Assistant Process Operator

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.

• Operates in compliance with all health, safety and environmental rules and regulations.
• Interprets lab and process date and adjusts process to maintain quality output.
• Receives, inspects and unloads raw material deliveries.
• Operates the Durco filter process.
• Storage of potassium silicate flake sacks.
• Communicates process information and issues with other production operators, maintenance & management.
• Maintains production and other company requirements.
• Performs housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Knows and complies with all corporate/plant policies and procedures and demonstrates commitment to responsible care in everyday activities.
• Performs and assists maintenance as directed, including preventative maintenance.
• Safe and efficient transfer or liquid sodium silicate wash and water and soft water from silicate in process tanks and adjustments of finished product tanks.
• Operates and maintains soft water system.
• Monitor and direct contractors’ day to day activity.
• Maintains department equipment and supplies.
• Supports unit manager, maintenance and other employees in daily plant operations.
• Maintains proper silicate inventories.
• Assists unit manager in decisions making related to furnace ratio, inventory levels of product inventory levels of raw materials and Baume’ targets.
• Conveys Unit Managers direction to other employees.
• Routinely monitors environmental conditions in the plant and takes appropriate investigative & corrective actions and makes timely notifications.
• Performs lab analyses for process and finished silicate products.
• Monitor and control daily maintenance activities (i.e., work permits, work orders, etc.)
• Communicate problems, instructions, observations and request orally and in writing to other plant employees.
• Performs key coordinating duties for emergency response situations, notifying and working with management, police, fire and ambulance personnel as required.
• Capable of using a cutting torch, jack hammer and other industrial tools.
• Performs special projects or other duties as directed.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred chemical industry experience
• Preferred knowledge of safety programs including LOTO and confined space.
• Ability to pass a forklift training course.
• Able to follow written and verbal instruction.
• Able to demonstrate basic computer skills.
• Good interpersonal skills work well within team environments. Good skill making decisions.
• Must demonstrate a strong work ethic. (attendance, attitude, etc.)

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).