Safety Observer

Loadstar provides product handling and site logistics services to refineries, chemical plants, barge lines and terminals. We load and unload all classes of cargos into railcars, trucks, barges, and ships; we operate docks, tank farms, terminals, and warehouses; and we manage site logistics for marine, rail, truck, and pipeline. We aim to be the provider of these services in the industry, providing outstanding customer service and superior employee experience.

The Safety Observer, Bottle Watch, is a specific safety role required when a tankerman is working in an area with potential Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmospheres, such as during a liquid cargo transfer of hazardous materials. This role is a specialized safety role serving as the dedicated emergency standby person for a Tankerman or other worker performing hazardous operations. This position must maintain continuous communication and oversight of operations and environment, monitors for hazards such as vapor releases or pollution, and be prepared to initiate emergency response procedures, to protect personnel, assets, and the environment. Especially when the primary worker is using supplied air respirators in a potentially hazardous atmosphere.

Job Requirements & Qualifications
• Must be 18 years or older and legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English clearly
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Must have reliable phone access and automotive
• Air Bottle Watch, Basic First Aid/CPR, Confined Space Attendant/Hole Watch, Rescue Awareness, and Respiratory Protection training
• Prior experience in bottle watch, marine transfer, industrial safety, or emergency response preferred
• Familiarity with:
◦ Cargo transfer operations and hazardous atmospheres
◦ Gas detection and respiratory protection equipment
◦ Spill prevention and response procedures
• Understanding of cargo-specific hazards and applicable exposure limits, controls, and permits
• Strong situational awareness, clear communication, calm under pressure, ability to follow established safety procedures precisely, demonstrates reliability, professionalism, and sound judgement.
• Ability to work shifts, nights, weekends, and inclement weather as needed.
• Ability to pass a drug screen, physical, and background check

Essential Job Functions
• Primary Safety Oversight
◦ Maintain constant visual and verbal contact with the Tankerman during cargo transfer.
◦ Monitor for vapor releases, leaks, or any signs of pollution on the waterway.
◦ Serve as the designated emergency standby person when workers are operating in potentially hazardous or IDLH environments.
◦ Maintain continuous situational awareness and remain emergency-ready at all times.
• Emergency Response & Communication
◦ Know and execute site-specific emergency response procedures.
◦ Maintain clear and continuous communication with the Tankerman and follow the prearranged emergency communication plan.
◦ Understand first response actions, muster points, rescue considerations, and how to coordinate with onsite and external emergency responders.
• Respiratory Protection & Equipment Monitoring
◦ Verify proper function of the breathing air supply system.
◦ Ensure air lines and umbilicals remain unobstructed, untangled, and protected from damage and contamination.
◦ Be familiar with the supplied air respirators and escape bottles in use.
◦ Recognize gas detection instrument alarms and perform basic equipment function checks.
• Operational Discipline
◦ Distinguish Bottle Watch duties from cargo transfer operations; do not perform tasks that distract from monitoring responsibilities.
◦ Document observations, equipment checks, and any incidents in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Physical & Environmental Requirements
◦ Ability to stand for extended periods, climb ladders, and work in outdoor marine environments.
◦ Wear required PPE and safely lift up to 50 lbs.
◦ Maintain the integrity of petroleum and chemical cargo operations.
◦ Demonstrate diligence that minimizes risk and contributes to safe and successful marine transfers

Benefits
• Paid overtime for all hours in excess of 40 hours per week
• Medical insurance options with the company paying a large portion of the premiums, including affordable dental and vision plans for employees and their families.
• Company-paid life, short-term,