Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd. (SEEPCO) is an indigenous company that ventured into Exploration and Production (E&P) business in the year 2005 bid round held by Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and was successful with license OML 143 (formerly OPL 280). At SEEPCO, we are committed to excellence in the oil and gas sector, driving innovation, sustainability, and growth. Follow us for the latest updates, industry insights, and career opportunities.
We are recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: Storage Operator Locations: Akwa Ibom & Delta Employment Type: Contract; Full-Time; Rotational Shift
About the Role
We are actively recruiting a highly specialized Storage Operator. Operating within a world-class, integrated Ammonia/Urea production facility, you will take full ownership of the Ammonia Tank Farm, Vapor Recovery Systems, and Product Loading/Unloading Racks (truck, rail, or marine).
This role is pivotal in ensuring the safe custody, storage, and distribution of liquid ammonia while driving environmental compliance, vapor recovery, and zero-loss custody transfer initiatives.
The ideal candidate is deeply ingrained in a "Goal Zero" HSE culture, possesses advanced expertise in pressurized/refrigerated storage dynamics, boil-off gas (BOG) management, and custody transfer metering, and is committed to Asset Integrity and Process Safety Management (PSM).
You will utilize digital work management systems (CMMS) to ensure zero unplanned downtime, absolute product integrity, and flawless environmental compliance.
Key Responsibilities Ammonia Storage & Tank Farm Operations:
Operate, monitor, and optimize the Ammonia Storage Tanks (pressurized and/or refrigerated), ensuring strict control of temperature, pressure, and inventory levels.
Manage Boil-Off Gas (BOG) recovery systems, vapor return lines, and refrigeration units (if applicable) to maintain tank integrity and minimize product loss/flaring.
Monitor tank farm utilities, including rundown pumps, seal oil systems, cooling water, and flare/vent headers.
Execute complex tank farm start-ups, normal operations, tank rotations, and Emergency Shutdowns (ESD) in strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Loading, Unloading & Custody Transfer:
Safely coordinate and execute the loading and unloading of liquid ammonia via truck, rail, or marine jetties, ensuring zero spills and absolute personnel safety.
Operate and monitor Custody Transfer Metering Systems (e.g., Coriolis mass flow meters, prover systems) to ensure 100% accuracy in product dispatch and reconciliation.
Manage vapor balance and pressure control during loading/unloading operations to prevent atmospheric emissions and ensure environmental compliance.
Asset Integrity, Reliability & Digital Work Management:
Champion the facility’s Asset Integrity Management System (AIMS) for all storage assets, monitoring corrosion rates, cathodic protection systems, and leak detection systems.
Support statutory and API-compliant tank inspections (e.g., API 653, API 620) and coordinate internal/external cleaning and maintenance activities.
Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS - e.g., SAP PM / IBM Maximo) to raise, track, and close work orders, document technical histories, and manage spare parts for the tank farm and loading racks.
Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Management of Change (MOC) for storage system modifications or operational tweaks.
HSE, Process Safety & Leadership:
Strictly enforce the company’s Life-Saving Rules, Permit to Work (PTW), and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, ensuring zero energy incidents during maintenance handovers or tank entries.
Act as a key responder in Ammonia Emergency Response Plans (ERP), utilizing specialized PPE (SCBA, Level A/B suits) and managing ammonia leak containment.
Operate safely in Hazardous Areas (Zone 1 & 2), ensuring compliance with **IECEx / ATEX / CompEx standards for all instrumentation and electrical interfaces on the storage skids.
Mentor junior operators and loading personnel, fostering a high-performance, safety-first, and continuous improvement culture.
Requirements & Qualifications
HND, B.Eng/B.Sc in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Gas Engineering; or a recognized advanced technical certification in Process Operations.
Minimum 5 years of hands-on operational experience specifically as a Panel/Field Operator in a Tank Farm, Terminal, or Storage facility handling highly hazardous chemicals (Ammonia, LNG, LPG, or Petrochemicals).
Proven, verifiable experience managing custody transfer, loading racks, and pressurized/refrigerated storage systems.
Deep understanding of thermodynamics of liquefied gases, vapor recovery, and custody transfer metering principles.
Familiarity with tank farm DCS/SCADA systems, automated loading skids, and emergency shutdown (ESD) logic.
Strong knowledge of API standards for storage tanks (API 650, API 620, API 653) and environmental regulations regarding VOC/Ammonia emissions.
Certifications & HSE: Valid HSE Level 1, 2, & 3 certifications; Process Safety Management (PSM) awareness. Specialized Ammonia Emergency Response / Toxic Gas Awareness training is a strong advantage. CompEx or equivalent Hazardous Area certification is a strong advantage. BOSIET/HUET and valid Offshore Medical (if applicable to site/terminal rotation).
What We Offer
A highly competitive, top-tier Oil & Gas remuneration package with applicable rotation allowances.
Opportunity to operate world-class, high-integrity storage and terminal assets in an integrated fertilizer facility.
Exposure to advanced digital work management, vapor recovery, and environmental compliance initiatives.
A "Goal Zero" safety culture with clear career progression into Senior Operations, Terminal Management, or Supply Chain pathways.