Chemical Operator

About the role

At OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company and leading producer of essential chemistry, we operate chemical plants in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, supporting critical applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, personal hygiene, and construction. As a Chemical Operator at our Chicago, IL plant, you will help maintain environmental protection, employee and community safety, and safe plant operation while contributing to innovation and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain protection of the environment and the health and safety of employees, customers, and communities.
• Conduct routine operating inspections of the unit.
• Troubleshoot operational problems and respond to area emergencies or changing operational situations.
• Operate equipment in the field and monitor process operating conditions via instrumentation to regulate temperatures, pressures, concentration, and flow of chemicals.
• Maintain logs of readings, lab results, shift production requirements, and equipment issues for daily activity and shift relief.
• Initiate work requests, perform minor maintenance within capabilities, and prepare equipment for maintenance.
• Prepare equipment for maintenance work (locking out, preparing permits, verifying equipment).
• Make minor repairs to equipment and initiate maintenance action using the SAP work notification process.
• Notify supervision, maintenance, engineering, and auxiliary personnel of equipment malfunctions and troubleshoot process issues as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or completed GED.
• Process Technology Degree OR minimum of 2 years relevant work experience (e.g., production, loading, or unit maintenance) in a chemical plant or manufacturing environment.

Skills

• Proficiency in math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning with strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Physical requirements: lift 40 lbs., climb ladders and stairs; walking, bending, stooping required; able to wear personal protective equipment including a respirator; able to respond to visual and audible alarms.

Benefits

OxyChem offers a competitive benefit package.

Pay

Hourly Pay Range: $37.00–$41.00, determined by experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Position requires rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, overtime, and on‑call responsiveness.