Benchmarking, Cleaning Equipment, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Corporate Finance, Corporate Policies, Detail Oriented, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Documentation, Environmental Health, Establish Priorities, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Identify Issues, Incentive Programs, Inventory Reports, Leadership, Loading/Unloading, Microsoft Office, Multitasking, Operations Management, Preventative Maintenance, Problem Solving Skills, Product Packaging, Production Control, Production Machining, Risk, Safety Standards, Safety/Work Safety, Specimens/Samples, Training Program, Training/Teaching, Warehousing, Wheel/Front-End Loader
Description
Ascensus Specialties is seeking a motivated individual for a Chemical Operator (Progression Role) in Elma, WA. This unique opportunity allows you to begin your career as a Utility Helper and advance to a Chemical Operator through a structured training and development program.
During your journey from Utility Helper to Chemical Operator, you will be responsible for processing sodium ISO containers, handling supplies and shipments, conducting maintenance, and overseeing production using a Distributed Control System (DCS).
Shift Schedule: This position offers a rotating 12-hour shift schedule: four days on, four days off. Your four 'on' days will consist of two 12-hour day shifts, followed by two 12-hour night shifts. This role also includes exposure to various chemicals.
Safety-Sensitive Position Designation
This is a safety-sensitive position for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk of harm or death. In accordance with RCW 49.44.240, satisfactory completion of a pre-employment background check, physical capacity exam, and drug/alcohol screening is required as a condition of employment. Because this role requires the safe handling of hazardous chemicals and operation of heavy production machinery, Ascensus Specialties maintains a drug-free workplace. This safety standard applies to all screened substances, including medical and recreational marijuana/THC. Employees in this role remain subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug and alcohol testing in accordance with company policy.
Key Responsibilities
- ISO Container Management: Heating, emptying, and switching ISO containers.
- Material Handling & Maintenance: Unloading raw materials, filter changes, sampling, cleaning equipment, loading/unloading products, equipment setup, preventive maintenance, product packaging, and warehouse support.
- Documentation: Recording inventory, environmental, and process readings.
- Process Monitoring & Control: Taking readings, learning and operating the DCS, monitoring the process, communicating issues, and making adjustments.
- Flexibility: Willingness to perform other duties as assigned by the shift supervisor or Operations Manager.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Safety: Ability to wear and maintain PPE standards.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficient in basic computer skills including MS Office programs.
Required Competencies
- Communication & Collaboration: Effective communication and the ability to work well within a team.
- Problem-Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve issues.
- Adaptability: Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
- Independence: Capable of performing work functions with minimal supervision.
- Precision: Keen attention to detail.
- Leadership: Demonstrated leadership potential, including decision-making and integrity.
Benefits
Compensation & Benefits
In addition to company-sponsored plans, employees may be eligible for statutory benefits under the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. In compliance with WA State Pay Transparency requirements, the following compensation model is provided for this role:
Hiring Pay Range (Starting Rate):
- Utility Helper: $28.00/hr (Minimum) | $30.00/hr (Maximum) (Starting rate determined by experience)
Progressive Pay Path: New hires enter as a Utility Helper and must show continuous progression to Operator A within three years from the date of hire. As milestones and training benchmarks are met, pay scales up automatically according to the following progression bands:
- Chemical Operator: $30.00/hr.
- Chemical Operator C: $30.90/hr.
- Chemical Operator B: $33.99/hr.
- Chemical Operator A: $37.60/hr.
Overtime Pay: Eligible for overtime at 1.5x the regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek, in accordance with Washington State law.
Incentive Pay Opportunities (Factored into overtime calculations):
- Laboratory Sampling Certification: +$0.50/hr.
- 4th Area of Certification: +$2.00/hr.
Annual Bonus Incentive: Eligible to participate in our 2026 Ascensus Bonus Plan at a target of 6% of base annual wage. The 2026 Ascensus Bonus Plan (ABP) is a unified annual cash incentive program designed to reward eligible employees for measurable contributions to company performance. Eligibility and payouts are determined based on overall company financials, as well as plant performance pertaining to Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), Quality, and Production. For new hires, the annual bonus potential is prorated based on the hire date.
Comprehensive Benefits Package (Health and wellness benefits begin on Day 1 of employment)
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans; Life and AD&D insurance; and Short-term/Long-term Disability coverage.
- Retirement (401k): 100% match up to the first 3% of employee contributions; 70% match on contributions between 3% and 6%.
- Paid Time Off: All accrued and frontloaded time off benefits become available for use after 90 days of employment. Time off allotments for the first calendar year are prorated based on the hire date:
- Vacation & Floating Holidays: Frontloaded on Jan. 1 annually based on tenure accrual [e.g., 120 hours for new hires], in accordance with the Employee Handbook.
- Sick Leave: Accrued at a rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked, per WA State law.
- Company Holidays: 9 paid company holidays (paid at 8 hours each) + 24 hours of floating holidays per calendar year.
- Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available immediately to support overall well-being.