The Chemical Operator is responsible for operating chemical plant machines and entire chemical processes. Monitors instruments, adjust valves and gauges, and interprets chemical reactions.
****One important note – next week will mark 7 years of NO LOSS TIME ACCIDENT. Safety is first and foremost for us. Before we agree to do any process for a customer it is thoroughly reviewed by our safety team and management to talk over any concerns we may have and those concerns are addressed and dealt with before anyone ever begins on the project.****
Responsibilities
- Operate a variety of process equipment, including reaction systems, distillation systems, filters, extractors, reactors, pumps, and centrifuges in compliance with prescribed operating procedures.
- Load and unload raw materials, intermediates, and finished products into and out of process equipment.
- Set up and adjust indicating and controlling devices.
- Monitor and record reactions, noting changes in chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances.
- Adjust valves and controls to maintain system at specified temperature, pressure, and vacuum levels.
- Maintain log of gauge readings, shift production, and equipment malfunctions.
- Communicate job status to incoming shift.
- Perform routine maintenance on plant equipment.
- Maneuver drums and other containers on pallets
- Troubleshoot process and/or equipment problems.
- Report/record mechanical/process problems.
- Sample, control, and maintain plant quality.
- Operate forklift.
- Complete plant data/batch sheets.
- Work in accordance with HSEQ best practice.
- Perform required housekeeping and maintain orderliness.
- Attend all safety meetings/trainings as required.
- Wear all appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to loud noises, fumes or airborne particles, toxic chemicals (including high and low pH), flammable materials, high, precarious places and moving mechanical parts. The employee will be exposed to extreme temperatures within the working environment, including outside weather conditions such as wet and/or humid conditions. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and fume hoods is required.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is required to sit, climb, or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must navigate stairs and/or ladders. The employee must lift and/or move up to 55 pounds and lift and/or move greater than 55 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Employee must be willing and able to wear safety equipment such as but not limited to but not limited to, ear plugs, safety glasses and/or goggles, steel-toe boots, and face shields. Employee will be required to be fit-tested for full-face respirators.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position.
Our current chemical operator openings are:
West plant –
- 1st shift – Opening 1 – shift is currently (4 )10-hour days – Mon-Thurs 5a-3p. The estimated timeframe to return to our standard (5) 8-hour days is about 6 weeks and that schedule is Mon-Fri 7a-3p
- 2nd shift – Opening 2 - shift is currently (4) 10-hour days – Mon-Thurs 12p-10p. The estimated timeframe to return to our standard (5) 8-hour days is about 6 weeks and that schedule is Mon-Fri 7a-3p
Distillation plant
- 1st shift – Opening 2 – shift is currently (5) 8-hour days – Mon-Fri 7a-3p. It is estimated that by 4 quarter 2023 or 1st quarter 2024 the plant will move to a 2-3-2 schedule with 12-hr shifts which 1st will then work 7a-7p.
Chemical operators’ everyday attire
- Uniforms
- We pay for the uniforms
- We pay for the cleaning
- Employees are not permitted to wear them home
- Long sleeve shirts and long pants
- Hard hats
- Gloves
- We provide all gloves both nitryl, leather, or others gloves depending on what they are working with
- Safety glasses
- We provide the standard glasses
- If prescription glasses are needed we pay for the glasses but not the eye exam
- Steel-toed boots
- We pay up to $120 for the boots every 12 months
- Replacement boots damaged due to work – we pay for replacements
Required Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED. (required)
- One year of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment or equivalent. (required)
- High school diploma or GED. (preferred)
- Two (2) years of experience. (preferred)
- South Carolina “Work Keys” testing (preferred)
The idea behind WorkKeys is to provide both employers and employees (or job seekers) with a clear method of identifying and measuring skills in several areas that are crucial for job success. For employers, the tests can help in the hiring, training, and promotion processes. For job seekers or employees, achieving high scores or certain levels can demonstrate their skills and qualifications for specific jobs.
Specifically, the WorkKeys assessments evaluate skills in areas such as:
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- Applied Math - Evaluates mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving techniques as applied in workplace contexts.
- Graphic Literacy - Assesses the ability to find, analyze, and apply information presented in workplace graphics.
- Workplace Documents - Tests reading and comprehension skills related to documents commonly found in the workplace, such as memos, letters, bulletins, etc.