Utility Operator

Position Overview:

Celanese is seeking a Utility Operator to join its team in Hopewell, Virginia. The individual in this position is responsible for operating the utility services for the site; Steam, Compressed Air, Chilled Water, Cooling Water, Potable Water, Dowtherm, Rainwater control, and Waste hauling. Evenings, nights, weekends and holidays responsibility for monitoring the performance and performing necessary testing of the Biological and Sanitary Plants.

This position is called upon to support the ERT on environmental issues and incident controls. The individual is not directly supervised and requires self-motivation and personal discipline to perform the required tasks. This position is classified as a “Lone Worker” and falls under the guidelines of this category. The position requires working an 8 hour rotating shift schedule. The Utility Operator must be prepared to cover overtime when needed for vacancies, vacation coverage, sickness/disability coverage, and shutdown coverage. The Utility Operator must handle chemicals involved in water and waste treatment.

Responsibilities:

The individual selected for this position will be accountable for the Energy Operations of the Manufacturing Site and the Environmental Performance and Safety of the Utility, Biological and Sanitary Operations to the “first valve” of the energy users. Support function to the Emergency Response Team as needed.

The individual selected for this position is required to work rotating 8 hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lights gas or oil fed burners on boilers and dowtherm boiler.
• Starts oil pumps to feed oil into furnace or boiler.
• Observes pressure, temperature, and draft meters on panel to verify specified operation of automatic combustion control systems, feed water regulators, and burners.
• Turns valves and adjusts controls to set specified fuel feed, draft openings, water level, dowtherm pressure of dowtherm boiler, and steam pressure of boiler
• Observes boiler and auxiliary units to detect malfunctions and makes repairs, such as changing burners and tightening pipes and fittings.
• Treats boiler feed water.
• Maintains log of meter and gauge readings and records data such as water test results and quantity of fuel consumed.
• Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate flow of raw water into plant.
• Monitors dowtherm level in system and adds dowtherm as necessary.
• Draws off dowtherm in each dowtherm boiler to minimize buildup of solids.
• Starts power unit to build up specified pressure in compressor.
• Adjusts controls or sets automatic controls to maintain continuous air supply to pneumatic tools or equipment.
• Observes temperatures and pressure gauges and adjusts controls accordingly,
• Starts air dryers to maintain dry air.
• Adjusts controls or sets automatic controls to maintain continuous dry air supply critical to plant operation.
• Operates and monitors plant breathing air system.
• Opens valves on equipment such as compressors, pumps, and condensers to prepare system for operation and starts equipment and auxiliary machinery.
• Observes temperature, pressure and ampere readings for system and equipment and adjusts controls or overrides automatic controls to obtain specified operation of equipment.
• Records temperature, pressure, and other readings on log sheet at specified intervals.
• Makes periodic inspection of equipment and system to observe operating condition and need for repair or adjustment.
• Adjusts controls to isolate and clear broken lines for repair or shuts down equipment.
• Adjusts cooling tower pumps, valves, fans and automatic controls.
• Pumps water into water mains.
• Monitors panelboard and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure and water elevation, and distribution of river water. 
• Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent

Preferred Qualifications: (candidates should possess many or most of the following qualification to be considered a candidate).

• Knowledgeable in the Operation of:
  • High Pressure Boilers and related mechanical equipment
  • Chillers and chilled water systems
  • Air Compressors and air-drying systems
  • Cooling tower systems
• Basic knowledge in water treatment chemistry and testing
• Ability to interact with instrumentation and control systems and perform troubleshooting of system.
• Ability to communicate effectively with electronic media including email, Lotus notes, etc.
• Intermediate level skills in Word, Excel, and basic skills in SAP.
• Ability to perform hazard recognition in mechanical systems and execute the LTCT program in the operational area.
• Ability to coordinate with contractors and perform Work Permits, Line Break Permits, Loading/Unloading of Tanker Trucks.
• Ability to operate/perform independently of supervision and make initial assessments/decisions on your own during upset conditions.

This Virginia position pays between  $37.57/hour - $47.15/hour and annual bonus eligibility. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, and market factors.

Celanese is a global leader in chemistry, producing specialty material solutions used across most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use our chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We support sustainability by responsibly managing the materials we create and growing our portfolio of sustainable products to meet customer and societal demand. We strive to make a positive impact in our communities and to foster inclusivity across our teams. Celanese Corporation employs more than 11,000 employees worldwide with 2024 net sales of $10.3 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit

Celanese is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Celanese does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.