Chemical Plant Operator II

Job Description

Job Description

The Chemical Plant Operator II applies established Manufacturing & Production Operations skills and knowledge of departmental processes to complete day-to-day activities with some autonomy. The role independently resolves common issues using standard guidelines and escalates unusual problems. Work supports team efficiency and service quality through consistent execution of standardized procedures. The position operates under direct supervision with moderate review and may guide less experienced staff in similar roles. The role has no formal supervisory responsibilities but manages its own workload.

Ascent Industries Co. is a specialty chemicals platform delivering differentiated, performance-driven chemical solutions to a diverse set of end markets. The Company develops, manufactures, and supplies tailored formulations and intermediates that enhance product performance and optimize industrial processes. The Company's core product portfolio includes surfactants, defoamers, lubricating agents, flame retardants, and specialty intermediates, offered in both petroleum-based and bio-based formulations. Ascent's products are used as critical ingredients and process aids in applications such as cleaning formulations, coatings systems, oilfield production chemicals, agrochemical formulations, metalworking fluids, water treatment solutions, and industrial textiles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operates production equipment and process systems with moderate independence by following standard operating procedures, production targets, and safety requirements.
• Monitors process conditions, system notifications, and equipment performance to identify routine operating issues and make approved adjustments to maintain stable output.
• Performs in-process quality checks, sampling, and related verification activities to confirm product specifications and escalate out-of-range results as needed.
• Troubleshoots routine process and equipment issues by reviewing operating conditions, responding to alarms, and applying established corrective actions within defined limits.
• Documents production activity, process readings, material usage, and operating changes in logs or systems to support traceability and shift-to-shift continuity.
• Handles raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods in accordance with safe material handling procedures and applicable operating standards.
• Supports changeovers, startup, shutdown, and cleaning activities by preparing equipment, confirming readiness, and completing assigned operational tasks.
• Communicates process issues, shift updates, and operating concerns to team leads, maintenance, quality, and other support personnel to maintain workflow continuity.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience required. Experience in specialty chemical manufacturing or related industry may be required depending on the role.
• Requires a High School Diploma/GED.
• Ability to perform defined tasks with some autonomy.
• Ability to resolve common day-to-day issues independently using standard guidelines; escalates unusual problems to supervisor/manager.  
• Ability to follow standardized procedures and practices; receives regular but moderate supervision and instruction.
• Ability to communicate information that may require some explanation or interpretation.

Shift schedule:  Must be able to work any shift, including rotating 12-hour shifts if needed. 

Disclaimer:  The list of requirements, duties, and responsibilities is not exhaustive, but merely the most accurate list for the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description and require other tasks when job circumstances change. 

EEO Statement:  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.