Plant Operator, Operations & Maintenance

Title: Plant Operator

Classification: Non-Exempt

Type/Hours: Full-time position (shift-work expectation)

Pay: $24-$30 per hour

Outlined specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by all employees. Essential Functions are not intended to reflect all duties performed. 

Who We Are

Oberon Fuels is a renewable products company focused on producing low-carbon molecules—including renewable dimethyl ether (DME), methanol, natural gas, and hydrogen—from waste-based and renewable feedstocks. Using proprietary technology, Oberon converts biogenic and recycled carbon sources into clean-burning fuels and sustainable chemical products for transportation, power generation, industrial, and aerosol applications.

By transforming waste into high-value renewable molecules, Oberon helps companies decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure. Our renewable DME provides a practical pathway to decarbonize propellant applications, LPG and deliver renewable hydrogen, while our renewable methanol serves as a drop-in replacement for existing methanol applications and emerging low-carbon fuel markets.

With the world’s first commercial-scale renewable DME plant and a growing pipeline of projects capable of producing hundreds of millions of gallons per year, Oberon is helping accelerate the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy. Our approach is built on a vision of local feedstock, local production, and local consumption—creating jobs, strengthening communities, and turning waste into value.

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary objective of Plant Operator is to properly monitor and maintain all plant systems during continuous production runs and during planned idling/shutdown periods between scheduled production runs. The Plant Operator is expected to be able to learn and understand the process, be able read process flow diagrams, P&ID’s and the process documents. Plant Operator must adhere to strict safety requirements at the facility. 

Under direct supervision of Senior Operator/Shift Supervisor, the Plant Operator:

• Will be knowledgeable/well informed, with the Maverick facility, MeOH to DME process parameters and the performance of appropriate operating functions at the plant.
• Performs a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operations and maintenance of Oberon Fuels’ chemical production plant;
• Performs adjustments and minor preventive/emergent maintenance on all plant equipment
• Monitors process controls and safe equipment operation, to include at a minimum: valving, packaging, temperature/pressure sensing, and engineering processes;
• Collects and documents samples, performs prescribed GC analysis and laboratory testing and documents the results
• Maintains documentation and communication records using applications including ClickUp, Slack, Outlook, Word and Excel, or others as required.
• Will immediately report to the Senior Operator/Shift Supervisor any operating parameters or lab results which are abnormal and discuss and implement any remedial measures.
• Will ensure completion of the tasks assigned during the shift and provide complete handover of the plant status and activities at the shift change to incoming Plant Operator
• Performs a variety of related duties as assigned
• Maintain all required training and certifications through the Learning Management System (LMS) and company-provided programs
• Participates in on-site safety meetings, company events, and required virtual or in-person meeting
• Reading and understanding of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) for startup and shutdown procedures
• Troubleshoots operational issues, determines appropriate corrective actions, and sources necessary materials or escalates replacement needs as required
• Understanding and use of gas sensing and detection instruments throughout the facility.
• Maintains a working knowledge of and ability to operate key monitoring and analytical equipment, including gas chromatographs (GC), MSA devices, and gas detection instruments; interprets GC and water analysis reports

This role involves performance of routine tasks and duties assigned (in addition, but not limited to, the Essential Functions), including:

• Updating of operations logs
• Bi-Hourly rounds monitoring of plant pressure/temperature/levels and equipment,
• Routine repairs, and standard PM/GM of instrumentations such as motors, pumps, sensors, filters, gauges, level/pressure/flow indicators, etc.…
• Handling of hazardous chemicals under the supervision Shift Supervisor/Senior Operator

EDUCATION, TRAITS & EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in Operations and Maintenance of chemical plants or similar industrial plants is preferred, but not required.
• In this role, employees may initially have limited knowledge of plant operations and requires guidance and on the job training will be provided where appropriate.
• Basic Microsoft Excel & Word Skills.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• High school graduate (GED equivalency) with working knowledge of plant operations, maintenance, and an ability to perform repairs as needed.
• Oberon Fuels will provide the necessary training where appropriate.
• Core traits: Grit, Adaptable, Collaborative, Purpose Driven, Sense of Humor

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Entrepreneurial attitude, goal driven, results focused 
• Exhibits bias towards action with strength in execution
• Dynamic, creative, and smart leader with energy and vision 
• Self-motivated, positive thinker 
• Team oriented with a priority on organizational goals, motivated by accomplishments 
• Skilled at problem analysis and problem resolution at both a strategic and functional level 
• Ability to grasp issues in a dynamic start up environment and organize activities to quickly achieve desired outcomes  

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Frequently works outdoors on ground and at elevated heights; occasionally works indoors; constantly working around machinery; constant exposure to heat, dust, fumes, gases or odors; frequent exposure to chemicals, excessive noises, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, solvents, grease or oil, electrical energy; occasional use of a computer; occasional driving of motorized equipment/vehicles; on rare occasion, exposure to flames/smoke; and constantly works with others.

The Oberon Fuels team is excited about its continued growth and is looking for people to join us in bringing DME to market to enable cleaner air, increased economic opportunity, and reduced emissions for all. Please visit our careers page at www.OberonFuels.com or the Oberon Fuels jobs section our LinkedIn webpage. Employment is subject to successful background check and drug testing.

EEO Employer: Oberon Fuels is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.

Essential Functions / Examples of Duties: Applies to all plant positions

Operations:

• Monitor & troubleshoot operating systems/equipment.
• Observe gauges, dials, or other indicators/instruments to ensure equipment is working properly.
• Load/unload trucks and operate equipment (e.g. forklifts).
• Continuously monitor and inspect system components (valves, tanks, piping, etc.) for leak/wear.
• Monitor/maintain all potable/freshwater system levels/specifications.
• Understanding of water sample test results to confirm steps to bring to on-spec water.
• Start-up/Shutdown of all equipment for testing and routine operations.
• During production runs, performs operations both indoors and outdoors utilizing work-related computer and reporting systems.
• Outdoor duties include manual valve actuation, leak detection, radio communications, instrument monitoring, and other duties as needed to ensure safe continuous plant operations.
• Indoor duties include working knowledge of PLC for safe plant operations and producing acceptable product.
• During plant operations, product sampling, GC analysis of samples, water sampling/testing in designated areas such as boiler, wastewater, steam condensate, pond-water etc., and loading/off-loading of raw materials and final products.

Maintenance:

• General plant housekeeping, and cleanliness (e.g. painting/corrosion prevention, landscaping, power washing, litter removal, pest control, restroom/office bldg. cleaning).
• Perform repairs not requiring expertise/tools of outside contractors.
• Organize inventory, replenish inventory/supplies, as needed.
• Perform preventive and routine maintenance.
• Perform pump testing, manual rotation, and routine operational checks of standby equipment.
• Handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Performs any related work or tasking as required for safe operations and maintenance of the plant

Physical and Mental/Psychological Demands:

• Physical Strength: Exert force of 100-150 pounds occasionally, 50-75 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. Constant handling, gripping, grasping. Frequent walking, extension of the neck upward, downward and side to side. Occasional standing, sitting, bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, pushing, pulling, twisting at the waist, fingering, typing, climbing stairs, ladders and scaffolding. Vision: Visual acuity which could be corrected sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed. Hearing: Effectively hear/comprehend oral instructions and communication.

• Mental/Psychological: Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public; utilize complex reading and math skills; utilize simple writing skills; understand, remember and carry out complex job instructions; respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressures; communicate effectively in both oral and written manner; work under pressure; and work within deadlines.