Chemical Plant Operator

Chemical Plant Operator

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient mathematical and measurement abilities.
• Ability to use related computer software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operates and controls equipment units or system that processes chemical substances into specified products, according to knowledge of operating procedures, chemical reactions, laboratory test results, and correlation of process instrumentation.
• Reads plant specifications to ascertain product, ingredients, and prescribed modifications of plant procedures.
• Starts feed of materials through equipment units, such as heating vessels and mixing tanks; or dumps pre-weighed ingredients into tanks, hoppers, or onto conveyor. Moves controls to regulate feed of liquids and gases through equipment in specified timing and sequence or starts automatic feed.
• Sets up and adjusts indicating and controlling devices, such as gas analyzers, recording calorimeters, and radiographic detecting or gauging instruments to facilitate simultaneous analysis and control of process conditions.
• Observes gauges, signals, and recording instruments, turns valves, and moves controls to regulate temperatures, pressures, and flow of steam, coolant, and chemical constituents through system to effect prescribed reaction within critical limits, according to knowledge of equipment and process.
• Draws samples of product at specified stages of synthesis and performs standard tests to determine if reaction is proceeding efficiently and in conformity with plant standards.
• Observes color or consistency of product through sight glasses, and correlates observations with test results, laboratory analyses, and instrument readings to facilitate regulation of process and production of standardized product.
• Maintains log of gauge readings, shift production, and equipment malfunctions.
• May patrol area to inspect equipment for leaks and hazards and to record gauge readings.
• May direct activities of other workers assisting in control or verification of process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment preferred.