Lead Thermal Operator-1

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Lead Thermal Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of a thermal desorption unit. This role leads shift activities, monitors critical process conditions, coordinates startup, steady-state operations, shutdowns, and upset response. Support environmental, health, and safety compliance across the facility. The position serves as the on-shift technical resource for operators, ensuring production targets, quality standards, equipment reliability, and regulatory requirements are consistently met.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead daily operation of the thermal desorption unit, associated material handling systems, burners, heaters, condensers, emissions control equipment, and support utilities in accordance with operating procedures and permit requirements.

• Direct and support shift operators during startup, shutdown, changeovers, normal operations, and emergency or upset conditions.

• Monitor and adjust key process parameters such as temperature, feed rate, residence time, pressure, flow, and moisture conditions to optimize throughput, product quality, and system performance.

• Review process trends, alarms, and operating data; identify abnormalities; troubleshoot equipment and process issues; and implement corrective actions in coordination with maintenance, laboratory, and supervisory personnel.

• Accurately complete operating logs, shift reports, inspection rounds, production records, sampling documentation, and incident or deviation reports.

• Perform and verify pre-startup checks, lockout/tagout compliance, equipment isolation, line-up verification, and safe work permit requirements before maintenance or non-routine work begins.

• Promote a strong safety culture by enforcing use of personal protective equipment, safe work practices, hazard recognition, housekeeping standards, and stop-work authority.

• Support compliance with applicable environmental and hazardous waste requirements, including waste handling, labeling, storage, inspection, spill prevention, and contingency response procedures.

• Coordinate with supervisors and maintenance teams on planned maintenance, equipment readiness, outage preparation, and return-to-service activities.

• Train, coach, and mentor operators on standard operating procedures, troubleshooting methods, emergency response expectations, and proper operation of site equipment such as loaders, forklifts, pumps, conveyors, and control systems.

• Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, audits, incident investigations, job hazard analyses, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Maintain readiness to respond to alarms, spills, fires, equipment failures, and other plant emergencies in accordance with site response plans.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned in support of safe and efficient facility operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance.

• Knowledge of industrial hazards including hot surfaces, pressurized systems, rotating equipment, chemical exposure, fire and explosion risks, heat stress, and confined spaces.

• Ability to make sound operating decisions under pressure and respond effectively to alarms, changing process conditions, and emergency situations.

• Effective leadership, communication, and training skills with the ability to direct work and reinforce operating discipline across a shift team.

• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capability for diagnosing process and equipment performance issues.

• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple activities, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced operating environment.

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while maintaining strong coordination with operations, maintenance, laboratory, and management personnel.

• Previous lead operator, senior operator, or shift leadership experience (preferred).

• Working knowledge of pumps, motors, conveyors, burners, heat transfer systems, valves, instrumentation, and control systems.

• Experience reading gauges, trends, operating instructions, P&IDs, and basic process flow information.

• Ability to use computers and handheld devices for logs, inspections, training records, and production reporting.

• Forklift, loader, manlift, or similar mobile equipment experience preferred, where applicable.

• Must be able to complete site-specific training for hazardous waste operations, emergency response, and safe equipment operation.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally within the