Plant Operator

Airgas is hiring for a Plant Operator at our Nitrous Oxide facility in Yazoo City, MS. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces unique perspectives.

About the role

As a Plant Operator, you will support plant operations by safely operating equipment, performing maintenance, documenting processes, and ensuring product quality. This role involves working in a dynamic environment with exposure to mechanical parts, chemicals, and varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate equipment, including startup and shutdown, while monitoring gauges and indicators to maintain stable manufacturing processes.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs, ranging from minor belt adjustments to major compressor overhauls.
• Maintain operating logs and records to foster clear communication and safety.
• Load and unload raw materials and finished products via bulk trucks using specialized hoses and pumps.
• Manage chemical replenishment in polishing towers and ensure residue removal to maintain facility cleanliness.
• Execute the vacuuming, purging, and filling process for cylinders used in the electronics industry with precision.
• Utilize detector tubes and gas chromatographs (GCs) to ensure products meet conformance standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least two years of related experience and/or training.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, manuals, and technical drawings.
• Proficiency in basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, percentages, and interpreting bar graphs.
• Ability to operate fabrication equipment (e.g., drill presses, saws).
• Capability to solve problems involving multiple variables in standard situations.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and use hands to handle tools or reach with arms.
• Capability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally move up to 100 pounds with provided equipment.
• Work near mechanical parts and in various weather conditions.
• Specific vision abilities (color, depth, and focus) and sensory awareness (hearing/smell) for safety and quality control.

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.
• Occasional work in high, precarious places and exposure to wet/humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, extreme heat, and risk of electrical shock.
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Loud noise levels in the work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanical background or experience in maintenance.
• Computer literacy.
• Advanced ability to interpret diagrams and technical drawings.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Short-term and long-term disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Pre-tax commuter transportation benefit.
• 14-week paid childbirth benefit for growing families.
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and floating holidays.
• Jury duty and funeral/bereavement leave.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.
• Tuition assistance and discounted college tuition for eligible employees’ dependents.
• Airgas Scholarship Program for dependent children.
• Benefits start after 30 days of employment.

Schedule

Swing shift: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Week 1) / 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM (Week 3).

About Airgas

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods, safety products, ammonia products, and process chemicals. With 18,000 associates, Airgas fosters a culture of safety, customer success, sustainability, and innovation. As part of a global leader in gases, technologies, and services, Airgas offers a stimulating and inclusive workplace where employees are valued and empowered to grow.