Chemical Operator

Job Overview:

Monitors and operates the chemical production systems. Responsible for cleaning and basic maintenance of the production systems which include steam autoclaves, bucket elevator, centrifugal pumps, heat exchangers, bag house, chemical offloading stations, tank farm, and other equipment in support of the chemical operation. Works as a team, with batch operator and field operator, and interacts with maintenance workers, contract employees, technical and professional employees, and department supervisors. The work shift for this position is a rotating 12-hour shift of 6:30am to 6:30pm and 6:30pm to 6:30am with 36 hours worked in week one and 48 hours in week two.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Ensures all equipment is well maintained and runs safely and efficiently.
• Monitors the operations of systems, logs data, makes process adjustments as required, and submits maintenance work orders.
• Performs repeated process tasks such as cleaning filters, charging vessels, and transferring product.
• Maintains an organized work area with clean equipment and associated areas. Completes projects to improve the performance and appearance of the equipment.
• Monitors and coordinates activities of personnel working on the process.
• Operates front end loader for raw materials handling and forklift for process waste disposal.
• Stays current with knowledge and proficiency of process control systems including screen manipulation and response.
• Performs de energization (lockout/tagout) of equipment and issues safe work permits to ensure maintenance is performed safely on equipment.
• Assists the supervisor in developing short- and long-term strategies including training requirements, standard operating procedures, preventative maintenance programs, and benchmarking activities.
• Utilizes chemical testing equipment to ensure product quality is within specification.
• Conducts safety, housekeeping, regulatory, and environmental inspections. Documents findings/activities and is responsible for ensuring that preventative maintenance programs are maintained.
• Performs limited process waste management activities such as waste movement and labeling.
• Performs limited maintenance operations with and without support from maintenance personnel.
• Ensures that OSHA, SCDHEC, and other regulatory requirements are met or exceeded in production areas. Participates in Safety Audits, ISO 9001, RC 14001, and Site Safety Process activities to ensure requirements are met or exceeded.

Specific Skills:

• Possesses general mechanical background
• Exhibits proven basic math and problem-solving skills
• Basic understanding of electrical circuits
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Word and Excel

Minimum Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associates degree and/or certificate in industrial work skills such as industrial maintenance, automated technology, welding, etc. is preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• 2 years of experience with industrial or commercial maintenance or operations is required.
• 5 years of chemical production operations and certification in forklifts or other heavy equipment is preferred.

Certifications & Licenses:

Valid Driver's License

Physical Requirements

Possess close visual acuity and acuity to operate motor vehicles and heavy equipment, ability to reach, stand, walk, push, pull, grasp, talk, hear, repetitive motion, and exert up to 50lbs of force occasionally and 20lbs frequently.

Working Conditions

Subject to activities inside and outside, temperature levels below 32 degrees and above 100 degrees for more than one hour, noise levels where one may need to shout to be heard, vibration, hazards such as moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working in high places, exposure to high heat, chemicals, fumes, odors, oils, and other cutting fluids, and required to wear a respirator.