Chemical Operator

Role Overview

The Chemical Operator role is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, monitoring, adjustment, and permitting of the site chemical processes. This role is performed from both inside the control room and while making rounds outside in the processing areas, monitoring and recording data critical to the plant's operation. The role will also oversee the operation of utility processes and byproduct/waste removal streams. This role will report directly to an Operations Supervisor.

What You'll Be Doing

• Observe all safety rules and regulations, act safely and is responsible for the safety of others on site.
• Ensure safety is top priority using tools such as energy isolation, Safe Work Permitting, Job Safety Analysis, Safety Observations, etc. Bring problems to the attention of the leadership.
• Follow daily procedures and protocols as set forth in job orientations, standard operating procedures, and trainings.
• Perform routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refer defects or needed repairs to the supervisor.
• Assist in training of new team members to perform the daily work and job functions.
• Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by leadership.
• Turn valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through equipment.
• Report and confer with technical and operations leadership teams to report or resolve conditions affecting safety, efficiency, and product quality.
• Operate machinery that regulates the flow of materials and products.
• Inspect operating units such as pumps, mixers, columns, refrigeration systems, heating systems, etc. to ensure that all are functioning, and maintaining maximum efficiency.
• Assist with and/or repair and replace damaged equipment as required.
• Calculate material requirements or yields according to defined formulas.
• Collect samples and perform routine lab test such as density, melt flow, and color.
• Control or operate chemical processes using distributed control system (DCS), human-machine interfaces (HMI's), or localized control panels.
• Monitor recording instruments, flow meters, panel lights, and other indicators, and listen for warning signals, to verify conformity of process conditions.
• Record operating data such as process conditions, test results, and instrument readings.
• Notify maintenance, engineering, and other auxiliary personnel to correct equipment malfunctions.
• Patrol work areas to ensure safe, efficient working conditions including maintaining good housekeeping.

Basic Qualifications (Required)

• Highly motivated team player with a focus on safety and a positive can-do attitude
• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) diploma
• 3+ years of plant/manufacturing experience or technical degree
• Ability and willingness to work shift-based work schedule
• Basic technical math skills
• Computer literacy and ability to perform basic administrative and record keeping duties related to the manufacturing process
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from coworkers, engineers, and site leadership
• Must be flexible with the ability to change, adapt and grow.
• Ability to read, count, and write to accurately communicate and complete all required documentation
• Ability to use hand tools necessary for chemical plant operation
• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection, respirators, and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test, background check, and pre-employment physical.

Nice to Haves

• Associates or technical degree in a scientific field
• Controls systems knowledge or experience (Emerson preferred)
• OSHA/PSM experience
• Experience in startup companies
• Continuous improvement, Kaizen or 5S experience