What are the responsibilities and job description for the PALNG DCS Console Operator position at Sempra LNG?
Primary Purpose
The DCS Operator is the focal point for operating activities from the control room, ensuring the safe and effective operation of the Port Arthur LNG Facility. This role involves working closely with all facility operations personnel, Supervisors, Managers, and Engineers within the site functions to optimize plant performance and ensure that the facility operates safely within design and environmental limits. The DCS Operator plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of plant operations, adhering to stringent safety standards, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
This is a shift position, requiring the DCS Operator to work alongside three other shifts to staff the facility on a 24/7 basis. The successful candidate will primarily focus on DCS operations but will also be required to learn and perform associated field roles as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
Education
The DCS Operator is the focal point for operating activities from the control room, ensuring the safe and effective operation of the Port Arthur LNG Facility. This role involves working closely with all facility operations personnel, Supervisors, Managers, and Engineers within the site functions to optimize plant performance and ensure that the facility operates safely within design and environmental limits. The DCS Operator plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of plant operations, adhering to stringent safety standards, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
This is a shift position, requiring the DCS Operator to work alongside three other shifts to staff the facility on a 24/7 basis. The successful candidate will primarily focus on DCS operations but will also be required to learn and perform associated field roles as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Control Room Operations: Monitor and control plant operations from the Distributed Control System (DCS) to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility. This includes overseeing the entire process flow, adjusting controls as necessary, and responding to alarms and abnormal conditions.
- Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety policies and procedures, ensuring all activities are conducted in a safe manner. The DCS Operator must be vigilant in identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions to prevent accidents.
- Operational Coordination: Collaborate with operations personnel to manage and optimize plant processes, including start-up, shutdown, and emergency response procedures. This involves coordinating with field operators and maintenance teams to ensure seamless operations.
- Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor plant performance, identifying and addressing any issues to maintain optimal operation. The DCS Operator must analyze data trends, perform diagnostics, and implement adjustments to enhance efficiency and reliability.
- Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with Supervisors, Engineering, Managers, and other team members regarding plant status and any operational concerns. Effective communication is crucial for coordinating activities and ensuring that all stakeholders are informed of current conditions and potential issues.
- Documentation: Accurately document all operational activities, incidents, and changes in plant conditions within the associated software packages. This includes maintaining detailed logs, reports, and records to support operational transparency and regulatory compliance.
- Training and Development: Participate in ongoing training to stay current with plant operations, safety protocols, and DCS technology. The DCS Operator must be committed to continuous learning and professional development to keep pace with technological advancements and industry best practices.
- Ensure that the DCS operations team is performing effectively by reviewing KPIs and monitoring systems and ensuring the facility is always optimized.
- Operates the DCS control panel to monitor and operate the facility and provide operating data that supports daily gas balance and distribute information.
- Performs routine operations on terminal equipment such as inspection, start-up, shutdown, on his/her shift; Performs all work in accordance with sound safety practices and using appropriate safety devices and equipment.
- Controls the process within the operating envelope and according to established procedures to ensure maximum reliability for LNG production plan and product specifications are met and actively monitors the process throughout the shift to ensure consistent reliable operations.
- Performs all work in compliance with all company Environmental and Safety policies, understanding operating and permit limits to ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining maximum reliability and efficiency. Reports safety and environmental concerns, problems, and incidents to appropriate shift team members.
- Troubleshoots process problems and deviations from normal operations. Reacts to process upsets and emergencies according to procedure.
- Assists with the pre-commissioning, commissioning, startup, and initial operation of the Port Arthur LNG Facility. This will include being a vital member of the integrated commissioning / start-up team(s) with the EPC contractor.
- Keeps skills and knowledge current and completes required refresher training to maintain and elevate the level of process understanding.
- Provides technical support to problem solving activities during the shift and ensure reliability issues are identified and effectively communicated to the appropriate departments.
- Participates in Operating Procedure and Manual review process
- May be required, in emergency situations, to report to work during unscheduled time; participates in the Emergency Response Actions on his/her shift in an emergency event
- Rotates in the day-to-day operation activities; fill other shift vacancies as needed including field operations positions.
- Works with a culturally diverse group of technical individuals whose skills cover the range required to operate and maintain the operations of the Port Arthur Liquefaction facility
- Establishes a mutually respectful relationship with management, peers and the various facility level workers who are all responsible for ensuring operational excellence
- Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).
Education
- Associate's Degree Associate degree in Process Technology or other related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience Preferred
- 3 DCS experience in a position of responsibility and expertise in an operating LNG Liquefaction facility or equivalent facility with similar processes. Required
- 5 Petrochemical, Refining, or Oil & Gas / LNG Operations experience. Preferred
- Strong ability to implement best practices for operations Intermediate
- Strong leadership abilities to build positive team environment, manage and influence team performance including mentoring Intermediate
- Knowledge of operating site safety, environmental, and emergency response programs Advanced
- Analytical thinking and ability to utilize concise data and information while working through problems and implementing solutions Intermediate
- Ability to apply strong written and oral communication skills while presenting and participating in fruitful discussions with internal stakeholders Advanced
- Ability to understand the complexities and risk associated with an operating LNG facility and make necessary strategic decisions to operate the facility safely and reliably Advanced
- Knowledge and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, i.e. Word, Excel, PPT, Visio to convey information with clarity through presentations and reports Beginner
- Understanding of maintenance work process and permitting systems Intermediate
- Demonstrates managing and mitigating skills, related to operational risks Intermediate
- Strong working knowledge and understanding of how to read and interpret P&IDs Intermediate
- Ability to manage multiple and complex issues and work independently Intermediate
- Understanding of competency development programs and supporting tools and practices Intermediate
- Strong working knowledge of permit to work and safe isolation practices. Advanced
- Ability to lead and develop people in a way that inspires trust and loyalty Intermediate
- Organized, planning skills, able to manage multiple activities and programs in timely fashion and with a high degree of accuracy, able to meet work deadlines Intermediate
- Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills Intermediate
- TWIC Required