Lab Supervisor

Valero Energy Corporation

 Ensures the efficient and orderly operation of the analytical laboratory and supervision of the Laboratory Technicians to provide accurate and timely analysis of product. 

• Provides direct supervision of laboratory employees to ensure high quality of work performed and laboratory analysis is performed in a safe, timely and accurate manner.
• Evaluates and sets policies and procedures for lab operations.
• Oversees and inspects all work and insures that all test and methods are done according to company requirements.
• Monitors quality assurance program internally and with outside labs and organizations.
• Schedules Laboratory Technicians to provide optimum coverage for the Laboratory.
• Assists in the training and supervision of the Shift Chemists particularly in the area of instrumental analysis.
• Maintains and monitors the reliability and accuracy of instrument analysis.
• Participates in providing solutions to special Refinery issues.
• Maintains equipment and testing methods at high performance levels.
• Ensures the equipment and testing methods at high performance levels.
• Ensures the equipment is operating at maximum capacity and maintains the proper inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Follows and enforces all safety rules and guidelines as established by the Refinery.
• Provides supervision and leadership in the department to insure that the quality of work performed in this area is effective and profitable to the company in regard to the products it produces.
• Evaluates the work of testers to develop new techniques for improvements in cutting operating costs in the department.
• Evaluates each employee on a quarterly basis to insure that their work is accurate and to stimulate self- motivation among employees to increase their responsibility as well as the quality of their work.
• Provides a training program for all laboratory employees to insure that all tests and methods are done according to the company’s requirements.
• Oversees all work done in the department and insure that all analysis performed are accurate before they are distributed to the concerned parties.
• Maintains contract specification on all incoming and outgoing products. 
• Assures that test sheets are updated to current specifications.
• Develops new techniques to improve quality assurance and reduce costs.
• Documents all positive and negative actions of the employees assigned to your area.
• Assists the Laboratory staff in the collection and distribution of Lab data.
• Assists personnel outside the department in the collection, evaluation, and distribution of Laboratory data.
• Monitors new and improved methods for improving and automating the flow of information to and from the Laboratory.
• Knowledge of all aspects of refinery lab operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of chromatography, including test methods, procedures, software, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Strong knowledge of refinery operations, especially unit processes.
• Extensive knowledge of computer hardware and software, including networks, programming, communication with laboratory equipment, and common business software required.
• Ability to read and interpret company policies, regulatory guidelines, and other work-related documentation.
• Ability to abide by confidentiality requirements when working with sensitive information, results, and communications.
• Skill in providing thorough, efficient, and effective customer service to individuals at all levels within the organization.
• Ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal methods.
• Ability to accomplish work within required timelines, including short, long, and emergency timeframes.
• Ability to cross-train in other department duties to ensure efficient coverage department responsibilities.
• Ability to work with others to accomplish challenging assignments.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple assignments to ensure completion of tasks within stated time requirements.
• Basic skill using Microsoft Office programs (i.e., Word and Excel).

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry preferred. Additional emphasis in Computer Science preferred.
• 8 years of laboratory testing experience required. 
• 2 years of lab experience in a refinery, chemical, or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Additional formal training in Laboratory Testing, Chromatography, or Computer Technology preferred.

About Valero

Valero Energy Corporation is a Fortune 500 company based in San Antonio, Texas, and through its subsidiaries is the world’s largest independent petroleum refiner and marketer. Valero supplies fuel and products that improve people’s lives with 16 refineries and 10 ethanol plants stretching from the U.S. West and Gulf coasts to Canada, United Kingdom, and the Caribbean. Well-positioned pipelines and terminals allow Valero to deliver premium-quality clean fuels quickly, responsibly, and efficiently. Our diversified product slate supports dozens of industries, from health care and plastics to transportation, beauty products, and manufacturing.

Valero's employees are the heart of its success, and there is a reason why the company is an employer of choice in the fuels manufacturing and marketing industry. It’s not just the excellent benefits package, or the opportunities for personal growth, it’s also the caring and committed culture of the organization that makes everyone feel like they’re truly part of a team.

About the Three Rivers Refinery

The Valero Three Rivers Refinery is located approximately 70 miles south of San Antonio, and in the heart of Eagle Ford Shale production. This economic advantage makes it an important link in Valero's operations in the Southwest. The plant, situated about halfway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas, began operations in 1974 with the commissioning of a crude unit and has had several major expansions and upgrades since then. The first expansion was in 1978 and 1979 when catalytic reformer and vacuum distillation units were added. In 1981, a fluidized catalytic cracking unit (FCC) and alkylation unit were added. In 1990 and 1992, the crude unit was expanded again. A continuous catalytic reformer was added in 1991. A hydrocracker unit was built in 1993, and a gas oil hydrotreater and hydrogen plant were moved to the plant site in 1995 and 1996. Additionally, a petrochemicals BTX extraction unit was added in 1996. Beginning in 2003, units were modified to provide the capability of processing medium-sour crude oil. The refinery is capable of producing a wide variety of products including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, benzene, toluene, xylene, liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs), propylene, No. 6 fuel oil, fuel gas and sulfur. Due to the proximity of the Eagle Ford Shale formation, the refinery receives mostly local crude by trucks and pipelines. The finished products are mainly shipped by pipeline to the San Antonio terminals. The refinery also produces naphthenic lubricants/specialty process oils.

Valero is an EEO/AA Employer.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status including Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities and protected Veterans.