Habitat Technician at Obek Group of Companies Limited (OBEK Group)

Obek Group of Companies Limited (OBEK Group) is a Nigerian & Houston-based international conglomerate involved in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, energy services, and large-scale EPCIC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation & Commissioning) projects for oil & gas, infrastructure, and real estate, aiming to transform Nigeria's socio-economic landscape through technology and experienced project delivery. The company operates across diverse sectors, focusing on sustainable industrial energy and complex project management.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Habitat Technician

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers

Job Description

• We are seeking a competent and safety-conscious Habitat Technician to join our team in supporting critical maintenance and construction activities within hydrocarbon-containing environments.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for the installation, operation, monitoring, maintenance, and dismantling of temporary habitat systems that facilitate the safe execution of hot work and other maintenance activities in live process facilities.
• The ideal candidate will ensure the integrity of habitat systems by maintaining positive pressure, effective ventilation, gas-free conditions, and full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards.
• This role requires a strong commitment to safety, technical competence, and the ability to work collaboratively in high-risk operational environments to support safe and uninterrupted project execution.

Key Responsibilities
Habitat Installation & Operation:

• Install and dismantle temporary pressurized habitat systems in accordance with approved procedures and project requirements.
• Assemble habitat structures, access systems, airlocks, ventilation units, lighting, communication systems, and environmental control equipment.
• Ensure habitats are properly sealed and maintain positive pressure throughout operations.
• Conduct pre-use inspections to verify habitat integrity and operational readiness.

Habitat Monitoring:

• Continuously monitor habitat pressure, ventilation, temperature, humidity, and air quality.
• Monitor fixed and portable gas detection systems for combustible and toxic gases.
• Ensure alarms, emergency shutdown systems, and communication equipment remain operational.
• Respond immediately to pressure loss, gas detection alarms, or equipment failures.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Operate and perform routine maintenance on habitat support equipment, including:
• Air handling units
• Ventilation fans
• Compressors
• Air filtration systems
• Gas detection equipment
• Emergency backup systems
• Verify equipment calibration and serviceability before deployment.
• Report equipment defects and coordinate repairs or replacements.

HSE Compliance:

• Ensure habitat operations comply with Permit-to-Work (PTW), Hot Work, Confined Space Entry, and Isolation procedures.
• Participate in toolbox talks, Job Safety Analyses (JSA), and risk assessments.
• Enforce strict housekeeping standards within and around habitat areas.
• Support emergency response activities and evacuation drills.
• Stop work immediately where unsafe conditions or habitat failures are identified.

Work Coordination:

• Coordinate with Mechanical, Piping, Welding, Electrical, Instrumentation, QA/QC, Operations, and HSE teams.
• Confirm habitat readiness before hot work or maintenance activities commence.
• Support shutdowns, turnarounds, brownfield modifications, and offshore maintenance campaigns.
• Ensure materials, tools, and access arrangements are available for habitat operations.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain habitat inspection checklists and operational logs.
• Record pressure readings, gas monitoring results, equipment checks, and maintenance activities.
• Report abnormalities, alarms, incidents, and corrective actions to the Habitat Supervisor.
• Assist in preparing daily progress and equipment utilization reports.

Continuous Improvement:

• Participate in competency training and emergency response drills.
• Recommend improvements to habitat installation, operation, and maintenance processes.
• Mentor junior habitat technicians and support knowledge transfer.

Qualifications

• OND, Technical Certificate, Trade Test, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or a related discipline.
• Valid offshore survival and medical certification (e.g., BOSIET/FOET and OGUK or equivalent) where applicable.
• Training in Habitat Operations, Gas Testing, Permit-to-Work, Confined Space Entry, and Working at Height is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating or maintaining habitat systems in oil & gas, petrochemical, marine, or heavy industrial environments.
• Experience supporting shutdowns, brownfield modifications, offshore maintenance, or live hydrocarbon facilities.
• Familiarity with pressurized habitat systems used for hot work in hazardous areas is essential.

Technical Competencies:

• Pressurized Habitat Installation & Operation
• Positive Pressure & Ventilation Systems
• Gas Detection & Atmospheric Monitoring
• Hot Work Support Systems
• Air Handling & Filtration Equipment
• Permit-to-Work (PTW) Systems
• Confined Space Entry Procedures
• Emergency Response & Evacuation
• Equipment Inspection & Preventive Maintenance
• Basic Mechanical & Electrical Troubleshooting
• Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
• Technical Reporting and Record Keeping

Behavioural Competencies:

• Safety Leadership
• Attention to Detail
• Vigilance and Situational Awareness
• Problem Solving
• Communication Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability
• Planning and Organization
• Integrity and Professional Ethics
• Ability to Work Under Pressure

Application Closing Date
Not Specified. 

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: recruitment.hrm@obekgroup.com using the Job Title as the subject of the email.