Certified Panel Board Operator

ECOVYST CATALYST TECHNOLOGIES LLC•Orange, TX

About The Position

The Board Operator (Level 4) is responsible for controlling and optimizing plant operations from the control system to ensure safe, environmentally compliant, and efficient production. This role serves as the primary control point for process operations and provides operational leadership during the shift. The Board Operator monitors plant systems, manages alarms and process conditions, coordinates with field operators and maintenance personnel, and directs plant responses during startups, shutdowns, and abnormal operating conditions. This position requires strong process knowledge, troubleshooting ability, and sound decision-making in a continuous chemical manufacturing environment. This role represents the highest level of operator responsibility, requiring advanced operational expertise and the ability to guide plant operations while maintaining safe, stable, and efficient process performance.

Requirements

Process Operator certification or technical training
Prior experience in Board Operator or Control Room operations
Experience working with hazardous chemicals in a regulated process environment
3+ years of experience in a chemical plant, refinery, or industrial manufacturing environment required, with proven tenure
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to monitor and control plant processes from a control system while coordinating field operations for safety & stability
Demonstrated experience interpreting process trends and responding to alarms or process deviations in a control system environment
Working knowledge of industrial process controls including pressure, temperature, flow, and material balances
Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) or PLC control systems preferred
Ability to read and understand operating procedures, PFDs, and P&IDs
Ability to lead operational activities during shifts and coordinate with field personnel
Ability to maintain accurate operational logs and documentation
Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime
Ability to pass a drug screen, physical, and background check
High School Diploma or GED required

Nice To Haves

Forklift certification or TWIC card is a plus

Responsibilities

Monitor and control unit operations through the Distributed Control System (DCS) to maintain process stability, safety limits, and product quality
Lead operational response during process upsets, alarms, and abnormal operating conditions
Direct field operators during plant startups, shutdowns, and operational adjustments
Monitor critical process parameters including temperatures, pressures, flows, and system balances
Control and monitor catalyst reactors, H₂S scrubbers, gas separation systems, and thermal oxidizer operations
Manage hydrogen and nitrogen systems and maintain proper process balances
Perform hourly monitoring and operational checks including gas separator pH monitoring and condensate handling
Maintain operational records including shift logs, checklists, and production documentation
Ensure smooth shift handovers and communicate plant status with incoming operators
Support maintenance activities by coordinating plant conditions for safe equipment work
Troubleshoot process upsets and identify root causes
Ensure compliance with production schedules, product specifications, and environmental limits