow through on assignments; excellent organizational skills
• Good computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite; ability to use database systems and other programs and applications used by this position and at Company
• Fluent in English language including reading, writing and speaking; ability to read and write at a minimum of high school level; ability to clearly communicate to all levels in organization

Education Requirement 

• B.S. in chemical or process engineering, or related field highly desirable
• Certifications preferred include, but are not limited to, 
• PSM certification
• TapRoot Root Cause Analysis
• PHA Pro software
• CCPSC 
• ISO 9001
• Bowtie Risk Management 

Competencies 

All Company Core Competencies

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires an employee to be in an office environment, exposed to outside elements as well as indoor plant and control room environments.  The position may be exposed to various chemicals and compounds, including fumes and smells, some of which may be considered hazardous. Outside conditions include temperatures with the most extreme elements being heat in the summer months of up to 100° and some exposure to cold of generally no less than 0° in the winter months.   There will be exposure to various chemicals and compounds, including fumes and smells, some of them hazardous.   The employee may enter confined spaces and work in elevated environments.  Employee must be able to wear PPE required by the location.  Loud sounds and vibrations will be experienced at times. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  All environments are safe with appropriate PPE.

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk (sometimes over long distances), crawl, sit, speak, and hear.   The employee is required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; the employee will be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee may be required to climb ladders and stairs in the facility.  The employee will be required to enter confined spaces. The employee will lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  Employee may be required to travel by air, rail, bus, car, or other mode of ground transportation.