Storage Operator

Storage Operator (Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited)

Locations: Akwa Ibom & Delta

Employment Type: Contract; Full-Time; Rotational Shift

About the Role

• We are actively recruiting a highly specialized Storage Operator. Operating within a world-class, integrated Ammonia/Urea production facility, you will take full ownership of the Ammonia Tank Farm, Vapor Recovery Systems, and Product Loading/Unloading Racks (truck, rail, or marine).
• This role is pivotal in ensuring the safe custody, storage, and distribution of liquid ammonia while driving environmental compliance, vapor recovery, and zero-loss custody transfer initiatives.
• The ideal candidate is deeply ingrained in a "Goal Zero" HSE culture, possesses advanced expertise in pressurized/refrigerated storage dynamics, boil-off gas (BOG) management, and custody transfer metering, and is committed to Asset Integrity and Process Safety Management (PSM).
• You will utilize digital work management systems (CMMS) to ensure zero unplanned downtime, absolute product integrity, and flawless environmental compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Ammonia Storage & Tank Farm Operations:

• Operate, monitor, and optimize the Ammonia Storage Tanks (pressurized and/or refrigerated), ensuring strict control of temperature, pressure, and inventory levels.
• Manage Boil-Off Gas (BOG) recovery systems, vapor return lines, and refrigeration units (if applicable) to maintain tank integrity and minimize product loss/flaring.
• Monitor tank farm utilities, including rundown pumps, seal oil systems, cooling water, and flare/vent headers.
• Execute complex tank farm start-ups, normal operations, tank rotations, and Emergency Shutdowns (ESD) in strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Loading, Unloading & Custody Transfer:

• Safely coordinate and execute the loading and unloading of liquid ammonia via truck, rail, or marine jetties, ensuring zero spills and absolute personnel safety.
• Operate and monitor Custody Transfer Metering Systems (e.g., Coriolis mass flow meters, prover systems) to ensure 100% accuracy in product dispatch and reconciliation.
• Manage vapor balance and pressure control during loading/unloading operations to prevent atmospheric emissions and ensure environmental compliance.

Asset Integrity, Reliability & Digital Work Management:

• Champion the facility’s Asset Integrity Management System (AIMS) for all storage assets, monitoring corrosion rates, cathodic protection systems, and leak detection systems.
• Support statutory and API-compliant tank inspections (e.g., API 653, API 620) and coordinate internal/external cleaning and maintenance activities.
• Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS - e.g., SAP PM / IBM Maximo) to raise, track, and close work orders, document technical histories, and manage spare parts for the tank farm and loading racks.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Management of Change (MOC) for storage system modifications or operational tweaks.

HSE, Process Safety & Leadership:

• Strictly enforce the company’s Life-Saving Rules, Permit to Work (PTW), and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, ensuring zero energy incidents during maintenance handovers or tank entries.

• Act as a key responder in Ammonia Emergency Response Plans (ERP), utilizing specialized PPE (SCBA, Level A/B suits) and managing ammonia leak containment.

• Operate safely in Hazardous Areas (Zone 1 & 2), ensuring compliance with IECEx / ATEX / CompEx standards for all instrumentation and electrical interfaces on the storage skids.

• Mentor junior operators and loading personnel, fostering a high-performance, safety-first, and continuous improvement culture.

• Requirements & Qualifications

• HND, B.Eng/B.Sc in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Gas Engineering; or a recognized advanced technical certification in Process Operations.

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on operational experience specifically as a Panel/Field Operator in a Tank Farm, Terminal, or Storage facility handling highly hazardous chemicals (Ammonia, LNG, LPG, or Petrochemicals).

• Proven, verifiable experience managing custody transfer, loading racks, and pressurized/refrigerated storage systems.

• Deep understanding of thermodynamics of liquefied gases, vapor recovery, and custody transfer metering principles.

• Familiarity with tank farm DCS/SCADA systems, automated loading skids, and emergency shutdown (ESD) logic.

• Strong knowledge of API standards for storage tanks (API 650, API 620, API 653) and environmental regulations regarding VOC/Ammonia emissions.

• Certifications & HSE: Valid HSE Level 1, 2, & 3 certifications; Process Safety Management (PSM) awareness. Specialized Ammonia Emergency Response / Toxic Gas Awareness training is a strong advantage. CompEx or equivalent Hazardous Area certification is a strong advantage. BOSIET/HUET and valid Offshore Medical (if applicable to site/terminal rotation).

What We Offer

• A highly competitive, top-tier Oil & Gas remuneration package with applicable rotation allowances.
• Opportunity to operate world-class, high-integrity storage and terminal assets in an integrated fertilizer facility.
• Exposure to advanced digital work management, vapor recovery, and environmental compliance initiatives.
• A "Goal Zero" safety culture with clear career progression into Senior Operations, Terminal Management, or Supply Chain pathways.

Application Closing Date

4th December, 2026.