Chemical Operator Job

Job Title:  Chemical Operator

This position reports directly to the Shift Supervisor. This position has no direct reports.

JOB DIMENSIONS

Inspect, operate, and control chemical processing and handling equipment associated with the production and/or processing of chemical products. Ancillary activities include routine inspection of equipment in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.

KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Production 90%: 

• Perform routine safety inspection of plant and ensures safety of plant operations.
• Operates and monitors automated and manually operated chemical process equipment, including mixing tanks, reactor vessels, distillation equipment, cooling/heating equipment, etc.
• Understands the importance of maintaining quality in work in all production related activities.
• Moving/transferring chemicals and equipment throughout the facility both manually and with the aid of powered and automated equipment. Operates pallet jacks and forklift trucks.
• Obtain quality control samples of raw materials, semi and finished products for quality control laboratory analysis.
• Assist in shipping and receiving of raw materials and finished products on occasion.  Assist in packaging products for shipment, including drums and totes.
• Retain knowledge of basic chemistry and chemical hazards and apply this knowledge in daily work activities.
• Perform basic arithmetic operations.
• Keep accurate monitoring reports/logs and documentation of process events.
• To follow the direction of the shift leaders/supervisors.
• Understand the hazards and risks associated with handling and processing various chemicals.
• Understand plant environmental health and safety regulations and comply with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

Quality & Other Duties 10-15%:

• Evaluate storm water, including measuring pH and clarity, and discharge storm water per plant procedures.
• Occasionally perform basic quality control analytical procedures, including pH testing.
• Perform various housekeeping activities.
• Effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Make independent judgments concerning assigned tasks.
• Discern situations where supervisory/management input is advisable.
• Responsible to use personal protective equipment as required.
• Perform duties of Material Handler when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

CONTEXT AND ENVIRONMENT

• This position requires working on rotating shifts (24/7 operations) at the discretion of supervisory and management personnel.
• This position may periodically require overtime or a modified schedule to ensure that production needs are met.
• Work is primarily performed outside during all seasons.
• No travel is required.
• This position requires ability to lift 55 pounds regularly, hoisting, and frequent walking and climbing stairs and ladders. 
• Personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators and chemical resistant clothing, hard hats, safety eyewear, etc.) that may be required at times will increase the level of physical stress experienced by workers.
• Understand the hazards and risks associated with maintenance and repair activities in a chemical manufacturing facility. 
• Retain knowledge of basic chemistry and chemical hazards and apply this knowledge in daily work activities.
• Make independent judgments concerning assigned tasks, considering safety and environmental concerns
• Safely wear and/or use required personal protective equipment.
• Supports the site HES policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements.
• Participates in HES activities provided by site management and Arkema Inc. (e.g., Behavioral Base Safety, etc.).
• Supports and promotes the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incidents.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS /WORK EXPERIENCE

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years’ manufacturing experience, preferred in chemical manufacturing. 
• Basic computer literacy, including email and data entry is required.
• Experience with automated processing systems is preferred.
• Ability to operate a forklift is required. 
• The work is performed in a control room, enclosed chemical processing facility and outdoors

DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCIES (DESCRIBE BEHAVIORS NECESSARY FOR ROLE)

Technical expertise

• Ability to assimilate new information and apply it to unfamiliar situations in the future.
• Ability to improve safety, organization, and housekeeping with minimal direction
• Ability to independently utilize Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the protection of the individual, coworkers, and the environment.

Organizational expertise

• Strong safety-minded work ethic and work history
• Strong team member skills including communication, participation, and expressing mutual respect