Production Operator

Petromech is a company based in Kaduna, Nigeria, that specializes in waste management. Its primary focus is the production of base oils and motor oils from used lubricants. The company also operates a 15,000 m² workshop equipped to handle a wide range of mechanical maintenance, repair, and manufacturing services.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Production Operator

Location: Kaduna

Job Summary

• We are seeking an experienced and safety-conscious Production Operator to join our waste oil refining and lubricant production plant.
• The successful candidate will support daily production activities, operate and monitor processing equipment, and help maintain product quality and safe working conditions.
• Candidates must have practical experience in one or more of the following areas: vacuum distillation, industrial fuel burner operation, oil bleaching and treatment, lubricant blending, or product filling and packaging.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production equipment within the assigned area, following approved procedures and supervisors’ instructions.
• Monitor vacuum distillation parameters, including temperature, pressure, vacuum levels, and product separation, where assigned.
• Operate and adjust industrial fuel burners and heating systems to maintain stable process conditions within approved operating limits.
• Carry out oil bleaching, treatment, and filtration activities, including the safe handling of adsorbents and processing materials.
• Support lubricant blending and preparation according to approved formulations and production instructions.
• Perform product filling, weighing, sealing, labelling, and packaging, ensuring accurate quantities and proper identification.
• Monitor product appearance and process conditions, collect samples as instructed, and coordinate with the laboratory on quality checks.
• Maintain accurate records of process readings, material consumption, production quantities, and operational issues.
• Identify equipment faults, leaks, abnormal readings, or unsafe conditions and report them promptly.
• Carry out routine equipment checks and assist the maintenance team within the limits of training and authorisation.
• Follow standard operating procedures, PPE requirements, and fire prevention, spill control, and waste-handling procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe production area and contribute to achieving production targets.

Requirements

• Relevant hands-on experience in waste oil recycling, oil refining, lubricant production, or a similar industrial processing environment.
• Demonstrable practical experience in at least one of the production areas listed above.
• Good understanding of industrial equipment, process monitoring, and safe operating procedures.
• Ability to recognise operational problems and respond appropriately within approved procedures.
• Ability to follow production instructions, record operating data accurately, and maintain consistent product quality.
• Relevant technical qualifications or vocational training in mechanical, chemical, process, or related fields are an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, punctuality, and a disciplined approach to work.
• Ability to work effectively with production, laboratory, and maintenance teams.
• Willingness to learn additional production processes and develop technical skills.