What is the role of a chemical operator?
Chemical operators are instrumental in ensuring the efficient and safe production of petroleum products and chemicals used in various oil and gas processes. As experts in operating chemical processing equipment, their primary responsibility is to handle the manufacturing and treatment processes while adhering to strict safety and quality protocols.
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Pipeline Operator
Location: Carlsbad
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 0 years
Brunel is recruiting Pipeline Operators to work in Carlsbad, NM for initially 1 year contract with our major ooil and gas client. The Pipeline Operator is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of liquid and gas pipeline systems and associated facilities. This role requires a fully qualified operator with strong pipeline operations experience, a deep understanding of operational hazards, and hands-on involvement in field activities. The ideal candidate has experience with commissioning and decommissioning work, can read maps to navigate and locate buried pipelines, and is capable of leading less experienced crews while also performing hands-on tasks when needed. Responsibilities and tasks: Candidates must understand the hazards of pipeline operations, particularly in high-pressure gas and liquid systems. Experience around commissioning and decommissioning activities is critical. The operator must be comfortable working in the field, navigating by maps and alignment sheets, and guiding crews through safe and effective task execution. Familiarity with operational programs and systems is expected, though no specific certifications are required. Operate, monitor, and maintain liquid and gas pipelines, stations, and related equipment to ensure safe and reliable transportation. Perform start-up, shutdown, commissioning, decommissioning, isolation, purging, and line fill, pack, and unpack activities. Execute pigging operations including utility, batching, cleaning, and in-line inspection runs, with responsibility for pre- and post-run checks, pressure control, and documentation. Monitor flows, pressures, volumes, and quality using SCADA systems and field instrumentation, identify abnormal operating conditions, and optimize system performance. Comply with DOT PHMSA pipeline regulations for gas and liquids, including 49 CFR 192 and 195. Complete accurate and timely DOT-required documentation related to inspections, maintenance, patrols, audits, and incidents or near-misses. Perform only tasks for which current Operator Qualifications are held and maintain active qualifications. Support internal and external audits and inspections by maintaining organized and complete documentation. Follow all company safety policies, Life-Saving Rules, and safe work practices. Participate in job safety analyses, pre-task briefings, drills, and safety meetings. Conduct leak surveys, right-of-way patrols, facility inspections, and equipment checks. Support integrity management activities and identify hazards in the field. Use Stop Work Authority when necessary and escalate safety or operational issues according to established protocols. Read and interpret alignment sheets, P&IDs, one-lines, stationing, contours, and facility drawings to accurately locate, trace, and follow buried pipelines. Identify pipeline routing, depth indications, fittings, valves, right-of-way boundaries, and crossings using maps and alignment sheets. Report mapping discrepancies and support updates to GIS and as-built records in coordination with foremen and GIS teams. Use SCADA interfaces, field instrumentation, and analyzers to monitor performance, analyze trends, understand set points, respond to alarms, and perform basic troubleshooting. Prepare clear reports, spreadsheets, and presentations using Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Communicate effectively with contractors, inspectors, engineers, and control room personnel. Field tools may include line locators, GPS units, pressure and temperature gauges, gas detectors, and calibration equipment. Knowledge of corrosion control basics, measurement or LACT operations, and station equipment such as pumps or compressors is preferred. The operator must understand hazards associated with high-pressure gas and liquid hydrocarbon systems, including stored energy, rapid pressure release, jetting, ignition potential, chemical exposure, and environmental risks.
Production Operator
Location: Morrisburg
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Operate and monitor food processing equipment such as extraction systems, evaporators, spray dryers, and packaging machinery. Set up, adjust, and troubleshoot machinery and equipment to support efficient production runs. Perform general maintenance and repairs, resolving mechanical issues to minimize downtime. Monitor and control processing conditions (temperatures, pressures, flow rates, etc.) to ensure consistency and product quality. Conduct regular quality checks on raw materials, in-process product, and finished goods to meet specifications. Maintain accurate records of production, maintenance, machine settings, and inventory. Follow strict hygiene, workplace safety, food safety, and environmental protocols. Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality assurance teams to troubleshoot and improve processes. Support waste management processes and ensure compliance with environmental and food safety standards. Stay updated on industry best practices, regulations, and equipment requirements.
Metallurgist
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 1 years
Are you ready to join a forward-thinking mining start-up that's redefining how copper is produced through cutting-edge, in-situ recovery (ISR) and SX/EW technology. As a Metallurgist, you'll play a hands-on role in copper recovery, process optimization, and metallurgical testing-from wellfield to cathode. This is the perfect opportunity for someone early in their metallurgy career who wants to grow with a team that values innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. What You'll Do:* Conduct metallurgical test work and solution characterization to optimize copper recovery and process efficiency.* Support lab-scale leaching and SX/EW trials to improve performance and cathode quality.* Monitor plant operations, troubleshoot process challenges, and track key performance metrics.* Collaborate closely with operators, engineers, and technicians to ensure safe, consistent production.* Prepare data summaries and technical reports for ongoing process improvements.
Manager - Water Management Solutions
Location: Phoenix
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Research & Development
Experience: 5 years
In this role you will work to provide strategic planning, definition, implementation in supporting operations with projects that will achieve short, medium and long-term goals in Water Management Solutions. These projects will focus on reducing dependency on fresh water by enhancing water reuse and recycling and reducing environmental impacts. You will collaborate with subject matter experts across multiple platforms to select, scope and seek financial approval on opportunities for treatment improvements.Duties include:* Lead strategic planning and hands-on execution of water management projects to meet short-, mid-, and long-term goals, leveraging data from subject matter experts and site operators to identify and prioritize water reuse, treatment, and conservation opportunities.* Scope and oversee projects-or collaborate with project managers-to design, plan, and construct new water systems or optimize existing ones, ensuring strong operational involvement, effective change management, and reliable performance.* Support the implementation of new solutions and troubleshoot existing systems, driving performance improvements, standardization, and documentation of best practices.* Mentor and guide multidisciplinary engineering teams, acting as the internal expert for water solutions and engaging with external specialists and vendors to drive innovation and best-in-class practices.* Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to align practical, fit-for-purpose solutions; deliver project updates to sponsors and external partners.* Build strong business cases, incorporating lifecycle and operational cost analysis; lead funding approval processes and secure stakeholder buy-in.* Stay ahead of emerging technologies and innovations to improve water efficiency, recovery, and safety performance.* Contribute to strategic plans and manage budgets related to engineering services, consulting, and vendor contracts.* Support additional responsibilities as assigned.Why Join?* Purpose with impact - cut fresh water draw, capture value from "waste" streams, and set new ESG benchmarks for one of the largest copper portfolios on the planet.* Resources & runway - lead large-scale innovation budget with executive backing.* Career scale - global projects, complex problems, visible results.Ready to engineer water solutions that matter? Let's talk.
Trainer
Location: Jansen
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 4 years
Provide oversight and validation of contractor project controls, including review and challenge of engineering and construction contractor schedules, cost reports, progress measurement, forecasts, and trends Deliver operator training and competency assessments of mobile equipment in accordance with BHP standards Conduct classroom, field-based, and practical training sessions Evaluate operator's competency and provide coaching, feedback, and signoffs Support the execution of site training plans and schedules Adjust training delivery in response to operational changes, equipment availability, and site priorities Maintain accurate training records, assessments, and documentation Promote a strong safety-first culture and comply with all site safety procedures Collaborate with Technical Training Leads and Operations stakeholders to ensure training effectiveness The trainer must have hands-on experience delivering training and assessments on the following equipment: Skid Steer, Forklift, Telehandler, Elevated Work Platforms (EWP) and Scissor Lift
Plant Quality Manager
Location: Vidalia
Branche: Mining
Expertise: HR & Recruiting
Experience: 4 years
Laboratory Leadership and Governance * Lead and manage an independent laboratory responsible for analytical testing and product certification * Ensure laboratory decisions remain independent from production operations to maintain data integrity * Develop and enforce laboratory procedures, testing standards, and quality control practices * Oversee calibration, validation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment Analytical and Testing Excellence * Lead analytical programs related to graphite anode materials * Ensure accurate and consistent test results that meet product specifications and customer requirements * Implement best practice analytical methods and testing procedures * Continuously improve laboratory processes and capabilities Quality Assurance and Product Verification * Strengthen QA/QC systems across the entire production lifecycle * Ensure products meet internal specifications and customer requirements * Lead investigations into quality issues, deviations, or non-conformances * Maintain proper documentation, traceability, and audit readiness Safety, Environmental and Regulatory Compliance * Promote a strong safety culture with a focus on zero incidents * Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements * Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions * Maintain compliance with environmental permits and reporting requirements Team Leadership and Development * Build and lead a high-performing laboratory and quality team * Develop technical capabilities within the laboratory team * Promote a culture of scientific rigor, data accuracy, and continuous improvement * Work collaboratively with operations, engineering, and other departments while maintaining independence in quality decisions Financial Responsibilities * Manage the laboratory operating budget * Monitor and control laboratory operating costs Key Competencies * Strong analytical and scientific expertise * High integrity and independence in decision making * Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy * Strong problem solving and analytical thinking * Effective communication with both technical and operational teams * Ability to work effectively in a fast growing industrial environment * Strong teamwork and collaboration skills * Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Tetra Pak Mechanic
Location: Toronto
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 0 years
Responsibilities * Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on production equipment. * Service and repair machinery such as conveyors, palletizers, wrappers, depalletizes, and labelers. * Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic issues with minimal supervision. * Support operators during equipment malfunctions and collaborate to implement solutions. * Maintain and repair PLC systems and associated hardware. * Participate in team training and knowledge sharing to enhance technical capabilities. * Ensure compliance with safety standards, GMP, and company policies. * Complete other duties as assigned by the Maintenance Supervisor.
Senior Operations & Maintenance Manager
Location: Vidalia
Branche: Mining
Expertise: HR & Recruiting
Experience: 5 years
Operations Leadership Manage daily plant operations across milling, purification, drying, coating, and carbonization processes Ensure production targets, quality standards, and cost goals are met Maintain optimal performance and readiness of plant equipment Execute production schedules and improve plant throughput Maintenance & Reliability Implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs Improve equipment reliability, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness Plan and manage plant shutdowns and maintenance activities Manage spare parts inventory and long-term asset lifecycle strategies Safety & Compliance Promote a strong safety culture and zero-harm workplace Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all regulatory requirements Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions Maintain environmental permits and reporting compliance Technical & Process Improvement Provide technical leadership in graphite anode or similar advanced material processes Improve plant efficiency, yield, and operating costs Support process scale-up, technology improvements, and new process integration Collaborate with engineering teams on capital projects and plant upgrades Leadership & Team Development Lead and develop a team of approximately 60 employees Strengthen frontline leadership through supervisors and superintendents Support workforce development and succession planning Promote accountability and continuous improvement Financial Responsibility Manage operations and maintenance budgets Monitor plant operating costs Support long-term asset planning and capital investment decisions
Project Engineer III
Location: Baytown
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 0 years
Brunel is recruiting Project Engineers (Electrical & Instrumentation) to work with our client in Baytown, TX for initially 1 year contract. We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer with strong Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) expertise to support capital projects at in Baytown, TX. This role will focus heavily on PLC upgrades and DCS system modernization. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on E&I technical depth with strong project management experience, having successfully executed projects from conception through execution and closeout - specifically within E&I or PLC-DCS scopes. Responsibilities: Lead or support capital project execution from early concept through project closeout. Accountable for Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC), Cost, and Schedule performance. Define project deliverables, milestones, and execution strategies. Manage contractors, particularly within E&I scopes. Drive construction progress and oversee field execution. Support procurement activities (materials requisitioning, expediting E&I components). Administer contracts, review terms, and support negotiations. Manage project change requests and endorse change authorizations. Lead project closeout and turnover to site operations. Execute projects involving: PLC upgrades and migrations to DCS systems Electrical distribution and control systems Instrumentation design and integration Demonstrated experience with PLC-to-DCS migrations is highly preferred. Support industrial automation integration and system modernization. Consider cybersecurity and control systems integration best practices. Experience in both: Greenfield projects Brownfield upgrades Ensure adherence to Project Safety Plan and site SSH&E standards. Support SSHE planning and execution strategies. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards. Participate in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR) and constructability reviews. Participate in ITT development, bid evaluations, and contractor selection. Develop execution planning (engineering, procurement, contracting). Interface between Project Team and contractors. Coordinate across project, manufacturing, and functional teams. Support remote execution strategies when appropriate, with strategic site visits as required.
CMC Regulatory Consultant
Location: Hamilton
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 4 years
Responsibilities Serve as the CMC regulatory point of contact for global Health Authority Questions (e.g. FDA, EMA, MHRA, PDMA, other regions as applicable). Train on the company's ERV/Veeva Vault system and manage HAQ responses within the ERV system Coordinate HAQ response development across internal technical teams. Track HAQs, response timelines, commitments, and dependencies to ensure on-time, high-quality submissions. Interpret and apply global/regional CMC regulatory guidelines and regulations. Review SME-drafted HAQ responses for regulatory appropriateness, clarity, consistency and alignment with regional CMC expectations. Extract and summarize scientific information from development reports and identify details required for regulatory submissions. Organize data to support the group's function with answering questions, information request from regulatory agencies such as the FDA, Health Canada or EMEA (including relevant country specific authorities). Advise SMEs on how to frame technical data and rationales to meet Health Authority expectations.
What do chemical operators do?
Chemical operators are responsible for various tasks related to chemical processing and production. They carefully monitor and control chemical reactions, maintaining precise temperature, pressure, and other parameters to achieve desired outcomes and meet quality specifications. Safety is of utmost importance for chemical operators.
Before commencing their tasks, they conduct thorough inspections of the equipment to ensure proper functioning and promptly report any abnormalities or issues to the maintenance team. During chemical processing operations, they strictly adhere to safety protocols and guidelines, ensuring the safe handling of potentially hazardous materials and maintaining a secure worksite environment.
Chemical operators also collaborate closely with other team members, such as engineers and technicians, to achieve production targets and address any process-related challenges effectively. Effective communication is essential as they exchange information with colleagues regarding process adjustments, quality control, and maintenance requirements.
Beyond their core responsibilities in chemical processing, operators are also involved in basic equipment maintenance tasks. They regularly clean and lubricate the machinery to ensure optimal performance and extend its longevity.
Where do chemical operators work?
Chemical operators have diverse employment opportunities since they play a crucial role in the production and treatment of petroleum products and chemicals used in various oil and gas processes.
Common workplaces for chemical operators in the oil and gas industry include oil refineries, petrochemical plants, natural gas processing plants, offshore platforms, chemical injection facilities, pipelines and terminals, research and development laboratories, other specialized service providers. They may also work for government agencies involved in regulating the industry's safety and environmental standards.
Common chemical operator responsibilities:
Operate specialized chemical processing equipment skillfully to facilitate the production and treatment of petroleum products and chemicals;
Conduct thorough pre-operation inspections to ensure the equipment's proper functioning and promptly report any issues or abnormalities;
Adhere strictly to safety protocols and guidelines during equipment operation and chemical processes to mitigate potential hazards and maintain a safe work environment;
Collaborate effectively with team members, including engineers and technicians, to ensure smooth workflow and achieve production targets;
Perform basic maintenance tasks on the equipment, including regular cleaning, troubleshooting, and minor repairs;
Demonstrate precision and efficiency while handling chemical processes to optimize productivity and maintain product quality standards;
Monitor chemical reactions and processes, making real-time adjustments to maintain optimal operating conditions and meet quality specifications;
Record and document data related to production processes, ensuring accurate and comprehensive records are maintained for regulatory and quality control purposes;
Participate in the implementation of new chemical processes or improvements to existing processes, working closely with the technical team;
Comply with all relevant safety, environmental, and industry-specific regulations to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.
Qualifications for chemical operators:
To become a chemical operator in the oil and gas industry, candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent. An advanced degree, such as an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree, offers more job opportunities.
Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience in chemical manufacturing or operating chemical processes.
However, some companies offer on-the-job training for candidates with a strong technical aptitude and a keen interest in the oil and gas industry.
Other essential qualifications include:
- Basic understanding of chemical processes and equipment specific to the oil and gas sector;
- Strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines, with a focus on handling potentially hazardous materials;
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to monitor and troubleshoot chemical processes effectively;
- Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members, engineers, and technicians;
- Physical fitness and stamina to meet the demands of the job, including the ability to work in challenging environments and weather conditions;
- Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining quality and precision throughout the production and treatment processes.
