Chemical Operator

Chemical Operator

The Chemical Operator is a safety‑critical role responsible for the safe, disciplined operation of chemical processing systems in a continuously operating manufacturing environment. Operators are entrusted with real‑time decision‑making authority while on shift and are expected to actively monitor process conditions, identify risk, and take appropriate action to protect people, equipment, the environment, and product quality.

Chemical Operators take full ownership of their equipment and processes. They are expected to operate with a strong sense of accountability, follow standard work rigorously, escalate abnormal conditions early, and intervene when conditions are unsafe or outside of established operating limits. Safety is the top priority in every task and decision.

Responsibilities will include:

Safety, Risk Awareness, and Escalation

• Maintain an uncompromising commitment to personal, team, and process safety always.
• Proactively identify unsafe conditions, at‑risk behaviors, and abnormal process conditions; immediately correct when safe to do so and escalate when conditions exceed authority or capability.
• Follows all safety procedures, permits, and controls (including PPE, LOTO, and hazardous material handling) and actively reinforce safe behaviors within the team.
• Clearly communicate safety concerns, near misses, and abnormal events during shift handovers and through proper reporting channels.

Operational Discipline & Decision‑Making

• Operate, monitor, and control a continuously running production line using established procedures, standard work, and operating limits.
• Use process data, instrumentation, and alarms (temperature, pressure, pH, flow, etc.) to make informed decisions and take timely corrective actions.
• Recognize early indicators of process deviation or equipment degradation and respond before issues escalate.
• Maintain strict adherence to process limits and specifications; do not bypass safeguards or procedures.
• Execute startups, shutdowns, and transitions deliberately and in accordance with approved instructions.

Equipment Ownership & Process Execution

• Own assigned equipment and process areas, ensuring they are operated, inspected, and maintained in a stable and compliant condition.
• Operate a wide range of chemical processing and material handling equipment, including but not limited to:
• Holding tanks, utility manifolds, and bulk material conveyance systems
• Centrifugal and metering pumps
• Heat exchangers, filters, centrifuges, and filter presses
• Kilns, evaporators, and wastewater treatment systems
• Perform routine field rounds, sampling, and basic troubleshooting activities.
• Accurately document operating conditions, deviations, and actions taken.

Sampling, Quality, and Communication

• Collect in‑process and finished product samples in accordance with procedures and verify results against expected parameters.
• Communicate process status, risks, and issues clearly with Engineering, Maintenance, and Manufacturing teams.
• Execute thorough, factual, and disciplined shift handovers to ensure continuity and shared understanding across shifts.
• Support troubleshooting, maintenance coordination, and continuous improvement efforts when required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Basic working knowledge of chemical plant operations and process equipment (6 months of experience preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures precisely while maintaining situational awareness and sound judgment.
• Strong attention to detail with accurate documentation and record‑keeping habits.
• Comfortable navigating complex HMIs (e.g., Ignition) to monitor, control, and troubleshooting processes.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials handling; HAZWOPER certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Willingness to speak up, escalate issues early, and challenge unsafe conditions respectfully.
• A passion for sustainability and contributing to a safer, more responsible manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while monitoring operations.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work in a multi‑level industrial facility.
• Ability to bend, twist, lift, and carry materials and tools (up to approximately 50 lbs).
• Ability to work safely around industrial equipment, chemicals, and varying environmental conditions.