Operations & Laboratory Technician

Texas International Refining Company (TIRCO) is seeking a highly motivated Operations & Laboratory Technician to support both refinery operations and laboratory activities. This dual-qualified operations role is designed for high-performing Outside Operators who are ready to expand their technical expertise, assume additional responsibility, and pursue career development opportunities.

The Operations & Laboratory Technician serves as the primary bench laboratory backup while maintaining full qualification and proficiency as a TIRCO Outside Operator. The individual must become fully qualified on all refinery laboratory testing methods, maintain required laboratory certifications and qualifications, and provide coverage during vacations, absences, weekends, after-hours support, and operational contingencies.

This position remains an Operations role and must maintain all requirements expected of an Outside Operator. It strengthens operational flexibility, improves communication between Operations and the Laboratory, and helps ensure consistent analytical support for refinery and terminal activities.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Responsibilities

• Maintain full qualification and proficiency as a TIRCO Outside Operator.
• Perform routine operator rounds and equipment monitoring.
• Support startup, shutdown, and normal operation of refinery units.
• Monitor tank farm operations, product movements, transfers, and utility systems.
• Identify abnormal operating conditions and communicate issues to Operations leadership.
• Assist with process troubleshooting and operational investigations.
• Maintain all operational qualifications and certifications required by Operations.

Laboratory Responsibilities

Laboratory Qualification

• Successfully complete training and qualification on all laboratory testing methods utilized by TIRCO.
• Demonstrate competency equivalent to a fully qualified Laboratory Technician.
• Maintain qualifications through periodic evaluations and proficiency testing.
• Stay current on ASTM methods, laboratory procedures, quality systems, and testing requirements.
• Participate in laboratory cross-training and continuous improvement initiatives.

Laboratory Testing

Perform laboratory analyses on:

• Crude oil
• Blendstocks
• Intermediate process streams
• Finished products
• Wastewater samples
• Utility system samples
• Terminal and tank farm samples
• Conduct testing in accordance with laboratory procedures and applicable ASTM methods.
• Ensure analytical accuracy and complete testing within required turnaround times.
• Report results promptly and communicate abnormal or off-specification results to Operations leadership.

Sample Collection & Handling

• Collect field and laboratory samples from refinery process units, tank farms, pipelines, trucks, marine transfers, and utility systems.
• Maintain sample integrity and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Ensure proper labeling, storage, and disposal of samples.

Laboratory Equipment Support

• Operate, calibrate, verify, and maintain laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Assist with troubleshooting analytical equipment issues and failures.
• Maintain laboratory standards, chemicals, reagents, and consumable inventories.
• Support laboratory housekeeping and organization.

Laboratory Coverage

Provide laboratory relief coverage during:

• PTO absences
• Holidays
• Shift or coverage gaps
• Emergency situations and operational contingencies
• Support off-hours and weekend testing requirements when operational needs arise.
• Serve as an operational bridge and liaison between Laboratory and refinery personnel.

Product Quality & Operational Support

• Assist in identifying off-specification conditions.
• Support product certification and quality assurance programs and activities.
• Help investigate product quality concerns and process performance issues.
• Support blending operations, product transfers, startup activities, and process optimization efforts.
• Translate laboratory data into actionable operational information for refinery personnel.

Safety & Environmental Responsibilities

• Comply with all refinery and laboratory safety requirements.
• Follow safe work practices for laboratory chemicals and analytical equipment.
• Participate in refinery emergency response activities as assigned.
• Support environmental compliance monitoring and reporting activities.
• Report safety concerns, near misses, spills, permit exceedances, and operational risks immediately.

Role Expectations

Technical Excellence

• Maintain full qualification as both an Outside Operator and Laboratory Technician.
• Develop an advanced understanding of refinery processes, product specifications, and laboratory methods.
• Deliver accurate analytical results while maintaining strong operational awareness.
• Serve as a technical resource between Operations and Laboratory personnel.

Operational Flexibility

• Willingly rotate between operations and laboratory assignments based on business needs.
• Support refinery operations during periods of increased workload.
• Provide laboratory coverage without compromising operational standards.
• Demonstrate adaptability and a positive approach to cross-functional responsibilities.

Accountability

• Take ownership of both operational and laboratory performance.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and reliability.
• Complete assigned testing and operational duties accurately and on time.
• Protect the integrity of laboratory data and refinery operating information.

Leadership & Development

• Demonstrate initiative and a desire for continued professional growth.
• Serve as a role model for other operators pursuing technical development.
• Assist with operator and laboratory training activities when requested.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts across Operations and Laboratory functions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Qualified TIRCO Outside Operator in good standing, or ability to become qualified within the required training period.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices, strong safety performance, and operational discipline.
• Ability and willingness to complete all laboratory qualification requirements.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to work safely in both refinery and laboratory environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required site certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior laboratory, process operations, refinery, petrochemical, or terminal experience.
• Knowledge of ASTM testing methods and refinery quality systems.
• Experience with process troubleshooting, analytical testing, and product quality monitoring.

Physical & Scheduling Requirements

• Ability to work in outdoor refinery environments and indoor laboratory settings.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs and work around operating process equipment.
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including FRC clothing, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and respiratory protection when required.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment consistent with job requirements.
• Ability to work rotating schedules, extended hours, weekends, and holidays, and respond to operational needs as required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Texas International Refining Company (TIRCO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.