Job Description

Job Summary:

The Chemical Operator III is responsible for ensuring that chemical processing operations conducted during the assigned shift are performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with prescribed operating instructions, Company policies, safety requirements, and quality standards. This role is responsible for setting up and operating chemical processes, monitoring process conditions, inspecting equipment, performing maintenance and repairs within established skill levels, and ensuring products meet required specifications. The Chemical Operator III also provides training and direction to operations personnel, coordinates chemical operations and employee activities during the shift, and responds appropriately to emergency situations. This position plays a key role in maintaining safe and efficient operations while supporting the Company’s safety, quality, production, and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate a variety of chemical processing equipment, including reaction systems, distillation systems, filters, extractors, autoclaves, reactors, pumps, and centrifuges in accordance with prescribed operating procedures

• Set up and operate chemical processes safely and efficiently in accordance with established operating instructions and Company policy

• Inspect process equipment for mechanical defects, malfunctions, and other conditions that may affect safe or efficient operation

• Set up and adjust indicating and controlling devices to maintain appropriate process conditions

• Monitor and record chemical reactions, gauge readings, shift production, equipment malfunctions, and other required operating information

• Supervise and coordinate chemical operations and employee activities during the assigned shift

• Observe operations personnel to ensure processes are conducted safely and in accordance with standard operating procedures and Company policy

• Train operations personnel in the setup of chemical processes and the safe operation, maintenance, and repair of chemical processing equipment

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

• Perform maintenance and repair of chemical processing equipment within the employee’s established skills and capabilities

• Recommend measures to improve production methods and equipment performance

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

• Ensure emergency situations are handled in accordance with Company policies and established emergency response procedures

• Immediately suspend or correct activities that pose a threat to employees or safe operations

• Promote and support the Company’s safety and quality initiatives in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of the position

• Maintain a neat, clean, and orderly work area and perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

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

• Demonstrated knowledge and competency in the safe and efficient operation of chemical process equipment

• 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

• Prior experience or demonstrated competency in chemical processing operations, equipment operation, or a related manufacturing environment is required for the Operator III level

Special Requirements

• Ability to supervise and coordinate chemical operations and employee activities during an assigned shift

• Ability to train operations personnel on chemical process setup and the safe operation, maintenance, and repair of process equipment

• Extensive knowledge of Company safety practices, safety policies, and emergency response procedures

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond appropriately to changing operating or emergency conditions

• Strong mathematical and reading skills required to accurately interpret operating information and perform required job functions

• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours as needed to support operational requirements

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

• Ability to wear a respirator while performing certain job functions

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

• Ability to identify and address activities or conditions that may pose a threat to employee safety

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of the safe and efficient operation of chemical processing equipment

• Knowledge of reaction systems, distillation systems, filters, extractors, autoclaves, reactors, pumps, and centrifuges

• Strong understanding of chemical process setup, operation, monitoring, and control

• Ability to inspect process equipment and identify mechanical defects and malfunctions

• Ability to set up and adjust indicating and controlling devices

• Ability to monitor and document chemical reactions, gauge readings, production information, and equipment malfunctions

• Strong mathematical and reading skills applicable to chemical processing operations

• Ability to train and provide direction to operations personnel

• Ability to supervise and coordinate shift operations and employee activities

• Knowledge of Company safety practices, safety policies, and emergency response procedures

• Ability to perform maintenance and repair of chemical processing equipment within established skill levels

• Strong attention to safety, quality, accuracy, and compliance with established procedures

Work Environment

This position operates in a chemical processing and manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with chemical process equipment, production operations, and operations personnel. The Chemical Operator III is expected to coordinate and monitor activities during the assigned shift while ensuring that established operating procedures, Company policies, safety requirements, and quality standards are followed. The role may involve working under pressure and responding to equipment issues, process abnormalities, and emergency situations. Overtime and flexible hours may be required based on operational needs. The position may require the use of personal protective equipment, including a respirator, and requires employees to maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work area.

Physical Demands

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

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

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