Associate Operator, Production

About the role

Process Experts are responsible for the safe operation of a continuous polymerization process from raw material handling to packaging of final product. Process Experts not only maintain but also drive to improve Stewardship, Quality, Reliability, and Engagement. Each Process Expert is expected to become fully qualified in four process areas: Pellet Handling, Tank Farm, Continuous Polymerization, and a fourth topped out area, which is either DCS, Lab, or Utilities.

Responsibilities

• Meet behavior expectations in the areas of stewardship, quality, productivity, and teamwork and actively participate in continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform assigned core team (stewardship, quality, or reliability) and supplemental role responsibilities as assigned.
• Perform routine and non-routine tasks as assigned, including task boards, on-shift predictive/preventive maintenance (PPM), breakdown repair, and scheduled shutdown/turnaround activities in area of expertise.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Participate in and lead daily meetings with the assigned shift operating team.
• Communicate critical shift change information to the oncoming crew and document problems and learning value using tools such as shift turnover log, electronic logbook, Microsoft Outlook, etc.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures to operate assigned area of the plant.
• Utilize personal computer skills to optimize and troubleshoot product quality and equipment operations via HMI, PLC, and DCS interface.
• Document maintenance work requests and activities performed utilizing maintenance execution system (SAP).
• Perform standard and non-routine testing of product quality.
• Analyze process and product variation and take corrective action utilizing statistical quality control techniques and process data historians (Aspen-Tech IP.21).
• Initiate and participate in Root Cause Analysis/Problem Solving Events of EHS, Quality, Productivity, and Reliability incidents.
• Patrol assigned area to visually inspect, monitor equipment, and process conditions to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and environmental regulations.
• Operate fork trucks and motorized equipment.
• Load and unload material to/from railcars, tank trailers, and drums.

Requirements

• Work as a member of an empowered team in a 12-hour rotating (4-4-3-3) shift job assignment in all areas of the plant.
• Overtime is required to cover vacancies due to illness, vacation of other team members, and scheduled meetings.
• Work in a non-air-conditioned process area requiring fire-resistant clothing due to possible presence of flammable atmospheres.
• Periodically don specialty thermal protective clothing for tasks with potential exposure to molten polymer and high-temperature heat transfer fluids during line breaks and maintenance tasks.
• Capable of lifting 50 lb using safe ergonomic behaviors.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding frequently during the shift in various environments.
• Medically approved to wear a respirator.
• Capable of working in confined spaces where supplied breathing air or respirators may be required.
• Work standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Work in high-noise atmosphere and wear hearing protection.
• Occasionally operate mobile equipment.
• Work from heights.
• Perform simple math computations involving ratios and fractions.
• Possess strong interpersonal and teamwork skills capable of working in an empowered team environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience in a manufacturing, industrial facility, or utilities.
• Previous experience in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Previous fork truck or forklift experience.
• Experience with SAP or equivalent manufacturing execution software.

Schedule

12-hour rotating shift (4-4-3-3). Overtime required.