Chemical Operator - Elma

Application Deadline: 19 September 2026

Department: Operations

Location: Elma, WA

Compensation: $28.00 - $30.00 / hour

Description

Ascensus Specialties is seeking motivated individuals for a Chemical Operator career path in Elma, WA. This is a structured, progressive role where you are hired with a defined pipeline to advance from entry-level facility support to a master-level plant operator within three years.

• Phase 1 (Starting Tier — Utility Helper): You will build foundational manufacturing experience by handling raw material receiving, processing sodium ISO containers, managing product shipments, performing equipment prep, and maintaining site upkeep.
  
  
• Phase 2 (Advancement Tiers — Chemical Operator to "A" Level): As you complete mandatory in-step technical training and earn area certifications, your role expands to overseeing continuous production using Distributed Control Systems (DCS), analyzing laboratory samples, performing process troubleshooting, and executing basic maintenance.

This position offers clear pay increases at each certification tier and requires a commitment to continuous learning, strict safety standards, and 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

Note: The following responsibilities represent the full scope of the Chemical Operator role. Foundational duties (such as material handling, ISO container management, facility upkeep, and field support) are performed across all levels, with technical complexity, process monitoring, and DCS operations expanding as an operator advances through training tiers and earns area certifications.

ISO Container & Material Handling Logistics

• ISO Container Operations: Safely perform heating, emptying, and switching operations for sodium ISO containers in accordance with site EHS and operating procedures.
• Material Handling: Unload raw materials, perform product packaging, apply regulatory labels, and execute product loading/unloading.
• Railcar & Field Logistics: Safely operate the railcar mover, connect/disconnect railcars, manage internal movement of rail-based materials, and execute filter changes and routine equipment setups.

Process Monitoring, DCS & Optimization

• DCS Operation: Learn, operate, and stay current with the Distributed Control System (DCS) to monitor and adjust continuous plant processes within design specifications.
• Process Control & Adjustments: Take readings, observe process equipment, identify performance gaps, respond promptly to process deviations, and execute corrective actions to ensure product quality.
• Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Perform laboratory sampling and analysis, basic mechanical repairs, equipment maintenance prep, and routine preventive maintenance.
  
  

Documentation & Communication

• Operational Recordkeeping: Accurately record inventory levels, environmental parameters, and process readings as required.
• Logging & Handover: Maintain complete electronic logbook entries of operational events and actively participate in structured 12-hour shift turnover meetings.
  
  

Safety & Field Operations

• EHS Compliance: Perform all duties safely, maintaining strict adherence to Operating Discipline documentation and EHS excellence initiatives.
• Confined Space Entry: Safely perform duties within permit-required confined spaces (e.g., vessel inspection, cleaning, filter changes) following Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and atmospheric monitoring protocols.
• Facility Upkeep: Maintain site cleanliness, operate cleaning equipment, maintain exterior facility grounds, complete weed control, and perform routine touch-up painting of equipment and structural piping.

Operational Flexibility

• Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to perform other duties as assigned by the Shift Supervisor, Lead Operator, or Operations Manager to support continuous 24/7 plant continuity.
  
  

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

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.
• Board Operator: 2.00/hr. (2-years of A level operator experience required)
• 4th Area of Certification: $2.00/hr. (5-years of plant experience required)

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 4% 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.