Production Operator, Illinois

Skilled Chemical Production Operator who will operate the process equipment.  This position requires someone who can ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant, and monitor chemical processes to minimize downtime and enhance productivity.

Essential Responsibilities & Functions include the following, others may be assigned.

Plant Operations
Operate and monitor chemical plant equipment and processes, ensuring compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Adjust controls and equipment to maintain optimal process conditions and ensure product quality.

Take regular samples and perform basic laboratory tests to ensure process parameters are within specification.

Record operating data, maintain logs and report any deviations in process or safety conditions.

Start-up, shut down and troubleshoot plant equipment as required.

Safety & Compliance
Adhere to all safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices.

Participate in safety and environmental audits and report any potential hazards or unsafe conditions.

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding chemical processing and hazardous material handling.

Participate in emergency response drills and act as a first responder in case of operational emergencies.

Continuous Improvement
Collaborate with the maintenance and operations teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.

Provide input into plant optimization projects, including equipment upgrades and process automation.

Assist in training new operators and maintenance personnel on equipment and processes.

Collaborate with other plant personnel to troubleshoot complex system issues.

Collaboration and Communication

Work closely with engineers, operators, and other technicians to ensure systems are fully operational and optimized.

Provide technical support and guidance to other plant personnel.

Communicate effectively with management reporting on system status and any issues that may affect production.

Food Safety and Quality

Complies with all food safety and quality standards and expectations.

REQUIREMENTS
Minimum
Education:    High school diploma or equivalent
Experience:    2+ years of experience as a chemical plant operator or related field.  Knowledge of chemical processing, and plant equipment.  Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.   Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.  Familiarity with safety protocols, such as HAZMAT handling and process safety management (PSM).

Preferred
Education:    Associate degree or technical certification in chemical process technology 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES & FUNCTIONS
This is a non-supervisory position but may provide guidance to other individuals as needed to meet technical requirements.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Reading/comprehension, speaking and writing at required education equivalency level. Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business correspondence, technical/product information, policies/procedures, or government regulations.  Ability to complete written forms and write routine to complex procedures, reports, and correspondence. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent.

COMPUTER SKILLS
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requires physical exertion to include sitting; walking; standing; bending; traversing stairs and ladders, carrying/lifting of light and heavy items (up to 50 lbs.).  Some work will be above ground using powered equipment < 30ft. Work routinely requires speaking and hearing (expression or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words and perceiving sounds by ear) and ability to distinguish between colors on wiring.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment requires normal safety precautions typical of industrial/manufacturing environments.  Requires use of safe work practices with equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations.  Requires the safe use of jacks, cranes hoists and other lifting equipment for heavy components and equipment.  Manufacturing and warehousing areas are not climate controlled, and environment includes work that requires special safety precautions such as working with irritant chemicals, around moving parts, carts, or machines. Employees will be required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, FR clothing, gowns, coats, safety shoes, boots, goggles, gloves, safety glasses or shields.