Tank Farm Assistant

Role overview

This position supports the safe and efficient running of the tank farm at the Mombasa terminal. The role is responsible for preparing storage tanks for receipt and loading activities, leading the tank farm crew during receipt, bunkering, and movement of bulk petroleum products through the terminal pipeline system, and ensuring that all work is carried out securely and in line with health, safety, security, and environmental standards. The role also involves coaching the tank farm team on tanker discharge, tank dipping, safe housekeeping, quality checks, tank sampling, and releasing products to the loading gantries.

Principal accountabilities

• Contribute to delivery of the terminal HSSE plan by carrying out assigned duties such as HEMP participation, weekly toolbox talks, quarterly safety committee and operations meetings, daily walkabouts, monthly ERP drills, and the HSSE incentive programme, while ensuring action items are closed on time and tracked monthly.
• Strengthen safety culture across the terminal by supporting incident and near-miss reporting in line with target levels, following through on corrective actions, and working toward zero lost-time incidents and recordable incidents.
• Make sure all product transfer activities are performed safely and according to approved procedures.
• As the person responsible for the tank farm vehicle, ensure it is used correctly and maintained in accordance with HSSE requirements.
• Oversee weekly interceptor skimming, maintain records, and tightly control interceptor keys so they stay locked and sealed except when drainage of excess water or routine cleaning is required.
• Closely supervise contractor personnel in the tank farm and conduct at least one PPE inspection every week to confirm items are suitable for use, while keeping proper records.
• Keep tank farm KPIs updated for monthly tracking and continuous improvement monitoring.
• Work toward zero high or serious audit findings in tank farm and marine operations by ensuring actions are closed promptly through regular follow-up.
• Monitor tank inventory and coordinate safe pumping arrangements with KPRL to avoid stock-outs, except where issues are outside terminal control.
• Manage consignment stock at customer locations to maintain effective stock control and sufficient inventory levels, and work with stakeholders to ensure stock counts and invoicing happen on time.
• Make tanks available for gantry operations by 7:00am each day and enter tank temperatures and densities in SAP every four hours, with all information accurately captured in the relevant register.
• Meet stock management targets by supervising accurate daily tank dipping, completing reconciliation by 8:00am, keeping stock variances within target, and investigating and explaining any exceptions by 11:00am each day.
• Oversee and record aviation quality checks and water draining activities from tanks.
• Ensure tank samples are taken correctly, quality checks are completed during tanker discharge, and samples are sent to the laboratory in good time for analysis.
• Keep terminal VHF radios in working order and ensure the inventory is updated without delay.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the tank farm and pump areas through daily walkabouts.
• Safely maintain tank farm operational records, including KPI files, so they can be easily retrieved for audits, and ensure handover documents are properly signed off before archiving.
• Ensure ship discharge activities are planned well and executed efficiently to keep demurrage costs as low as possible.
• Support terminal cost control by managing contractor shift arrangements effectively so overtime stays within optimum levels unless exceptional circumstances apply.
• Protect the integrity of tank farm controls by safeguarding tanks, bund wall valves, interceptor keys, and locks.
• Order, store securely, issue, and account for all seals used in the tank farm, and ensure all tank, pipeline, bund wall, and interceptor seals are correctly applied and recorded in the seals register.
• Confirm product quality before pumping, including daily Jet A1 conductivity checks, by obtaining quality certificates from KPRL or the laboratory and ensuring received product is tested by the MSAT Lab.
• Drain water from storage tanks every two weeks and keep accurate records.
• Review the annual maintenance plan for tank farm equipment with the maintenance supervisor, support implementation, including monthly HLA alarm testing, and retain supporting records.
• Maintain a breakdown log for tank farm equipment and follow up with the maintenance supervisor to ensure issues are resolved quickly and downtime is reduced. Sign off work or projects affecting tank farm equipment once performance is satisfactory and provide feedback where needed.
• Review and refresh tank farm operating procedures at least once every quarter, train all tank farm staff on any changes, and retain evidence that the training was completed and understood.
• Create and execute a practical monthly training plan for contractor staff so they remain competent in their duties.

Key challenges

• The role requires the ability to work extended hours, often under pressure, while staying focused.
• Strong interpersonal skills are needed to support teamwork and flexibility, especially when coordinating with vessels and other stakeholders.
• Strict adherence to HSSE and operational procedures is essential at all times.
• Controls must be followed consistently without exception.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• A technical or engineering background with at least a Higher National Diploma, along with some experience in petroleum operations and strong computer literacy.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to lead teams effectively.
• Capacity to work long hours under pressure with little or no supervision.
• Solid understanding of the business environment and operational context.
• A valid driving licence.
• Working knowledge of the Group HSSE management system is required.
• Physical fitness is necessary, and the role is not suitable for someone with a fear of heights.

Core competencies

• Customer service orientation.
• Ability to build shared direction and engage stakeholders.
• Courage in decision-making and execution.
• Strong professional mastery.
• Personal effectiveness and reliability.
• Ability to coach, motivate, and develop others.
• Respect for differences and strong teamwork.

Application deadline

Applications close on 10 June 2026.