Plant Operator III

Plant Operator III

Location: Athabasca Region, Northern Alberta (FIFO + Camp Accommodation)

Schedule: 14 Days On / 14 Days Off | 12-Hour Rotating Shifts

Duration: 1-year contract (extendable) 

Position Summary

We are seeking a Plant Operator III to provide advanced operational expertise in a large-scale industrial processing facility. This role requires an experienced operator capable of independently managing complex processes, optimizing plant performance, troubleshooting operational challenges, and supporting operational excellence initiatives.

The successful candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in oil sands, SAGD, gas processing, refining, petrochemical, mining, or heavy industrial operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor plant processes through a DCS/control room environment.
• Analyze plant performance data and make operational adjustments to optimize production.
• Monitor critical process variables and respond appropriately to abnormal operating conditions.
• Conduct detailed field inspections and equipment condition assessments.
• Coordinate plant start-up, shutdown, commissioning, and upset recovery activities.
• Troubleshoot process, mechanical, and operational issues with minimal supervision.
• Support maintenance planning and execution through equipment isolation and turnover procedures.
• Review operational trends and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Participate in root cause investigations and incident reviews.
• Mentor junior operators and provide guidance on operational procedures and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with company operating standards, regulatory requirements, and HSE programs.
• Contribute to operational readiness, reliability improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in industrial plant operations.
• Strong knowledge of process operations, production systems, and process optimization techniques.
• Demonstrated experience operating complex process facilities.
• Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities.
• Working knowledge of rotating and static equipment.
• Experience with permit-to-work systems, isolation procedures, and operational risk management.
• Ability to interpret process trends, P&IDs, SOPs, and technical documentation.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4th or 3rd Class Power Engineering certification.
• Experience in SAGD, oil sands extraction, upgrading, gas plants, or refinery operations.
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Experience mentoring or training junior operators.