Process A Operator

Process B Operator Location:

Santa Maria, CA Reports To:

General Manager Position Overview The A Operator plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operations for Santa Maria Road Materials. This position leads Unit Operations during each shift in all facets of safely operating the plant and shipping products. The A Operator is responsible for operating a wide variety of static and rotating equipment, ensuring all work complies with strict industry safety and environmental regulations. Key Responsibilities Safety & Compliance Champion a zero-incident safety culture by strictly adhering to Process Safety Management (PSM), OSHA regulations, and site-specific safety protocols. Participate in Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), daily safety meetings, and permit-to-work processes (e.g., Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, Hot Work). Work with the Operations & Maintenance team in maintaining a clean and hazard-free work environment.

Plant Operations Process Control:

Monitor and control refinery operations from the Control Room or in the field to optimize production.

Safety Leadership:

Adhere strictly to safety standards (PPE), handle emergency responses, and approve field line-ups/isolation permits.

Operations Oversight:

Regulate valves, pumps, compressors, and heaters, and adjust process variables (temperature, pressure, flow) based on lab data and unit performance.

Troubleshooting & Maintenance:

Identify and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, perform routine maintenance, and coordinate with maintenance teams for repairs.

Data & Quality Management:

Maintain shift logs, analyze product samples, and ensure product quality meets specifications.

Training & Coordination:

Supervise junior staff, train new employees, and manage handovers between shifts. Safely operate and maintain stationary engines and mechanical equipment such as steam, driven pumps, air compressors, electric motor operated pumps, water softener and steam boilers to provide beat for tanks and heater treaters. Review the current status of the plant operations with the operator being relieved. Safely check the current status of the unit rundown tank; boiler levels and pressures, asphalt tank farm, pumps, heaters, and valves. Check levels in chemical feed pots and fill as needed. Safely test water softness and boilers for hardness and conductivity. Assist the B Operator and / or Shipping Operator as time allows.

Qualifications & Requirements Education:

High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

3-5 years previous experience in an oil refinery or petrochemical industry.

Soft Skills:

Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Proven ability to remain calm and focused during high-pressure emergency situations. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Ability to work in heavy industrial environments with exposure to extreme temperatures, noise, heights, and confined spaces. Must be able to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs. Must be physically able to climb ladders, scaffolding, and stairs frequently. Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including full-face respirators, fall protection, and fire-retardant clothing (FRC). Availability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts as required by plant conditions and turnaround schedules.

Why Join Us:

Santa Maria Road Materials ("SMRM") is restarting an asphalt production business with close to 100 years of history operating on the Central Coast of California. SMRM is committed to becoming the premier provider of asphalt binder, asphalt emulsion and associated materials / products for the whole state of California. Joining SMRM now as a Process A Operator provides an excellent opportunity for a technically gifted and dedicated professional to build an exciting career with an entrepreneurial and fast growing organization as part of a team dedicated to your success.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$29.00 - $34.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person