Refinery Field Operator

Description

Position: Refinery Field Operator

Department: Manufacturing Operations

Reports To: Plant Manager / Operations Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: DeRidder, Louisiana

Position Summary

The Refinery Field Operator is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation of Mainstream Pine Products' refinery and associated process systems. This position performs field-based operational activities including equipment monitoring, product transfers, tank farm operations, loading and unloading activities, process inspections, sampling, and routine operating adjustments.

The Refinery Field Operator serves as the primary field presence within the refinery and works closely with operations, maintenance, environmental, and management personnel to ensure safe and reliable plant performance. This position also supports wastewater treatment operations and environmental compliance activities as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Refinery Operations

• Conduct routine field inspections of refinery equipment, tanks, pumps, piping systems, valves, utilities, and process areas.
• Monitor operating conditions and report abnormal process conditions, equipment issues, leaks, or safety concerns.
• Assist with refinery startups, shutdowns, product changeovers, and operational transitions.
• Operate pumps, valves, transfer systems, and related process equipment in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Perform product sampling, inspections, measurements, and operational documentation as required.
• Support process troubleshooting and operational improvement initiatives.
  
  

Product Transfer & Tank Farm Operations

• Perform loading and unloading activities associated with trucks, railcars, tanks, and product storage systems.
• Verify product routing, transfer lineups, tank assignments, and transfer documentation.
• Monitor material transfers and respond appropriately to abnormal conditions.
• Assist with inventory measurements and tank inspections.
• Support safe handling of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished products.
  
  

Wastewater Operations Support

• Support operation and monitoring of wastewater treatment systems and associated environmental control equipment.
• Perform routine inspections, sampling, testing, and documentation activities as required.
• Monitor wastewater treatment processes and report abnormal conditions or permit-related concerns.
• Assist with chemical additions, equipment monitoring, and general wastewater system operations.
• Support environmental compliance and recordkeeping activities associated with wastewater operations.
  
  

Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Actively participate in safety meetings, training activities, incident investigations, and hazard reporting.
• Follow all company safety procedures, permit requirements, environmental requirements, and operational standards.
• Utilize required PPE and safety equipment.
• Support spill prevention, environmental stewardship, and facility housekeeping efforts.
• Immediately report injuries, spills, releases, equipment failures, or unsafe conditions.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist maintenance personnel during planned maintenance and outage activities.
• Support contractor activities and plant improvement projects as assigned.
• Participate in emergency response activities when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Work Environment

• Industrial refinery and manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to process equipment, chemicals, elevated temperatures, industrial noise, outdoor conditions, and moving equipment.
• Shift work, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency response activities may be required.
  
  

Employment Type & Schedule

• Full-time position.
• Shift-based schedule with overtime as operational needs require.
  
  

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous industrial, refinery, manufacturing, chemical processing, wastewater, or related operations experience preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to safely operate industrial equipment.
• Ability to follow operating procedures and maintain accurate records.
• Strong attention to safety, environmental compliance, and operational discipline.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pine chemicals, chemical processing, refining, pulp and paper, or continuous manufacturing operations.
• Experience with product transfer systems, tank farms, loading/unloading operations, or wastewater treatment systems.
• Louisiana wastewater certification or ability to obtain certification if required.
• Forklift, mobile equipment, or industrial operations experience.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Position requires standing, walking, climbing ladders, working at heights, and perform field inspections throughout the facility.
• Position requires lifting up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Position requires work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Position requires wear required PPE, including respiratory protection when required.