Union Operator

Start your career as a Union Operator at Vopak and contribute to social themes such as energy security and energy transition. We offer you a working environment that is safe and pleasant and where equality, diversity, and satisfaction are of paramount importance. Ready to develop yourself and make a positive impact? Improve the world and start as a Union Operator at Vopak.

What will you do as a Union Operator?

Vopak is seeking a new Union Operator. This position ensures that all products are loaded or unloaded safely and efficiently and performs work as instructed by supervisors functioning as a team member with other operations personnel.  The job will be based in San Pedro, CA, and is part of a union. 

What do we offer you?

• A market-based salary depending on your experience and knowledge and attractive bonuses.

• Various growth opportunities.

• Pay rate: $41.00

What do we expect from you as a Union Operator?

• Experience in terminal operations preferred but not required

• Good communications skills; fluent in English including reading, writing and speaking; ability to read and write at a minimum of high school level; ability to clearly communicate to all levels in organization

• Ability to read, interpret and follow written job instructions and directions

• Ability to read, interpret and follow U.S. Coast Guard manuals and other regulatory documents as applicable

• Ability to read and understand safety procedures, including Federal and State OSHA standards and regulations

• Basic mathematical skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and long division; ability to work with fractions and perform various mathematical conversions commonly used in petrochemical industry

• Basic computer knowledge and user ability including database systems and other programs and applications used at location

• Ability to read strapping tables

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and follow through on assignments

• Understanding of general business concepts

• Must be able to work varying and/or rotating shifts

• Experience working with Federal, state and local environmental regulations including RCRA

What does your day look like?

Your core responsibilities are:

• Abides by all safety procedures and practices applicable to location and position; participates in appropriate safety training; demonstrates commitment to and support of SH&E principles and values; champions safety as necessary

• Opens and closes valves by hand or, if available, by use of computer for valves with remote operation

• Ensures correct tank lineup for various receipt and delivery operations; performs tank gauging and  temperature verification; completes associated paperwork; ties up and releases vessels including positioning vessel gangways 

• Reviews operation orders for errors; verifies proper backup, tank selection and suitability of equipment or material

• Loads and unloads railroad tank cars, trucks and ships and barges as assigned; loosens or tightens bolts manually using large wrenches; crawls under tank cars, walks on docks, hooks up and releases hoses; positions mechanical load arm or connects product hoses; reviews and completes documentation; monitors gauges; adjusts flow rates; follows written or oral instructions

• Ascends and descends ladders and stairs and walks over pipes to manually gauge tanks

• Responds rapidly and appropriately to emergencies following safety guidelines and procedures; uses equipment, chemicals and procedures appropriate to the situation to mitigate damages; uses fire monitor

• Cleans truck stations by scraping and sweeping; cleans and realigns pipe lines; performs miscellaneous cleaning activities as assigned

• Performs simple maintenance including small to medium valve change out, hose change out, small project painting, fitting change out, refill pump oilers, etc.

• Participates in and completes all assigned training programs

• Understands and ensures all work performed meets Federal and State OSHA requirements as well as Company safety, health, and environmental standards 

• Performs miscellaneous clean-up activities such as collecting trash, emptying barrels, sweeping and mopping floors and moving furnishings

• Operates forklift, tractor trailer, boom truck, vacuum truck, or other equipment as requested

• Trains regularly on all Federal, state and local environmental regulations, requirements and guidelines including, but not limited to, RCRA requirements; follows and adheres to all guidelines, regulations, and requirements

Work Environment

This position requires an employee to be exposed to outside elements. Most extreme elements are heat in the summer months of up to 100°+ and some exposure to cold of generally no less than 0° in the winter months. There will be exposure to various chemicals and compounds, including fumes and smells, some of them hazardous. The employee will enter confined spaces and work in elevated environments, potentially for lengthy periods of time. Employee must be able to wear PPE required by the location. Loud sounds and vibrations will be experienced at times. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. All environments are safe with appropriate PPE.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk (sometimes over long distances and carrying tools weighing up to 15 pounds), crawl, sit, speak, and hear. The employee is required, for extended periods of time, to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; the employee will be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch; must be able to twist around repeatedly. The employee will be required to climb ladders and storage tanks up to 50’ in height. The employee will be required to enter confined spaces and crawl under rail cars or trucks. The employee will lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds including overhead; must be able to carry up to 25 pounds over a distance of up to 30 yards. The employee must be able to roll and tip dolly holding 55 gallon trash receptacle. Must be able lift and secure hose flanges; align and connect/disconnect 6” to 8” hoses manually. Must be able to pass a drug and alcohol screen. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Employee may be required to travel by car, truck or other land vehicles.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Want to start as Union Operator at Vopak?

Are you ready to share your vision and contribute to Vopak's projects? Then start as a Union Operator and apply now!