Chemical Operator

Job Title:

Chemical Operator

This position reports directly to the Shift Supervisor and has no direct reports.

Inspect, operate, and control chemical processing and handling equipment associated with the production and/or processing of chemical products. Ancillary activities include routine inspection of equipment in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.

• Perform routine safety inspection of plant and ensure safety of plant operations.
• Operate and monitor automated and manually operated chemical process equipment, including mixing tanks, reactor vessels, distillation equipment, cooling/heating equipment, etc.
• Understand the importance of maintaining quality in all production-related activities.
• Move/transferring chemicals and equipment manually and with powered and automated equipment; operate pallet jacks and forklift trucks.
• Obtain quality control samples of raw materials, semi-finished and finished products for laboratory analysis.
• Assist in shipping and receiving of raw materials and finished products on occasion; assist in packaging products for shipment, including drums and totes.
• Retain knowledge of basic chemistry and chemical hazards and apply this knowledge in daily work activities.
• Perform basic arithmetic operations.
• Keep accurate monitoring reports/logs and documentation of process events.
• Follow the direction of shift leaders/supervisors.
• Understand hazards and risks associated with handling and processing various chemicals.
• Understand plant environmental health and safety regulations and comply with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

• Evaluate storm water, including measuring pH and clarity, and discharge storm water per plant procedures.
• Occasionally perform basic quality control analytical procedures, including pH testing.
• Perform various housekeeping activities.
• Effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Make independent judgments concerning assigned tasks.
• Discern situations where supervisory/management input is advisable.
• Use personal protective equipment as required.
• Perform duties of Material Handler when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position requires working on rotating shifts (24/7 operations) at the discretion of supervisory and management personnel. Periodically, overtime or a modified schedule may be necessary to meet production needs. Work is primarily performed outdoors during all seasons, with no travel required. The role demands the ability to lift 55 pounds regularly, hoist, and perform frequent walking, climbing stairs, and ladders.

Personal protective equipment, such as respirators, chemical-resistant clothing, hard hats, and safety eyewear, may be required at times, increasing physical stress. Workers must understand hazards and risks associated with maintenance and repair activities in a chemical manufacturing facility, retain knowledge of basic chemistry and chemical hazards, and use this knowledge safely. Independent judgment concerning tasks, safety, and environmental concerns is expected.

Workers are required to safely wear and/or use required personal protective equipment, support the site HES policy, comply with all regulatory and internal requirements, participate in HES activities provided by site management and Arkema Inc., and promote reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident, or injury incidents.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years’ manufacturing experience, preferred in chemical manufacturing.
• Basic computer literacy, including email and data entry.
• Experience with automated processing systems is preferred.
• Ability to operate a forklift is required.
• Work is performed in a control room, enclosed chemical processing facility, and outdoors.

• Ability to assimilate new information and apply it to unfamiliar situations in the future.
• Ability to improve safety, organization, and housekeeping with minimal direction.
• Ability to independently utilize Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the protection of the individual, coworkers, and the environment.

• Strong safety-minded work ethic and work history.
• Strong team member skills including communication, participation, and expressing mutual respect.