Plant Operator

Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. is a company of diverse businesses unified by shared values and vision. We serve the agriculture, mining, industrial and water reclamation markets with a broad range of products and technologies, worldwide. Serving these customers well is a passion and a commitment—one that the people of Tessenderlo Kerley find rewarding, empowering and meaningful.

If you want the work you do to make a positive impact on the world in which we live, and work alongside innovative, quality-focused people of vision, Tessenderlo Kerley is the right place for you.

Schedule:

12-hour shifts | 7 days on / 7 days off (rotating days & nights as qualified)

Are you a hands‑on operator who thrives in a safety‑first industrial environment? Do you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment and being part of a high‑accountability team that keeps critical plant logistics moving? If so, this is your opportunity to step into the Operator D role at our Ponca City, Oklahoma facility and begin a progressive career path in plant operations!

This is the entry point into our structured operator progression model, with clear advancement opportunities to C-Operator (SRU qualified), B-Operator (DCS/board relief) and A-Operator (primary board operator).

Build a Career in Operations – Start as a D-Operator and progress through structured qualifications into higher-level unit and board operations roles.

⚠️ Safety-First Culture – Work in an environment where compliance, PPE, LOTO, confined space procedures and regulatory standards are non‑negotiable.

Critical Plant Role – Be responsible for the safe loading and unloading of trucks and railcars, handling products such as anhydrous ammonia, molten sulfur and ammonium polysulfide solution (APS).

Growth Through Qualification – Receive formal and hands‑on training with defined first-year objectives and advancement expectations.

Team‑Based Environment – Collaborate closely with Operations and Maintenance teams and external truck drivers to ensure safe and efficient product movement.

• Safely load and unload trucks and railcars in compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, railroad and HAZWOPER regulations.
• Handle hazardous materials, including anhydrous ammonia, molten sulfur and APS with strict adherence to regulatory and site procedures.
• Complete required documentation, including Bills of Lading, inspection forms, sampling and transfer logs.
• Monitor gauges, meters and process equipment to verify quality and quantity specifications.
• Perform routine inspections, identify equipment issues, and report irregularities for corrective action.
• Support plant projects, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) activities, confined space entries and startup/shutdown operations.
• Maintain clean and orderly loading, storage and containment areas.
• Participate in emergency response activities and safety meetings.
• Progress through structured training and testing toward Concentrate Unit and SRU qualification.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior hands‑on experience in chemical plant, refinery, oilfield, gas plant or industrial operations strongly preferred.
• Experience with maintenance, construction or industrial mechanical work.
• Strong safety mindset and familiarity with LOTO, confined space, hazardous material handling or similar regulated environments.
• Ability to read and interpret procedures, drawings and P&IDs.
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office and digital documentation systems).
• Willingness to work 12‑hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime.
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds, climb ladders and stairs, work at heights, and perform confined space work while wearing required PPE.
• HAZWOPER Technician level certification required.

• Heat, cold, wind, rain and industrial noise.
• Hazardous chemicals and process equipment.
• Elevated work platforms (up to 150 feet).
• Confined spaces.

Working at Tessenderlo Kerley

• Work/life balance
• Fun and rewarding environment
• Learning, development and teamwork
• Community involvement/outreach
• Challenging and meaningful work