Job Description

Chemical Operator

Job Summary:

The Chemical Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a variety of chemical processing equipment in compliance with prescribed operating procedures, safety requirements, and quality standards. This role performs equipment setup and operation, loads and unloads raw materials and finished products, monitors chemical and physical processes, adjusts operating controls, maintains production and equipment records, and performs product sampling and testing. The Chemical Operator supports consistent production performance by identifying equipment or process issues, recommending improvements, and maintaining a clean and organized work area. This position plays an important role in supporting the company’s safety, quality, production, and operational objectives in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely and efficiently operate a variety of chemical processing equipment in accordance with prescribed operating procedures

• Demonstrate competency in the operation of reaction systems, distillation systems, filters, extractors, autoclaves, reactors, pumps, centrifuges, and other process equipment

• Load and unload raw materials, intermediates, and finished products into and out of process equipment

• Set up, operate, and adjust indicating and controlling devices to maintain proper process conditions

• Monitor and record chemical reactions, including changes in chemical and physical properties and composition of substances

• Adjust valves, controls, and other operating devices to maintain specified temperature, pressure, and vacuum levels

• Monitor equipment and process conditions and respond appropriately to changes or abnormalities

• Maintain accurate logs of gauge readings, shift production, equipment malfunctions, and other required operating information

• Draw product samples and perform required tests to verify products meet established specifications

• Identify equipment or process issues and recommend measures to improve production methods and equipment performance

• Recommend changes to working conditions and equipment use to improve the efficiency of operations personnel

• Maintain a clean, neat, and organized work area in accordance with company standards

• Follow established safety, quality, environmental, and operating procedures at all times

• Promote and support company safety and quality initiatives in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of the position

• Complete required training and on-the-job training within established timeframes

• Perform other duties as assigned and demonstrate flexibility to support production and operational needs

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Successful completion of the company Operator training program or equivalent prior experience is required

• Prior chemical processing, manufacturing, production, or equipment operation experience may be considered as equivalent experience

• Completion of 120 hours of on-the-job training within the first 90 days of employment is required

• Completion of PCC Classroom Training for RCRA General Awareness within six months of employment is required

• Recurring RCRA General Awareness training must be completed annually

Special Requirements

• Ability to safely operate and monitor chemical processing equipment in accordance with prescribed operating procedures

• Proficient mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity required

• Ability to accurately monitor equipment readings and recognize changes in process conditions

• Ability to follow detailed operating, safety, quality, and environmental procedures

• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours as needed to meet production requirements

• Ability to wear a respirator while performing certain job functions

• Ability to safely lift up to 65 pounds from the knees and waist on an occasional basis

• Adequate eyesight required to safely perform essential job functions and monitor equipment and process conditions

• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing and chemical processing environment

• Ability to successfully complete required classroom and on-the-job training

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of safe operating procedures for chemical processing and manufacturing equipment

• Understanding of chemical processing operations, including reactions, distillation, filtration, extraction, autoclave, reactor, pumping, and centrifuge processes

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic equipment and process issues

• Ability to set up and adjust indicating and controlling devices

• Ability to monitor and adjust valves, controls, temperature, pressure, and vacuum levels

• Ability to recognize and document changes in chemical and physical properties and product composition

• Ability to accurately record gauge readings, production information, equipment malfunctions, and other operating data

• Ability to draw product samples and perform required testing to verify product specifications

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality

• Ability to identify opportunities to improve production methods, equipment performance, and operational efficiency

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established operating procedures

• Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area

Work Environment

This position operates in a chemical processing and manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with process equipment, raw materials, intermediates, finished products, and chemical processing systems. The role requires close attention to operating conditions, equipment performance, production requirements, safety procedures, and quality standards. Employees may be required to work overtime and flexible hours based on production and operational needs. The position may involve exposure to industrial equipment and environments where the use of personal protective equipment, including a respirator, may be required. The Chemical Operator is expected to maintain a safe and orderly work area and consistently follow company safety, quality, and environmental procedures.

Physical Demands

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 65 pounds from the knees and waist

• Ability to operate chemical processing equipment, valves, controls, pumps, and related equipment

• Ability to use hands and fingers with sufficient manual dexterity to operate equipment and controls

• Ability to maintain adequate eyesight for monitoring equipment, gauges, controls, samples, and process conditions

• Ability to wear a respirator while performing certain job functions

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout a chemical processing and manufacturing environment as required

• Ability to safely perform required job functions while wearing applicable personal protective equipment

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