Description:
Position open to local candidates only; sponsorship is not available.
Position Details:
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Field Operator – Urea
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Karratha, Western Australia
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Project: Project Ceres – Perdaman Urea Plant
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Full-time, Permanent
The Field Operator is responsible for executing shift activities as per standard operating procedures, supporting control room operations, and maintaining a high level of safety and environmental compliance. This role is critical to stable plant performance and early detection of potential issues.
Job responsibilities:
Field Operation and Monitoring :
• Operate and monitor key field equipment in the urea production process, including urea synthesis section, compressors, heat exchangers, and other field-based systems.
• Ensure the safe and efficient operation of urea production equipment, monitoring operational parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, and chemical composition in real- time.
• Adjust equipment and systems as necessary to maintain optimal urea production and ensure compliance with operational targets.
• Start-up, shut down, and isolate equipment as per SOPs and work instructions.
Routine Checks Reporting:
• Record field readings of temperature, pressure, flow, and level indicators.
• Report equipment vibration, noise, leaks, and temperature deviations immediately.
• Maintain accurate shift logbooks and inspection checklists.
Equipment Inspections and Maintenance :
• Perform routine inspections of urea production equipment to identify signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.
• Work with maintenance teams to carry out preventive and corrective maintenance, ensuring equipment is functioning as expected and minimizing unplanned downtime.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with field equipment, such as pumps, compressors, and pressure relief systems, to ensure continuous urea production.
• Assist in equipment preparation for maintenance (draining, venting, isolation).
• Support maintenance teams during shutdowns, startups, and overhauls.
• Tagging and de-tagging of equipment as per lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
Process Monitoring and Adjustments :
• Monitor the urea process and related systems in real-time, ensuring safe and efficient operation in accordance with process parameters.
• Make adjustments to process conditions based on field observations to maintain the desired production rates and product quality.
• Identify and address process upsets, deviations, and equipment failures, working with control room operators and maintenance personnel to resolve issues swiftly.
Safety and Compliance :
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and procedures in handling ammonia and other chemicals, including proper use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and emergency protocols.
• Participate in safety audits, drills, and investigations, actively contributing to the plant's safety culture.
• Follow plant-specific environmental guidelines to ensure emissions, waste, and water treatment processes meet regulatory standards.
• Respond promptly to field alarms or emergencies and support safe plant isolation
• Be responsible as isolation officer for the PTW process.
Quality Control and Reporting :
• Monitor urea production quality on the field, ensuring that the urea produced meets the required specifications for purity, concentration, and other quality parameters.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities, including equipment performance, maintenance actions, and any issues encountered during the shift.
• Report operational data, including production rates and equipment status, to supervisors and the control room for further analysis and decision-making.
Collaboration and Communication :
• Communicate effectively with control room operators, supervisors, and maintenance personnel to coordinate field activities and ensure smooth plant operations.
• Provide feedback and updates to the control room and management regarding field conditions, equipment status, and any potential issues.
• Participate in shift handovers, ensuring seamless communication between team members regarding operational status and ongoing tasks.
Training and Development :
• Participate in regular training programs to stay up to date with new technologies, operational best practices, and safety procedures.
• Assist in training new field operators, sharing knowledge and experience to help them effectively manage the urea production process.
Requirements:
Education : Technical certifications or a Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field is an advantage.
Experience : 8 – 12 years of hands-on experience as a field operator or process operator in a urea production facility, or similar chemical production environment.
Skills:
• Strong knowledge of chemical production systems, including reactors, compressors, and heat exchangers.
• Hands-on experience with urea synthesis, purification, and recovery processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process issues in the field, and take corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and environmental regulations associated with chemical production.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to act swiftly in emergency situations.
• Rotational shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong knowledge of plant layout, process flow, and safety systems
• Ability to interpret PCIDs and follow SOPs with precision
• Physically fit and alert, capable of working in rotating shifts
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Exposure to urea ,ammonia and other hazardous chemicals, with proper safety training and equipment provided.
How to Apply:
For more details, connect with us at recruitment@perdaman.com or preeti.verma@perdaman.com
About Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers:
Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers , based in Western Australia, is developing Project Ceres —Australia’s largest and one of the world’s biggest urea plants, with a USD $4.5 billion investment and a capacity of 2.3 million metric tons per year. Located in Karratha , the plant will use feedstock from Woodside under a 20-year supply agreement and has a 20-year offtake agreement with Incitec Pivot. Urea is a safe, non-toxic fertiliser vital for boosting global agricultural productivity. The project will support the fertiliser supply chain, add value to Australian resources, and create around 2,000 jobs , including 200 permanent roles , boosting the local economy.