Chemical Operator

Production Operators are cross-trained in areas of the manufacturing process. The selected candidates will have a strong work ethic, be safety conscious, display strong attention to detail, be adaptable, have good communication skills and be able to work in a team based environment.

The successful candidate will safely and efficiently operate all equipment necessary to manufacture atmospheric emulsions, reactor batches, solvent-based formulations, pilot batches, and cold-blend products. This position is also responsible for performing quality control testing, product packaging and loading/unloading finished good or raw material bulk tankers when necessary. This allows the Chemical Operator to effectively “own” the entire manufacturing process, from loading the raw materials to the final approval of finished goods.

Additionally, Chemical Operators are entrusted to make formula adjustments when necessary based on their testing to provide quality finished goods. Throughout the manufacturing process, the Chemical Operator is trained to react properly to variations in process, equipment failures or condition changes while being trusted to make the necessary changes in approach to ensure success without requiring additional support from management.

Primary Responsibilities

• Communicate with Production Supervisors regarding safety, production, quality, or any other operational issues
• Manufacture batches in accordance with all safety, quality, and efficiency standards by following work orders and verbal directions
• Follow procedures to safely and efficiently operate reactors, emulsion kettles, cowles mixers, homogenizers, heat exchangers, pumps, filtration devices, automated packing stations, forklifts, and other equipment related to the manufacturing of chemicals
• Use equipment and instrumentation to monitor pressure, temperature, and other hazardous conditions
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as mandated in procedures and SDS’s
• Load and unload bulk tankers and drum trucks while properly completing related paperwork
• Perform required calibrations on equipment in accordance to ISO procedures
• Ensure accurate documentation and inventory accuracy in accordance to established doctrine
• Maintain clean work areas in accordance with plant housekeeping requirements
• Assist in the manufacture of new products and establishing procedures
• Assist in the prevention of quality problems and the establishment of solutions for existing issues
• Complete required preventive maintenance per PM system requirements
• Correct packaging of finished goods into pails, drums, totes, or bulk tankers as directed by instructions found on work orders
• Ensure compliance with established good manufacturing practices
• Perform quality control testing and adjust batches to ensure specifications are met through water adjustments, debugs, reheats, etc.

• Ability to work overtime and weekends when required
• Climb stairs, stand for extended periods of time, and safely lift up to 55 lbs
• Able to physical maneuver drums up to 500lbs on to and off a pallet
• Drag and stow hoses that can weigh up to 35 lbs
• Frequent bending, lifting and ascending/descending stairs and step ladders
• Constant standing during the shift
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time
• Able to operate forklift safely
• Pass agility, drug and pulmonary function tests and physical exam
• Show proficiency in the operation of all necessary equipment

• Ability to work in a safe and controlled environment
• Willingness to work in a team based environment
• Ability to think independently and handle tasks from initiation to completion
• Proven ability to follow procedures and handle multiple tasks, effecting a positive outcome
• Ability to adapt to changing demands and to react positively to verbal instructions given
• Use all equipment safely and ensure safe operation of equipment by co-workers
• Desire to work hard and be dependable
• Basic understanding of computers
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Basic math skills and mechanical aptitude
• Basic knowledge of controls equipment including flow meters, level sensors and pressure sensors
• Excellent troubleshooting skills