Refinery Operator

Job Description

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position
The Edible Oil Refinery Operator ensures the safe and efficient operation of refining processes to consistently produce high-quality edible oils. The role involves monitoring operations, conducting inspections, and troubleshooting equipment to maintain optimal performance, while adhering to safety, environmental, and food safety standards (HACCP/GMP). Responsibilities also include data recording and analysis, sampling and basic testing, and supporting audits and regulatory requirements.

Primary Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Operate and monitor processing equipment to meet SOPs, company standards, and efficiency targets.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Respond to equipment issues and alarms, investigate root causes, and implement solutions.
• Follow safety protocols, perform and support lockout/tagout procedures.
• Comply with HACCP and GMP standards; perform quality checks, record data, and operate control systems.
• Conduct inspection rounds, log readings, and report operational or safety concerns.
• Collect, record, and analyze process data to improve performance and product quality.
• Take product and process samples and perform basic laboratory tests.
• Document process deviations and corrective actions.
• Assist with audits and regulatory inspections.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain housekeeping standards across the refinery, including hazard removal and general upkeep.
• Complete tasks assigned by supervisors, including minor maintenance activities.
• Actively participate in team activities, continuous improvement initiatives, and adherence to SOPs.
• Engage in required job-related training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Company Conformance Statements

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public.
• Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.
• Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Required qualification: High school diploma/GED.

Preferred qualification: Technical degree

Experience

Basic qualifications:

• 4 years of experience in an industrial environment

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Basic qualifications:

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and procedures.
• Ability to operate machinery and computer systems while maintaining compliance with regulatory safety requirements, e.g., OSHA (including PSM), EPA, USDA, ISO 9000 and B-Q-9000.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights; manage confined space entry, withstand extended periods of walking and standing; move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more which requires bending and lifting. 
• Mechanical aptitude, effective communication skills, basic math, light maintenance and fundamental PC skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• General knowledge of oilseed processing operations
• Experience in the operation of skid loaders, front-end loaders and/or forklift.

Equipment Used

• Production machinery and operating equipment with dials, gauges and controls.
• Use of computer for entering data into electronic data system and control operating equipment.
• Use of occupational health and safety testing equipment (e.g., air monitors) in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Working Conditions:

Safety-sensitive role in continuously operating 24/7 facility. The position involves routine exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions, as well as gases, vapors, dust, odors, and flammable liquids. There is occasional exposure to wet surfaces and high noise environments. The role requires heavy lifting of materials and finished products. Regular stair climbing, along with prolonged periods of walking and standing, is necessary to access and occasionally work in remote areas, at heights, and in confined spaces. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Extended work hours may be required at times to meet critical deadlines or respond to emergency situations.

Quality & Product Safety Responsibilities

• Maintains a strong understanding of applicable Quality and Product Safety policies, procedures, and requirements, ensuring full compliance within the assigned area
• Maintains the assigned area in an organized manner that supports product safety standards
• Promptly addresses and corrects any unsafe product or working conditions as soon as reasonably possible

Employee Supervision

• No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Decision Making/Accountability

• Performs routine tasks independently, seeking guidance from the supervisor when issues arise
• Complies with all applicable company and regulatory policies, standards, and requirements to maintain full compliance

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other protected status.

Additional Information

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company 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.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us