Process Operator III

About the role

Buckeye Partners is seeking a Process Operator III with experience in refinery, terminal or pipeline operations. The Process Operator role is responsible for safe, compliant, reliable production of all refining and utilities operations according to Shift Supervisor instructions and standard operating procedures and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Ensure plant operates safely, within environmental limits, reliably and efficiently.
• Serve as key player for multiple operational areas including terminals, tank farm, pressurized and refrigerated LPG storage, refinery operations.
• Operate console desk for OSBL and LPG areas, controlling temperature, pressure, level and flow rates.
• Operate fired heaters, compressors, exchangers, stabilizers, strippers, towers, boilers, etc.
• Patrol units to ensure safety; report malfunctioning equipment.
• Regulate pumps and compressors; take product samples.
• Align product receipt and deliveries; sample products; conduct and oversee routine inspections for compliance with company, industry and government standards.
• Monitor pressurized storage process to ensure continuous flow into refrigerated tanks; assist other operators during upsets.
• Prepare equipment for maintenance.
• Execute operations safely while maintaining safety, reliability, profitability and product quality; support Zero injury safety initiative.
• Identify hazards and mitigate risks to as low as reasonably practical (ALARP).
• Establish safe work conditions for hot work, confined space entry, hazardous work permits.
• Participate on Emergency Response Team for incipient stage fires, vapor cloud release, donning SCBA for potential exposures.
• Attend safety meetings and periodic emergency response drills; review operating procedures, critical tasks, special procedures, emergency planning.
• Ensure equipment reliability by following operating envelopes, recording and reviewing data, preparing work orders (including emergency work), reporting and analyzing equipment failures with maintenance technicians, conducting root cause analysis, and following up on operating envelope deviations.
• Attend mandatory trainings and firefighting training; assist and mentor teammates as needed.
• Ensure internal control requirements (API/local regulations, DOT) are applied consistently.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in terminal or refinery operations (preferred).
• Ability to work 12‑hour shifts.
• Ability to climb ladders (~50 ft) and work at heights for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lb and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to enter and climb above‑grade storage tanks.

Qualifications

• Eligibility for TWIC card as dictated by facility and governmental regulations.

Skills

• Strong leadership skills.
• Safety‑oriented mindset.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Creative and analytical problem‑solving ability.
• Strong initiative and dependability.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Commitment to environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work independently, exercise tact, discretion, and professionalism with internal/external customers and handle sensitive/confidential information.
• Entrepreneurial mindset to drive cost reduction, revenue generation, productivity or process improvements.