Production Technician

Machine OperatorThis role focuses on the safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient operation of a specialty chemicals plant that produces powdered chemicals used in polymer manufacturing for plastics and wastewater treatment applications. The technician works across multiple levels of the facility, handling both dry and liquid chemical processes, operating plant machinery and equipment, and ensuring consistent adherence to operating procedures, safety standards, and quality requirements.ResponsibilitiesOperate and monitor plant machinery, equipment, and utilities to ensure the efficient and safe running of the specialty chemicals plant, including bulk storage and warehouse areas.Handle powdered chemicals and other materials used in polymer and chemical processing, including dumping 10-kilogram bags and larger into containers while following proper handling procedures.Open and close valves, monitor instrumentation panels and gauges, and accurately report findings and plant data to support process control and quality assurance.Perform repetitive tasks and remain in a stationary position for extended periods when required by the process, while maintaining focus on safety and quality.Utilize basic math skills to measure, calibrate, and track production data, batch information, and chemical quantities throughout the process.Climb ladders and move between four levels of the facility, working at elevated heights and across multi-level platforms as part of the plants process flow.Operate forklifts, industrial scales, power tools, and hand tools to support production, material movement, packaging, and general labor tasks.Perform minor maintenance and troubleshooting on mechanical and process equipment, addressing small defects and supporting instrumentation reliability.Carry out mechanical functions and machine operation related to chemical mixing, batching, blending, filling, sealing, tablet production, and packaging as required.Conduct inspections, quality checks, and general production tasks to ensure products meet specifications and safety standards.Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds while following safe lifting practices and ergonomic guidelines.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of operating procedures, emergency procedures, safety protocols, and plant policies, and apply them consistently in daily work.Communicate clearly with all levels of staff and leadership, following verbal and written instructions precisely and performing assignments independently.Work both indoors and outdoors, moving between buildings and areas of the plant, and perform duties while exposed to varying weather conditions and environmental elements.Support chemical handling activities for both hazardous and non-hazardous materials, managing exposure to dust, noise, fluctuating temperatures, and flammable or toxic substances in accordance with safety standards.Participate in general production, process manufacturing, and chemical processing activities, including chemical or batch mixing and calibration of equipment.Contribute to a strong safety culture by following all safety guidelines, demonstrating safe work habits, and supporting perfect safety performance.Assist with packing, bagging, filling, sealing, and other packaging operations to prepare products for storage and shipment.Perform general labor tasks as needed to support continuous plant operations and help maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area.Essential SkillsExperience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in process manufacturing involving multi-step operations.Ability to work at elevated heights and move consistently between multiple levels of a facility, including climbing four stories.Capability to perform repetitive tasks and remain in a stationary position for extended periods while maintaining attention to detail.Basic math skills for measuring, tracking, and monitoring plant data, batch information, and chemical quantities.Proficiency in operating forklifts, industrial scales, power tools, and hand tools in a production environment.Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly.Strong mechanical aptitude for machine operation, mechanical functions, and basic equipment maintenance.Experience or comfort working in heavy industrial settings with exposure to dust, noise, fluctuating temperatures, and chemical materials.Demonstrated track record of excellent safety performance and reliable attendance in previous roles.Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions precisely and perform assignments independently.Effective communication skills to interact with colleagues and leadership at all levels within the facility.Comfort working with various chemicals, including hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and adhering to strict safety protocols.Physical fitness sufficient for climbing ladders, working on multi-level platforms, and moving throughout a large plant environment.Why Work Here?You join a close-knit, family-oriented plant environment that combines the resources of a larger organization with the feel of a smaller, supportive team. The company invests in continued learning through an on-site computer lab where associates can explore topics related or unrelated to the industry, fostering personal and professional growth. You benefit from multiple paid holidays, including for contract associates, and enjoy unique wellness perks such as low-cost on-site massages, reflecting a strong commitment to health, safety, and caring for the whole person.Work EnvironmentThe work environment is a highly technical chemical plant with multi-level structures and a combination of indoor and outdoor areas. The clean room area is air-conditioned, while the rest of the plant is not, and platforms feature metal grating where technicians may stand for extended periods. The facility is multi-leveled, requiring regular climbing of four stories and movement throughout the plant as processes run from top to bottom through vessels, pumps, and valves to lower floors for storage in barrels or other chemical carriers. Technicians work with various chemicals, both hazardous and non-hazardous, and experience exposure to dry chemical materials, dust, noise, fluctuating temperatures, and flammable and toxic substances. The role involves frequent movement between buildings and exposure to outdoor elements. Shifts currently operate on 8-hour rotations, with technicians alternating between first and second shift every two weeks. A third shift exists but is not yet fully staffed; once staffing allows, rotation will include all three shifts. In the near future, the schedule will transition to a 12-hour "Lego" style pattern (such as 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on), with day-to-night rotations every two weeks, providing structured time off and a predictable shift cycle in a busy production season.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Petersburg, VA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Petersburg, VA.