Job Description

The Fluids Plant Operator (LMPO) is responsible for the preparation, handling, storage, and dispatch of drilling fluids (liquid mud systems) at the Liquid Mud Plant (LMP) in Pemba, in support of drilling operations.

The role ensures drilling fluid quality meets the specifications provided by mud engineers, follows Business Line QA/QC procedures, and maintains a safe, clean, and well-documented plant environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete safety training and ensure understanding of chemical documentation.
• Report hazards and intervene in unsafe practices.
• Consistently wear correct PPE and follow safe work practices.
• Blend and mix bulk products for delivery to the wellsite, on time, according to the job program design.
• Check and/or calculate quantities of material blends required prior to loading.
• Follow Business Line (BL) quality assurance procedures to ensure proper loading.
• Coordinate movement of bulk products to and from locations with the PSD and Logistics Team.
• Assist in conducting monthly inventory and daily paperwork completion for goods received and shipped.
• Label and store additives in a safe manner and ensure the disposal of empty drums and pails.
• Maintain bulk/LMP plant equipment by performing a daily check while ensuring the bulk plant is kept clean.
• Participate in job risk analysis and continuous improvement programs.

HSE & Risk

• Chemical exposure – contact with drilling fluids and additives (barite, bentonite, caustic soda, polymers) causing skin, eye, or respiratory irritation.
• Pressurized equipment hazards– risk of hose whip, pump failure, and mechanical injury during operations or maintenance.
• Manual handling – injuries from lifting heavy chemical bags and handling hoses (back and muscle strain).
• Spills & environmental risk – drilling fluid leaks during transfer can contaminate soil or the marine environment.
• Fire/explosion risk – mainly linked to bulk mud systems and poor control of ignition sources.
• Remote/coastal site risks – delayed emergency response, fatigue from shifts, and demanding working conditions.
• Human/operational error – incorrect mixing ratios or miscommunication affecting drilling performance and safety.

Qualifications & Experience

• Knowledge of drilling fluids / oilfield mud systems.
• Logistics or industrial plant experience (Pemba/coastal base experience an advantage).
• Strong HSE mindset aligned with client and IOC standards.
• Ability to work under pressure in remote/coastal operating environments.
• Basic mechanical skills (pumps, valves, fluid systems).
• English required; Portuguese is an advantage.
• Secondary education minimum (technical qualification preferred).
• Oil & gas, chemical plant, or industrial fluid experience preferred.
• Certifications preferred: H2S Awareness, BOSIET/FOET, site-specific HSE induction.

Key Skills

• Understanding of drilling fluids / oilfield mud systems.
• Familiarity with plant/logistics operations.
• Strong HSE culture aligned with international oil companies (IOCs).
• Basic mechanical aptitude (pumps, valves, fluid systems).
• Good communication in English (essential) and Portuguese.
• Accurate calculation and record-keeping of material blends and inventory.