Company Description

PQ is a leading global provider of silicates, silicas and derivative products. PQ's products are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and many customer products, from decorative paints to green cement, from clean drinking water to green tires and from toothpaste to biofuels and beer.

Ideal candidates resonate with PQ's Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, People, Customer Focus and Safety. Successful employees embrace and model these values in their behaviors and actions.

Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for the overall operations involved in gel production within Xerogel and Hydrogel processes. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, decontamination and sterilization of process equipment, unloading of bulk shipments of raw materials, gel making, washing, milling, packing, in process testing and storage of product.

The Gels Operator will proceed with the scheduled production and other operations assigned, such as housekeeping. 

The operator will give the Maintenance Department full cooperation whenever production equipment is broken down and is to assist the Maintenance Department in every way possible.

When none of this work is scheduled, this person will be assigned to other work if such is available.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Direct the activities of other employees if they are assigned to assist in the performance of departmental duties.
2. Ensure that scheduled production rates are maintained, and that product quality is maintained within specifications.
3. Take and log all those measurements necessary to maintain proper equipment operation, and product quality.
4. Take samples, perform control tests and make changes, in the operation, as necessary, to maintain product quality and production rates. 
5. Obtain samples, as required by the Quality Control Laboratory, mark them properly and deliver to the lab.
6. Thoroughly inspect all the equipment, the Gels Operator will make sure it is operating properly.
7. Perform minor repairs and adjustments; as need for them arises, and report promptly to Supervisor, any need for major repairs.
8. Ensure all areas are kept clean, orderly, and safe.
9. Comply with all federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations and requirements.
10. Complete all required Environmental, Health and Safety training, including computer-based training and refresher training. Be fully available to receive the defined training for the Job and once trained also to train others to learn the Job whenever necessary.
11. Comply with company policies.
12. Comply with plant work rules and safety rules.
13. Comply with all rules pertaining to a Food Grade Operation, such as, but not limited to: no eating, no smoking and no smokeless tobacco in the Gels Plant and Warehouse. Eating is permitted only in designated areas. Smoking and smokeless tobacco are permitted only in designated areas. Daily housekeeping is required and must be documented on housekeeping checklists.
14. All applicable production log and shift handover sheets must be completed timely, accurately and completely.
15. Other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn and comprehend manufacturing processes.
• Ability to work as a member of a 3 person team.
• Willingness to learn new skills, as needed.
• Ability to assist others in completing required tasks.
• Work safely and abide by all safety rules and requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent. Basic mathematical abilities and skills.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Outlook, and Word). SAP and PLC experience is desired but not essential.
• Experience with lab testing equipment and general lab safety. 
• Previous manufacturing/warehousing experience (2 years).

Behavioral & Job Competencies (including leadership competencies)

• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Essential
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills

Additional Information

Special Factors

• Manufacturing plant that operates 24/7/365
• Ability to work 12 hour/rotating shifts (monthly)
• Ability to work OT, as required
• Ability to work in non-temperature controlled environment
• Ability to lift 50 lbs

EHS Responsibilities

• Communicates, promotes and personally demonstrates Safety/Health (including PQP Principles) as #1 priority
• Participation in risk assessment audits as applicable
• Understand PQ Principles (PQP) and how they are implemented in the site organization, rules and procedures
• Completes HSE training requirements identified for the job in a timely manner

PQ is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. Click on the link to read Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (eeoc.gov). For more information, please review the link Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov).