Plant Operator – Process Control

About the role

The Plant Operator is responsible for running the entire chemical plant process during assigned shifts, using either the shift team or the Distributed Control System (DCS). The role follows world‑class manufacturing philosophy and ensures safe, efficient, and high‑quality production.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain safety standards: housekeeping, hazard identification, PTW issuance, basic firefighting and first‑aid.
• Drive performance targets and monitor process parameters via DCS/PLC, correcting deviations promptly.
• Conduct autonomous maintenance (inspection, cleaning, lubrication) and prepare shift handover reports.
• Perform fault finding on equipment, sample taking, analysis and quality control to keep product within specifications.
• Lead the team: motivate staff, enforce company rules, manage morale and delegate responsibilities.
• Ensure ISO and SHEQ compliance through audits, spot checks and proper documentation.

Required profile

• Matric with Maths, Science and English; NQF 6 qualification; National Diploma in Chemical Engineering (advantage).
• 2–5 years experience in the chemical industry, preferably with process‑control exposure.
• Knowledge of SHEQ, 5S, PSM controls, PTW procedures and basic firefighting.
• Strong understanding of plant operations, DCS/PLC systems and quality‑control processes.

Required skills

• DCS and PLC operation
• Process control
• Microsoft Office
• Sample analysis
• Quality‑control procedures
• Plant operational competency
• 5S, SHEQ and PSM practices
• PTW management
• Firefighting and first‑aid basics