Chemical Operator
About the Company
OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading producer of essential chemistry with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Our products play a critical role in everyday life, supporting applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, personal hygiene, and residential and commercial construction. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, OxyChem is a top three U.S. manufacturer of polyvinyl chloride, chlor-alkali and chlorinated organic chemicals, and calcium chloride. We prioritize safety, innovation, and environmental responsibility, fostering a supportive workplace where employee well-being and career development are paramount.
Responsibilities
- Maintain protection of the environment and the health and safety of employees, customers, and communities as the highest priority.
- 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 conditions using instrumentation to regulate temperatures, pressures, concentration, and flow of chemicals, ensuring safe operation and environmental integrity.
- Maintain logs of readings, lab results, shift production requirements, and equipment issues to record daily activity and ensure adequate shift relief.
- Initiate work requests, perform minor maintenance, and prepare equipment for maintenance (e.g., locking out equipment, preparing permits, and verifying equipment).
- Make minor repairs to equipment and initiate maintenance action using the SAP work notification process.
- Notify supervision, maintenance, engineering, and other auxiliary personnel regarding equipment malfunctions and troubleshoot process issues as needed.
- Meet annual training requirements for Emergency Response teams.
- Investigate problems caused by process upsets or equipment failures.
- Perform daily housekeeping activities to maintain a safe and environmentally sound workplace.
- Assist with training new employees on unit operations and cross-training technicians on new procedures.
- Participate in Management of Change (MOC) procedures to ensure process changes and associated procedures are understood.
Requirements
- High School diploma or completed GED.
- Process Technology Degree or 2 years' relevant work experience (e.g., production, electrical, loading, or maintenance) in the military, chemical plant, or manufacturing environment.
- Prior operations, maintenance, electrical, or related industrial experience preferred.
- Proficiency in math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work a rotating shift, including weekends, holidays, overtime, and respond to callouts.
- Ability and willingness to serve as a member of the Emergency Response Team.
- Ability to read, write, and speak in English.
- Proficient in Microsoft applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift 40 lbs, climb ladders and stairs.
- Walking, bending, and stooping are required.
- Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including the use of a respirator.
- Must be able to respond to visual and audible alarms.
Desired Qualifications
- Good working knowledge of SAP.
Benefits
OxyChem offers very competitive pay and benefits, along with tremendous career development opportunities.