Chemical Operator - Trainee

Job Summary:

The Chemical Operator Trainee is responsible for learning to safely and efficiently operate a variety of chemical processing equipment in accordance with prescribed operating procedures, safety requirements, and quality standards. This role provides hands-on training in the operation of reaction systems, distillation systems, filters, extractors, autoclaves, reactors, pumps, centrifuges, and related process equipment. The Chemical Operator Trainee will learn to load and unload raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, set up and adjust process controls, monitor chemical reactions, adjust valves and controls, maintain production records, and perform product sampling and testing. This position is designed to develop the knowledge, technical skills, and operational competency necessary to safely perform chemical processing duties while supporting the Company’s safety, quality, and production objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Train to safely and efficiently operate a variety of chemical processing equipment in accordance with prescribed operating procedures

• Develop competency in the operation of reaction systems, distillation systems, filters, extractors, autoclaves, reactors, pumps, centrifuges, and other process equipment

• Load and unload raw materials, intermediates, and finished products into and out of process equipment

• Learn to set up and adjust indicating and controlling devices used in chemical processing operations

• Monitor chemical reactions and identify changes in chemical and physical properties and composition of substances

• Adjust valves and controls to maintain specified temperature, pressure, and vacuum levels

• Monitor and record gauge readings, shift production, equipment conditions, and malfunctions

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

• Follow prescribed operating procedures and established safety and quality requirements during all chemical processing activities

• Maintain accurate production and equipment records as required

• Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly work area

• Participate in required classroom and on-the-job training to develop competency in chemical processing operations

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

• Follow established procedures when handling raw materials, intermediates, finished products, and chemical processing equipment

• Perform other duties as assigned and demonstrate flexibility to support operational needs

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• No specific prior education or experience requirements are provided

• Demonstrated ability or willingness to learn chemical processing equipment and prescribed operating procedures

• New hires must complete 120 hours of on-the-job training within the first 90 days of employment

• New hires must complete PCC Classroom Training for RCRA General Awareness within six months of employment

• Recurring RCRA General Awareness training must be completed annually

Special Requirements

• Excellent mathematical skills required

• Strong reading skills required to understand and follow operating procedures and related documentation

• Strong mechanical thinking and aptitude required

• Ability to successfully complete the Wonderlic Personnel test and mechanical aptitude test administered prior to interviewing

• Ability to learn and follow detailed chemical processing, safety, quality, and operating procedures

• Ability to work flexible hours when needed

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

• Ability to wear a respirator while performing certain job functions

• Adequate eyesight required to safely monitor equipment, gauges, controls, samples, and process conditions

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to learn the safe and efficient operation of chemical processing equipment

• Strong mathematical skills applicable to chemical processing operations

• Strong reading and comprehension skills

• Strong mechanical thinking and aptitude

• Ability to learn and operate reaction systems, distillation systems, filters, extractors, autoclaves, reactors, pumps, and centrifuges

• Ability to learn and adjust valves, controls, and indicating devices

• Ability to monitor chemical reactions and recognize changes in chemical and physical properties

• Ability to accurately record gauge readings, production information, and equipment malfunctions

• Ability to draw product samples and perform required testing

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

• Ability to maintain a clean and organized work area

• Ability to learn and apply Company-specific chemical processing procedures and requirements

Work Environment

This position operates in a chemical processing and manufacturing environment and requires hands-on training and interaction with chemical processing equipment, raw materials, intermediates, and finished products. The Chemical Operator Trainee will work under established operating procedures while developing competency in process equipment operation, process monitoring, product testing, and production documentation. The role requires close attention to safety and quality requirements and may involve exposure to industrial equipment and environments where the use of personal protective equipment, including a respirator, may be required. Flexible hours may be necessary based on operational requirements. The position requires maintaining a clean, neat, and orderly work area and consistently following Company safety, quality, and operating procedures.

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