Maintenance Operator

Hourly rate: $36. Actual pay within the range depends on work location and factors such as skills, experience, and education. Posted compensation reflects base salary only and excludes bonuses, benefits, pension contributions, and other incentives.

About the Role

The Maintenance Operator is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of mechanical equipment throughout the Alum and Grinding manufacturing facility. This position performs preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on plant equipment and systems including pumps, motors, bearings, piping systems, valves, tanks, conveyors, loading/unloading systems, and related process equipment.

The ideal candidate will assist Alum operations with daily tasks, such as moving materials for the process to the process area, learning and assisting with the process, performing housekeeping, covering for the alum operator as needed, and troubleshooting alum-related issues. This role plays a key part in maintaining plant reliability, minimizing downtime, and supporting production goals.

Responsibilities

Maintenance Activities

• Perform preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on plant equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical equipment failures to minimize downtime.
• Inspect, repair, replace, and align pumps, motors, valves, bearings, seals, piping systems, and associated equipment.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and document findings.
• Complete work orders and maintenance records in the maintenance management system.
• Support planned plant shutdowns, turnarounds, and special maintenance projects.
• Conduct lubrication activities and maintain equipment reliability programs.
• Perform welding, fabrication, and basic machining tasks as required.
• Maintain spare parts inventory and communicate equipment needs to management.
• Assist in the installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment.

Operational Support

• Assist plant operators with equipment troubleshooting and process-related issues.
• Support alum manufacturing and grinding operations as needed.
• Support bulk chemical loading and unloading operations when required.
• Operate forklifts, loaders, and other mobile equipment as trained and authorized.
• Respond to equipment alarms and emergency situations.
• Assist with general plant upkeep and housekeeping activities.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety rules, environmental regulations, and operating procedures.
• Participate in safety meetings, audits, inspections, and training programs.
• Adhere to Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space Entry, Hot Work, Management of Change, and other plant safety procedures.
• Report hazardous conditions, near misses, and equipment concerns promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of industrial maintenance experience in a chemical, manufacturing, industrial, or process environment preferred.
• Experience with pumps, piping systems, valves, gearboxes, motors, bearings, and rotating equipment.
• Experience with welding, fabrication, and mechanical repairs preferred.
• Forklift, loader, and mobile equipment experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license mandatory.
• Ability to work overtime, on-call assignments, and emergency repair situations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, blueprints, diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Familiarity with maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications and email.
• Understanding of industrial safety programs including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Hot Work, Confined Space Entry, and Working at Heights.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, precision measuring instruments, and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds or more and perform physically demanding work.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Skills

The successful Maintenance Mechanic will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to safety.
• High mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability.
• Reliability and accountability.
• Teamwork and communication skills.
• A proactive approach to equipment reliability and continuous improvement.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Working Environment

Chemical manufacturing plant producing Liquid Alum, ACH, and PAC chemicals. Physical capability of performing tasks in 100-degree ambient temperatures while wearing protective personal equipment. This job requires climbing stairs and ladders and lifting within OSHA guidelines. Work environment includes outside elements where radiant heat or cold is normal, and rotating shifts.

• Must follow all plant safety guidelines such as Confined Space, Working at Heights, Management of Change, Hot Work, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Must be able to work scheduled 12-hour days with intermittent 14–16 hour days for emergency operations/repairs.

Benefits

Chemtrade offers a range of family-friendly benefits and opportunities for career growth and advancement. We are committed to supporting our employees at every stage of their lives and ensuring they can thrive both professionally and personally.

We embrace and value the unique qualities of every employee, fostering an inclusive environment through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These groups provide platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique backgrounds and perspectives.