Process Operator

Role overview

Yara International is building a future talent pool for Process Operator opportunities at its Yara Pilbara site in Karratha, Western Australia. This is an expression of interest rather than an open vacancy, so registering your details does not guarantee an interview or job offer. You may be contacted later if a role becomes available that matches your background.

Yara works as part of a worldwide network focused on helping address resource scarcity, food insecurity, and environmental change in a practical and commercially responsible way.

About the site

Yara Pilbara Fertilisers operates one of the world’s largest ammonia production facilities. The site also extends ammonia production downstream through the Yara Pilbara Nitrates Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) plant, which is a joint venture with Orica. In partnership with ENGIE, Yara Pilbara is also developing a renewable hydrogen facility to support renewable ammonia production.

Roles based in Karratha are residential positions, and Yara is looking for people who are willing to live in the nearby coastal community.

Typical responsibilities

Process Operators at Yara Pilbara generally work across ammonia and TAN operations and are expected to support safe, reliable plant performance in both the field and control room.

• Operate and observe plant systems and equipment safely across utilities, ammonia, nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, and bulk handling areas, following approved operating procedures and conditions.
• Carry out start-ups, shutdowns, routine inspections, sampling, and basic maintenance tasks, and respond promptly when operations move outside normal parameters.
• Prepare plant and equipment for maintenance, complete permit-to-work steps, and confirm isolation and other safety requirements are in place.
• Keep accurate logs, records, and reports to support communication, troubleshooting, and compliance needs.
• Take part in formal training and competency assessments across multiple plant areas and contribute to ongoing improvements in safety and efficiency.

Candidate profile

Yara is looking for people with relevant process operations capability and a strong commitment to safe teamwork in a heavy industrial environment.

• Certificate III in Process Plant Operations, or an equivalent qualification; a trade qualification or tertiary background in Chemical Engineering or a similar discipline may also be considered.
• At least 3 to 5 years of experience in the chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, or manufacturing sectors.
• Prior exposure to ammonia, methanol, nitric acid, or ammonium nitrate operations is strongly preferred.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work well in a team-based environment.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and Outlook, along with basic familiarity with IT systems and account processing.
• Strong English communication ability, both spoken and written.
• Australian or New Zealand citizenship, or permanent residency.

Additional information

Yara emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion across its operations and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, genders, orientations, races, and skill sets. The company has embedded DE&I into its business strategy and supports this through global ambassador networks.

As part of recruitment, reference and background checks may be carried out where local law allows. These checks are only performed when appropriate for the role, and candidates will be notified by HR before any such checks begin.

What’s on offer

• Complimentary housing in Karratha for the full duration of employment, or alternatively Karratha housing assistance valued at $46,000 per year for the duration of employment.
• A sportsman roster is currently being trialed; it is still to be confirmed whether this will remain permanent or change back to a 2D2N, 4-off pattern.
• 6 weeks of paid annual leave.
• Regional location allowance of $35,000 per year.
• Health and wellness allowance of $1,000 per year.
• Annual bonus scheme with a target equivalent to one month of base salary.
• Reimbursement of electricity and water utility costs up to $3,000 per year.
• Flights for the employee and dependents twice each year after the initial service period.
• Relocation support.
• 6 months of paid primary parental leave.
• Access to a culturally diverse workforce, a DEI Ambassador program, salary packaging, and an active social club.