Plant Operator
Job Description
Are you a hands-on, safety‑driven operator who thrives in fast-paced industrial environments?
As an Operator B, you’ll ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of our Dumas, Texas facility - one of the critical links in delivering high-quality products to our customers.
You’ll support daily production activities, troubleshoot process issues, perform inspections and maintenance tasks, and contribute to site safety initiatives. This role is ideal for individuals with strong mechanical aptitude, high attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a close-knit operations team.
Why Join Us?
⚙️ Operate with Purpose – Take ownership of vital operations that keep our facility running safely and efficiently.
🛡️ Be a Safety Leader – Participate in safety programs, inspections and emergency response activities that protect people and equipment.
📚 Grow Your Technical Expertise – Strengthen your skills across process operations, equipment troubleshooting, mechanical systems and more.
🚀 Advance Your Career – Be part of a company that values continuous learning, internal development and long-term growth.
🌱 Make an Impact – Join a company focused on sustainability, innovation and responsible stewardship.
What You’ll Do
- Load and unload trucks and railcars following Tessenderlo Kerley procedures and OSHA, EPA, DOT, BOE and HM‑126 regulations.
- Monitor, record and analyze instrumentation data; collect and test product samples to ensure quality standards are met.
- Manage and properly handle hazardous waste in compliance with HAZWOPER, RCRA, OSHA and EPA requirements.
- Troubleshoot equipment and process irregularities and make necessary operational adjustments.
- Operate manual valves, pumps, compressors and other plant equipment.
- Maintain plant property and equipment through regular inspections, housekeeping and minor mechanical repairs.
- Participate in the plant safety program, hazard reporting, inspections and safety meetings.
- Support maintenance activities, including lockout/tag-out, confined space entries, PSSR tasks and turnaround operations.
- Assist in emergency response activities and follow the site Emergency Response Plan.
- Support startup activities, P&ID walkdowns, hydro-testing and equipment preparation.
- Recommend operational adjustments to protect equipment and maintain product quality.
- Prepare equipment safely for maintenance or contractor activities.
- Be available for callouts and extended shifts, including holidays, weekends and overtime.
Qualifications
What You’ll Bring
✔ HS diploma or GED required.
✔ Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand technical concepts.
✔ Working knowledge of pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, boilers, piping systems and industrial equipment.
✔ Basic chemistry, math and analytical skills.
✔ Ability to work safely at heights (up to 150 feet), in confined spaces and in varying weather conditions.
✔ Professional communication skills and the ability to work effectively with coworkers and customers.
✔ HAZWOPER Technician-level certification (or ability to obtain).
✔ Ability to drive forklifts, boom lifts, UTVs and similar equipment.
✔ Willingness to complete all required training and pass written and practical exams.
Physical Requirements
- Lift up to 50 pounds; occasionally exert up to 100 pounds using mechanical aids.
- Climb stairs, ladders and elevated structures.
- Work indoors/outdoors in extreme temperature and humidity conditions.
- Wear full PPE, including FR clothing, hard hat, respirator/SCBA (fit test required), hearing protection and gloves.
- Enter and work within confined spaces per safety protocol.
Additional Information
Why join Tessenderlo Kerley:
- Work/life balance
- Fun and rewarding environment
- Learning, development and teamwork
- Community involvement/outreach
- Challenging and meaningful work
Benefits & Rewards:
- Medical-Dental-Vision-Prescription (Low employee premiums!)
- 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar matching up to the first 5% of employee contribution
- 401(k) company retirement contribution at year-end, equal to 4% of annual base salary
- Short-term incentive awards based on measured performance criteria
- Life Insurance (2x annual base salary)
- Paid vacation and sick time, and 10 paid holidays per year
- Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 per calendar year (non-taxable)
- Adoption Assistance: Up to $7,500 in reimbursement assistance
- Paid maternity and parental time off
- Business Travel Life & Accident Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Telemedicine program for you and your dependents
- Long-Term Disability insurance
- Company referral program
Tessenderlo Kerley is part of Tessenderlo Group, an industrial group that focuses on agriculture, valorizing bio-residuals, machinery, mechanical engineering, electronics, energy, and providing industrial solutions with a focus on water. With its headquarters in Belgium, the group is active in over 100 countries, and it has a global team of more than 7,000 employees. Its belief that “Every Molecule Counts” is at the heart of the strategy of the group: Tessenderlo Group continually strives to valorize its products and processes to the maximum and to add value to everything it does. For more information about Tessenderlo Group, its people, and its brands, please visit www.tessenderlo.com.
Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.