Plant Operator – BTT | Richards Bay
Company: BTT
Position: Plant Operator
Reference Number: BTT260909-1
Business Unit: Richards Bay
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Permanent
Number of Positions: 4
Location: Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Reporting To: Plant Supervisor
Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Job Overview
BTT is recruiting for four Plant Operators to join its Richards Bay Operations Team. This is a permanent opportunity for candidates who have a strong interest in plant operations and can work safely and efficiently in a demanding industrial environment.
The main purpose of the Plant Operator role is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of bulk storage facilities on a shift basis. The successful candidates will be involved in the loading and offloading of rail tankers, road tankers and vessels, while following company safety procedures, operational instructions and relevant industry standards.
The role requires individuals who are accurate, safety-conscious and able to respond with a sense of urgency. Plant Operators will also be expected to work independently, maintain accurate operational records and assist with emergency response activities when required.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Matric / Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science.
- One year of experience in plant operations within the chemical industry is preferred.
- Ability to read, write and speak English fluently.
- Basic computer literacy and computer skills.
- Ability to work independently and maintain a high level of accuracy.
- Ability to work effectively in a shift-based operational environment.
Candidates with previous exposure to chemical plant operations, bulk storage, rail, road or quayside operations will be well suited to the position.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Plant Operator will be responsible for a range of operational activities, including:
- Loading and offloading rail tankers according to company safe operating procedures and work instructions.
- Loading and offloading road tankers safely and efficiently.
- Loading and offloading vessels in accordance with established procedures.
- Connecting and disconnecting pipe systems while safely preparing the relevant equipment.
- Connecting and disconnecting pipeline systems for pigging operations.
- Ensuring tanks are correctly lined up before loading or offloading rail tankers, road tankers and ships.
- Commissioning equipment after maintenance work has been completed and ensuring procedures are followed.
- Conducting accurate tank dipping and recording and reporting dip readings to the Plant Supervisor.
- Completing daily plant logbooks and checklists accurately.
- Identifying and reporting operational deviations.
- Accompanying and assisting contractors when they enter operational areas.
- Participating in emergency response and firefighting activities.
- Conducting weekly deluge testing as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The successful candidates should ideally have or develop knowledge in the following areas:
- BTT Richards Bay emergency procedures.
- Occupational health and safety requirements, including the OSH Act.
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
- Fire training and emergency response procedures.
- Operational plant processes and procedures.
- Basic knowledge of quayside operations.
- Basic understanding of rail and road operations.
- Relevant operational systems, including SAP, Fuelfacs, SCADA and IMS.
A strong commitment to safety, accuracy and operational discipline is essential. Plant Operators must be able to follow procedures carefully while responding quickly to operational requirements.
Ideal Candidate
BTT is looking for individuals who are dependable, safety-focused and able to work in a high-pressure industrial environment. The ideal candidate will have good communication skills, basic computer knowledge and the ability to work independently while also cooperating effectively with supervisors, contractors and other operational teams.
Attention to detail is particularly important because the role involves handling bulk materials, operating plant equipment and maintaining accurate operational records.
Candidates must also be prepared to work shifts and participate in emergency response, firefighting and other operational activities when required.
Employment Details
Company: BTT
Position: Plant Operator
Positions Available: 4
Location: Richards Bay, KZN
Employment Type: Permanent
Department: Operations
Reporting To: Plant Supervisor
Reference: BTT260909-1
Closing Date: 15 September 2026
This is a strong opportunity for candidates with Matric Mathematics and Science who are looking to build or advance their career in plant operations, particularly within the chemical and bulk storage environment.