Plant Control Operator at Applied Engineering Technology Initiative

Job Description

• The ideal candidate would be a proactive, detail-oriented individual with a strong grasp of both the theoretical and practical aspects of plant operations.
• In summary, an ideal candidate for a Plant Control Operator is not just a technical expert but a reliable, proactive, and safety-conscious professional who can effectively manage the complexities of a modern cocoa processing plant.

Purpose of the Role

• To ensure the efficiency, safety, and quality of the production process.

Key Skills and Responsibilities
An effective Plant Control Operator needs a diverse skill set to manage the day-to-day demands of the job.
Technical Proficiency:

• The candidate should be adept at using automation and control systems to monitor and adjust critical process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and pH.
• They must be able to interpret real-time data from sensors and instruments to ensure the process stays within specified limits.

Problem-Solving:

• The ability to quickly and accurately diagnose problems is vital.
• When a system alarm goes off or a process variable deviates, the operator must be able to identify the root cause of the issue and take corrective action to prevent production downtime or product quality issues.
• This requires strong analytical skills and a calm demeanor under pressure.

Safety and Compliance:

• A deep commitment to safety is paramount.
• The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), good manufacturing practices (GMPs), and other relevant safety and quality standards.
• They should be proactive in identifying potential hazards and implementing safety protocols.

Communication:

• The operator serves as a crucial link between different departments.
• They must be able to communicate effectively with maintenance teams about equipment issues, with production supervisors about process status, and with quality control about product specifications.
• Clear and concise documentation of logs and reports is also a key responsibility.

Personal Attributes:

• The role demands certain personality traits that enable an individual to excel.

Attention to Detail:

• Given the precise nature of cocoa processing, a meticulous approach is crucial.
• The operator must pay close attention to minor fluctuations in data and subtle changes in equipment performance that could indicate a larger problem.

Proactiveness:

• An ideal candidate doesn’t just react to problems; they anticipate them.
• They should be constantly monitoring the system, looking for trends that might lead to an issue, and taking preventative measures.

Adaptability:

• A modern plant environment is dynamic. New technologies, process changes, and unexpected challenges are common.
• An effective operator must be adaptable and willing to learn new systems and procedures.

Resilience:

• The ability to work long hours, often in shifts, and handle stressful situations is essential.
• The ideal candidate must be resilient and maintain focus and effectiveness even during high-pressure situations.

Core Qualifications

• The Ideal Candidate will have 5 - 7 years of experience.
• The ideal candidate must have a solid educational background, typically a diploma or degree in a relevant field such as Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Technology.
• This foundational knowledge provides them with the necessary understanding of the complex processes involved in cocoa processing, from bean cleaning and roasting to grinding and pressing.
• They should also possess a robust understanding of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Beyond formal education, proven experience in a similar role, preferably within a food processing or a related industry, is essential.
• Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is non-negotiable.
• The candidate should be able to demonstrate a track record of monitoring and controlling plant parameters, adjusting process variables, and troubleshooting operational issues to maintain optimal performance.