Production Assistant

Make a +Difference at Kraton!

At Kraton, we make a Positive Difference, and we are looking for individuals who are also looking to make a difference in their jobs, for our customers and the world. We are looking to hire key members of our Operations team at our Panama City, Florida location.


We believe in making a +Difference, as a global manufacturer of sustainable specialty polymers and biobased pine chemicals, delivering innovative, high-performance solutions.


We're proud to offer benefits that meaningfully support you-at work, at home, and everywhere in between. We offer comprehensive benefits including, but not limited to:

• Medical Insurance, including TelaDoc - multiple plans available with Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account options
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Advocate - free support to help you understand your coverage and answer questions
• Life Insurance - base coverage paid for by Kraton with option for additional coverage
• 401k - Kraton provides matching contributions based on enrollment level
• Employee Assistance Program - provided at no cost to employees
• Accident, Disability, and Critical Illness Insurance

Starting Rate for this role is $24.02 USD per hour.

Key Responsibilities

The entry level production employee works in outdoor chemical process operations using a Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and other automated systems. Beginning Laborers will perform diverse and manual tasks as assigned but which may include production processes, housekeeping, drumming, loading/unloading of trucks. Work shifts are rotational and include both 8 and 12 hour shifts, some day and night shifts, some weekends, and some holidays.

Critical Physical requirements include the ability to generally lift floor to waist 50 lbs., sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, stair climbing, ladder climbing, both hand manipulations, operating of heavy equipment which require vision, peripheral, depth perception, and auditory functions within normal ranges.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of Kraton products.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Adjusting equipment control settings and recording data.
• Process sampling and field analysis as required.
• Monitor processes and perform routine area surveillances.
• Lubricate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on equipment.
• Preparing equipment for maintenance and inspecting completed maintenance work with craft workers.
• Moving raw and processed materials.
• Performing routine safety equipment checks and other audits.
• Operate and maintain packaging equipment.

Required Skills

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work on shift teams.
• Computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, with demonstrated mechanical ability preferred.
• Trouble shooting, ability to utilize critical thinking, sound decision making, and disciplined problem solving.

Education, Certifications & Licenses

• High School Diploma or GED
• Chemical Operator certificate or degree is preferred.
• 1-3 years experience in chemical manufacturing preferred.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

Kraton's internal talent acquisition team manages our recruiting efforts and from time to time works with pre-selected/pre-approved external staffing agencies. We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from recruiters and/or agencies who are not pre-selected/pre-approved.

Kraton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.