Plant Control Operator at Applied Engineering Training Initiative

Applied Engineering Training Initiative - A foremost engineering consulting company in Nigeria to meet the following needs in the power sector. Hands-on Power Education and Technical Training.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Plant Control Operator

Location: Lagos

Job Description

• The ideal candidate would be a proactive, detail-oriented individual with a strong grasp of both the theoretical and practical aspects of plant operations.
• In summary, an ideal candidate for a Plant Control Operator is not just a technical expert but a reliable, proactive, and safety-conscious professional who can effectively manage the complexities of a modern cocoa processing plant.

Purpose of the Role

• To ensure the efficiency, safety, and quality of the production process.

Key Skills and Responsibilities
An effective Plant Control Operator needs a diverse skill set to manage the day-to-day demands of the job.
Technical Proficiency:

• The candidate should be adept at using automation and control systems to monitor and adjust critical process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and pH.
• They must be able to interpret real-time data from sensors and instruments to ensure the process stays within specified limits.

Problem-Solving:

• The ability to quickly and accurately diagnose problems is vital.
• When a system alarm goes off or a process variable deviates, the operator must be able to identify the root cause of the issue and take corrective action to prevent production downtime or product quality issues.
• This requires strong analytical skills and a calm demeanor under pressure.

Safety and Compliance:

• A deep commitment to safety is paramount.
• The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), good manufacturing practices (GMPs), and other relevant safety and quality standards.
• They should be proactive in identifying potential hazards and implementing safety protocols.

Communication:

• The operator serves as a crucial link between different departments.
• They must be able to communicate effectively with maintenance teams about equipment issues, with production supervisors about process status, and with quality control about product specifications.
• Clear and concise documentation of logs and reports is also a key responsibility.

Personal Attributes:

• The role demands certain personality traits that enable an individual to excel.

Attention to Detail:

• Given the precise nature of cocoa processing, a meticulous approach is crucial.
• The operator must pay close attention to minor fluctuations in data and subtle changes in equipment performance that could indicate a larger problem.

Proactiveness:

• An ideal candidate doesn’t just react to problems; they anticipate them.
• They should be constantly monitoring the system, looking for trends that might lead to an issue, and taking preventative measures.

Adaptability:

• A modern plant environment is dynamic. New technologies, process changes, and unexpected challenges are common.
• An effective operator must be adaptable and willing to learn new systems and procedures.

Resilience:

• The ability to work long hours, often in shifts, and handle stressful situations is essential.
• The ideal candidate must be resilient and maintain focus and effectiveness even during high-pressure situations.

Core Qualifications

• The Ideal Candidate will have 5 - 7 years of experience.
• The ideal candidate must have a solid educational background, typically a diploma or degree in a relevant field such as Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Technology.
• This foundational knowledge provides them with the necessary understanding of the complex processes involved in cocoa processing, from bean cleaning and roasting to grinding and pressing.
• They should also possess a robust understanding of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Beyond formal education, proven experience in a similar role, preferably within a food processing or a related industry, is essential.
• Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is non-negotiable.
• The candidate should be able to demonstrate a track record of monitoring and controlling plant parameters, adjusting process variables, and troubleshooting operational issues to maintain optimal performance.

Application Closing Date
30th September, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online