Job Description

Company: Vestolit, Polymer Solutions an Orbia Business

Job Title: Plant Chemical Operator

Location: Avon Lake, OH 44102

Schedule: Rotating, 5:00am-5:00pm

Starting Pay: $25.00/HR and up DOE

Vestolit is part of the Polymer Solutions business group of Orbia, a community of companies bound together by a shared purpose: to advance life around the world.

Our pilot plant in Avon Lake, OH is seeking to hire a Chemical Operator to be responsible for operating PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pilot plant reactors and related equipment, supporting reaction, recovery, and stripping processes. This role troubleshoots equipment issues, performs minor maintenance, coordinates support when needed, cleans vessels, and completes required documentation. The operator also monitors and troubleshoots water, hydraulic, utility, and VCM systems supporting the Specialty Resins R&D facility.

What is in it for you? Our Amazing Benefits!

• Pay starting at $25/hr and up DOE

• Individualized training program

• Professional and financial growth potential with our wage & skills progression

• Growth within our GLOBAL family of Orbia companies

• IMMEDIATE Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription benefits on the first day

• Quarterly Performance Bonus (depending on plant performance).

• 6% 401(k) match with an additional 3% contribution by Dura-Line. Did I mention that you are FULLY VESTED on day 1 also?

• 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability

• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Volunteer Time

• Tuition reimbursement after 1 year of service (up to $5,000 for undergraduate programs and up to $7,500 for graduate programs)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate PVC reactors and associated equipment in a safe, environmentally sound, and efficient manner.

• Monitor, adjust, and accurately record reaction variables such as temperatures, pressures, and agitator rpms.

• Follow all SOP’s and SPs.

• Proper use of all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Report and follow up on any near miss incidents. Participate in reviews and root cause analysis findings.

• Make up soaps following recipes.

• Write end of shift status reports.

• Able to work in a team environment

• Support policy for overtime and vacation coverage.

• Read and understand technical logs and memos.

• Operate VCM Tank Farm Equipment; Unload Railcars, Transfer and Recovery Of VCM.

• Operate VCM Thermal Oxidation Unit.

• Lead Emergency Response Team as the Incident Commander.

• Must be able to safely handle chemicals classified as hazardous and must be able to properly label and move containers containing hazardous chemicals.

• Immediately report releases or spills to appropriate personnel or regulatory agencies. Take corrective actions to minimize environmental impact.

• Investigate and document findings to all fugitive VCM emissions.

Other Activities/Responsibilities

• Initiate and follow through with maintenance work orders.

• Utilize work permits such as hot work, equipment isolation, and lockout tag outs.

• Prepare equipment for maintenance.

• Participate in preventive maintenance programs

• Perform general housekeeping.

• Recommend process improvements.

• Participate in Process Safety Management requirements, PHA’s, P&ID updates, and Mechanical Integrity.

• Lead Safety Training and Operators Meetings.

• Monitor maintenance and contractor performance; ensure all safety procedures and permit conditions are followed.

• Participate in B.O.I.’s

• Perform / participate in training activities

Experience and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D

• Associates degree or relevant certifications higher a plus! (Process Technology, Chemical Technology etc.)

• Ability to work in a team environment and independently as needed

• Ability to understand and follow recipe specification sheets, as well as carry out experiments as specified by scientists.

• Ability to trouble shoot Chemical Plant Equipment and Make Minor Maintenance repairs.

• Ability to read and understand MSDS’s.

• Ability to Read and Understand P&IDs for plant utility systems.

• Ability to Modify and Update SOPs as Experiments Change.

• Must demonstrate the ability to use math functions to calculate weights of chemicals for experiments

Our Values

• At Orbia, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. Our leadership is guided by Orbia’s values:

• Be Brave: We move forward with curiosity and ambition to create a better world. We ask big questions, create safe spaces to test solutions, take risks, and exercise creativity.

• Take Responsibility: We hold ourselves accountable, realizing our actions have impact. We listen closely to our customers, deliver on our commitments, and lead with ethics and integrity.

• Embrace Diversity: We are stronger by welcoming different perspectives. We work towards a diverse, inclusive, and equal world, starting with our global community.