Field Operator

Role overview

The Field Operator supports day-to-day plant operations to help the facility achieve its targets for availability, reliability, efficiency, output, and cost performance, while working safely and staying within environmental limits. The position involves frequent equipment start-ups, shutdowns, changeovers, normal operating rounds, alarm response, and action during emergency situations. Hands-on knowledge of modern gas turbine plant systems, desalination plant operations, and associated auxiliary equipment is essential.

Safety, quality, and environmental compliance

• Work in line with the integrated management system, safety management system, and environmental management system at all times.
• Carry out assigned duties in accordance with established safety rules and operational requirements.
• Keep an eye on maintenance work being performed in assigned areas and report unsafe behaviors or unsafe site conditions.

Plant operations

• Perform regular plant rounds, inspections, and log sheet completion.
• Execute operating actions as instructed by the CRO, including valve operations, pump switching, and local alarm resets to prevent or correct abnormal plant conditions.
• Prepare equipment and systems for startup according to approved operating procedures.
• Carry out shutdown and extended shutdown preservation activities following the required procedures.
• Take manual action during trip events and closely supervise the safe rundown of plant equipment.
• Apply safe isolation and de-isolation practices to support maintenance activities and restore equipment back to service safely.
• Perform routine plant tasks such as topping up lube oil, replacing filters, and other field operating duties.
• Support the CRO during emergencies and abnormal operating situations.
• Handle sample analysis for the steam-water cycle, demin water, distillate, potable water, and other process samples when the chemist is unavailable.
• Monitor plant systems and equipment performance and maintain safe housekeeping standards in the plant area.
• Initiate routine operating activities and complete the field operator skill matrix, including acting as CRO when required and taking full charge of the power and desalination blocks.

Maintenance support

• Carry out lube oil top-ups on plant equipment as needed.
• Conduct routine site inspections to keep plant equipment status updated.
• Perform dewatering activities in designated areas when required.

Defect reporting and work orders

• Log service requests for defects in the system and coordinate with the Shift Engineer for approval.
• Assist maintenance teams in identifying and locating equipment defects when needed.

Chemical management

• Manage plant chemical tank changeovers safely and in an orderly manner.

Water quality

• Ensure potable water exported from the plant meets WHO guidelines and the water quality standards defined in the agreement.

Procedures, communication, and authority

• Follow all applicable operating procedures and instructions to ensure work is performed in a controlled and consistent way.
• Discuss daily operational issues and defects with the CRO, Shift Engineer, and other team members.
• Coordinate closely with the CRO and maintenance personnel for both routine and emergency activities.
• Use the approved shift handover and communication protocols without deviation.
• Work under the general direction of the CRO.
• Escalate any unusual matter outside standard procedures to the CRO or Shift In Charge for review and approval before acting.

Expected outcomes

• Support plant HSE objectives and wider operational goals.
• Help verify compliance with corporate, safety, and environmental standards through audits and checks.
• Report incidents and near misses, and complete assigned safety walkdowns and KPI-related activities.
• Maintain high-quality plant rounds, log sheets, data entry, and work order reporting.
• Protect water chemistry quality, including distillate and potable water standards.
• Apply correct isolations and de-isolations with the required safety precautions and documentation.
• Manage plant chemicals effectively and plan safe chemical tank changeovers.
• Meet potable water quality requirements consistently.
• Support the training and development of OJTs and junior staff.
• Maintain and complete the operation skill matrix for personal development.

Business and entity information

Business Unit: GBU Renewables & Flexible Power
Division: GEN International - KSA
Legal Entity: JUBAIL O&M COMPANY LIMITED
Company Name: ENGIE Saudi Arabia