Lead Operator

Lead Operator

The Lead Operator oversees semiautomatic equipment and processes used to produce and package chemical substances in an industrial or consumer products environment. This role works in a small chemical packaging site, combining production operation and material handling responsibilities. The Lead Operator follows detailed batch sheets and recipes, operates forklifts to move materials, and supports safe, accurate chemical processing and down-packing activities while helping guide expectations within their work area.

Responsibilities:

• Tend equipment and semiautomatic processes used to produce and package chemical substances for industrial or consumer products.
• Work in a small chemical packaging site, performing both operator and material handling duties.
• Follow batch sheets and recipes to complete chemical formulations accurately and consistently.
• Lift and handle chemical bags weighing up to 50 pounds repetitively throughout the shift.
• Weigh and measure precise quantities of solids, powders, and liquids into heating vessels or blending tanks.
• Operate and adjust valves, monitor pressure levels, and oversee gaseous material systems during processing.
• Observe chemical reactions and monitor gauges, signals, and recorders to ensure processes remain within specified parameters.
• Document process conditions and any adjustments made, maintaining accurate production and process records.
• Inspect work areas and equipment regularly to detect leaks, malfunctions, or unsafe conditions.
• Shut down equipment when necessary and promptly notify maintenance or engineering teams of issues.
• Operate sit-down forklifts to move materials, including barrels, drums, vials, and totes, to and from equipment for down-packing and chemical processing.
• Handle materials in tight spaces using a forklift, maintaining high accuracy and control to avoid damaging packaging or storage containers.
• Manage the movement of finished goods and raw materials between the processing area and storage locations as required.
• Maintain mechanical and electronic systems related to vacuum levels and other process controls, within the scope of operational responsibilities.
• Respond to notifications from lab supervisors or other employees regarding process changes and implement adjustments as directed.
• Assist in managing expectations and workflow within the assigned area, supporting coordination and prioritization of tasks.
• Support a clean, organized, and safe work environment, recognizing that the work involves exposure to dirt, heat, and chemical materials.
• Use an RF scanner or similar devices, as needed, to support inventory tracking and material movement.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of respirators, uniforms, and other personal protective equipment.

Essential

Skills:

• Proven experience operating sit-down forklifts safely and accurately in confined spaces.
• Strong depth perception and spatial awareness to handle totes on high racks without damaging packaging.
• Hands-on experience in material handling, including loading, unloading, and moving drums, barrels, vials, totes, and chemical bags.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed batch sheets, recipes, and production instructions for compounding, blending, mixing, batching, and batch making.
• Mechanical aptitude to work with valves, pressure systems, and mechanical equipment such as mixers and process vessels.
• Ability to monitor and interpret gauges, signals, and recorders, and to observe and respond to chemical reactions during processing.
• Comfort working in an inherently dirty, physically demanding job that involves repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Capability to work safely in a hot environment, particularly during summer months, while maintaining accuracy and focus.
• Willingness and ability to wear a hooded respirator ("pamper") for certain tasks as required.
• Attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy in measuring, weighing, and recording process data.
• Basic production and machine operating skills in a chemical or manufacturing setting.
• Ability to coordinate with maintenance, engineering, and lab personnel to address process changes or equipment issues.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications:

• Experience in chemical production, packaging, or small-scale chemical processing environments.
• Familiarity with inventory processes and the use of RF scanners for tracking materials.
• Comfort working with vacuum-related mechanical and electronic systems within a production environment.
• Prior exposure to down-packing operations involving chemical bags, totes, and drums.
• Strong reliability and consistent attendance to support steady production schedules.
• Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors, lab staff, and maintenance teams regarding process conditions and required changes.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a low-stress, production-focused environment where accuracy and consistency matter more than high-pressure targets. Many team members have built long-term careers here, reflecting a stable and supportive…