Refinery Operators- DESMET Equipment

Title: Refinery Operator (DESMET Equipment)
Location: Douala, Cameroon
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (CDD)
Reporting Line: Production Manager

Mission

We are seeking experienced Refinery Operators with proven mastery of Desmet equipment for a fixed-term contract. The role involves operating, monitoring, and maintaining Desmet equipment while training teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor Desmet refining units (degumming, neutralization, bleaching, deodorization, fractionation) to ensure continuous and efficient production.
• Adjust process parameters (temperature, pressure, vacuum, flow rates) in real time to maintain quality and achieve targets.
• Train teams on correct procedures for startup, operation, and shutdown of Desmet equipment.
• Supervise, guide, and evaluate teams until they achieve autonomy, documenting their progress.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance on Desmet equipment.
• Inspect equipment for wear, leaks, or anomalies, and coordinate major repairs.
• Take samples and perform basic quality tests (color, free fatty acids, moisture).
• Adjust parameters in case of deviation and isolate non-conforming product for reprocessing.
• Comply with HSE procedures, PPE, LOTO, and chemical handling protocols.
• Report any incidents or hazardous conditions and participate in safety briefings.
• Diagnose root causes of process deviations and take corrective actions.
• Solve common mechanical problems and advise local operators.
• Complete daily production logs (volume, downtime, quality, interventions).
• Provide clear shift handover reports and document maintenance requests.

Candidate Profile

• Education: Technical diploma in Maintenance, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Critical Skills: Proven mastery of Desmet equipment, MS Office, Power BI, Excel
• Experience: 3 to 8 years working on Desmet equipment in an oil refinery
• Language: French – Fluent
• English – Intermediate