Senior Operator at Savannah Energy | Jobs in Nigeria

Savannah Energy is a young, high growth, highly ambitious energy company. We are focused on operating in countries where we can make a difference to local communities, where we can play a strategic role in the energy sector and where we can make a positive impact on the socio-economic development of the country.

Our vision is to create a best in class African-focused energy company that we and our stakeholders are proud of. Our five core values of Sustainability, Excellence, Entrepreneurialism, Integrity and Teamwork define the essence of Savannah and underpin our corporate culture.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Operator

Location: Esit Eket, Akwa Ibom

Job Purpose / Objectives

• To execute the production and routine first line maintenance activities in the oil and gas field and ensure that wells, facilities maintenance, asset integrity and quality requirements are satisfied.
• To control and monitor the smooth running of solar turbine driven gas compression plant and auxiliary units.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Start up, shut down, and troubleshoot plant equipment (e.g., compressors, pumps, turbines, separators) in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor all operating parameters, including but not limited to level, pressure, flowrate, temperature using supervisory control system such as Allen Bradley PLC system, DCS, SCADA and HMI/graphics control/trending of process variables during; black start, start-up, normal operations, monitoring, and controls during startup/ shutdowns of plant and process equipment.
• Monitor, control, and optimize plant processes (e.g., gas compression, separation, dehydration, and hydrocarbon processing) via Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA, or other control interfaces to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations.
• Liaise with lead operators, operations supervisors, process/facility engineers, and the maintenance team, to achieve a harmonious work environment, solve process and equipment problems and provide valuable knowledge and experience in the operation of the facility.
• Respond promptly to emergencies (e.g., leaks, fires, equipment failures) by activating emergency shutdown systems and following site-specific emergency response plans, ensuring the safety of people and plant.
• Monitor and operate wellhead hydraulic control panels, safety, and emergency shutdown devices.
• Ensure accurate production reporting is submitted daily or as required by the company and client.
• Monitor chemical injection rate of all plant chemicals to ensure safe and proper control of gas quality and minimize corrosion and report any changes to the Operation Lead or Laboratory Lead.
• Ensure integrity functional tests, changeover routines and other scheduled verification tasks are completed efficiently, maintaining the appropriate records and documents.
• Perform safety checks such as process safety audits, RCA, Risk Analysis, STOP and ensure the promotion of operation excellence.
• Monitor testing, safety equipment inspections, documents result and guide others to satisfactorily perform these duties through daily supervision.
• Carry out assigned operational work safely to assigned standards in line with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare or review the plant and equipment for maintenance, to ensure accurate and proper functioning and synchronization with other equipment and plant.
• Provide timely updates and detailed reports on production metrics, maintenance activities, and any operational challenges.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and reports of operational activities, ensuring transparency and accountability in all processes.
• Monitor control panel, diagnose abnormal situations, initiate operational adjustments, and maintain a continuous check on the operating plants, taking readings of essential instruments to ensure that equipment is operated within the specified parameters and limits.
• Participate in scheduled compliance testing of safety devices on a monthly and annual basis, ensuring that records are maintained accurately.
• Implement and comply with all relevant functional policies, processes, systems, standards, and procedures to accomplish operational objectives.
• Support operations activities to ensure 100% operational uptime, equipment /devices availability/reliability.
• Continuously analyse operational data and key performance indicators to drive continuous improvement and process optimization.
• Mentor and train junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Job & Main Specifications (Education/Knowledge, Skills, Attributes, Experience & Other Required Details)
Education / Knowledge:

• A minimum of OND, City & Guilds Level 3 certificate in any engineering discipline, with at least five (5) years’ experience in process plant operations in an oil/gas production and processing facility; two (2) of which should have been in a similar role.

Skills & Attributes:

• Working knowledge of oil and gas operations (wellhead operations, well testing, gas reconditioning/pressure reduction operations, oil/gas process operations, gas refrigeration system, glycol systems, compression, boilers/heaters, pipelines, and metering, etc.).
• Proven ability to oversee control room systems including, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and SCADA, ensuring continuous monitoring of process parameters and timely response to alarms.
• Good knowledge of Solar Turbines (e.g., taurus, mars, titan series) and gas compressor operations (startup, shutdown, etc).
• In-depth understanding of various compressor types (centrifugal, reciprocating, screw, etc.) and their operating principles.
• Knowledge of compressor safety systems such as relief valves, shutdown mechanisms, and emergency response protocols.
• Experience in managing control room shift handovers, maintaining comprehensive operational logs, and coordinating with field teams, engineering, and management during critical events.
• Good understanding of pipeline pigging operations and cathodic protection maintenance etc.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams, including maintenance, engineering, and HSE.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Good time management, communication, and people skills.
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) for creating work orders, tracking maintenance logs, and asset management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Permit to Work (PTW) systems and adherence to industry-standard safety protocols.
• Extensive experience in control room operations for real-time process monitoring and emergency management.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, ensuring decisive action during critical or emergency situations.
• Complete understanding of documentation in oil/gas processing facilities including:
  • P & ID (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams & Process Flow Sheets)
  • Operations reports
  • Cause and Effects Charts
  • Instrumentation Drawings
  • Piping Isometric drawing.