Operations Specialist

Come Join an Inclusive Team

The R&D Operations Specialist is accountable for providing leadership, training, safety, and technical support for the activities of the Operations group as well as support the overall site at HTC.  The individual will monitor the daily operational activities for site pilot process units and consult with affected parties to promote solutions to operational problems as needed.  The individual will participate with unit owners as an Operations representative in Process Safety activities such as PHAs and MOCs, and provide support and guidance with preparation of operator certification content and format.  The individual will primarily focus on the issues affecting Pilot Plant Operations, assisting the Operations Supervisor and coordinating with site HSSE in managing activities essential to GoalZERO performance. In addition, the R&D Operations Specialist will provide support to the overall site in management of Operational Excellence activities. 

A Day in the Life

General 

• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses, Management of Change, and Incident Investigation activities. 
• Ensure information and procedures owned by the Operations Supervisor are current/accurate.  Evaluate and improve existing procedures and develop new procedures as necessary to advance efficiency and safety. 
• Support HSSE and other site Process Owners to ensure procedures meet regulatory or corporate requirements and “fit for purpose” for HTC operations.  
• Collaborate with Operators and Operation Owners to ensure quality operator qualification / certification programs. 
• Mentor/train personnel as necessary to maintain compliance with applicable HSE requirements. 
• Is responsible for constructing various eLearning content for the development of effective Operations training. 
• Perform Administrator duties and serve as a backup for the site ATR Smart Procedures system and focal point for procedures owned by Operations. 
• Serve as member of site Process Safety Team. 
• Serve as member of site Operational Excellence Team. Participate/lead self-assessment activities. 
• Perform supervision duties as step-up for Operations Supervisor when appropriate.  

Area of Expertise, Requirements 

• Possess and demonstrate a thorough technical understanding of a broad range of chemical processes and operational techniques, particularly at lab and pilot plant scales. 
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and quantify potential hazards of a chemical process in a PHA environment through review of process diagrams and information 
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are required due to the frequent interaction with Operators, Operation Owners, and other functional groups. 
• Expert computer skills, including Microsoft 365 applications, SharePoint, ATR Smart Procedures, Documentum.  
• Possess a solution-oriented approach to problems with processes and people. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong competencies in execution and attention to detail. 
• Skilled at identifying and explaining critical aspects of an activity or process. 
• Highly proficient at identifying gaps between systems in place and requirements. 
• Demonstrated creativity in applying available tools to encountered needs. 
• Exemplary personal and professional integrity and business ethics.  

You Bring This Value

Education 

• High School diploma or equivalent 

Work Experience  

• Minimum 7-10 years in Operations in a R&D or petrochemical/refinery environment 

Languages  

English 

Other skills 

• ATR Vanguard experience preferred 
• Experience as software system Administrator related to operational activities and/or document control. 

Competencies