Chemical Plant Operator

Job Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for Operating or tending to equipment in order to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of chemicals at Stepan Millsdale.

• Moving control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, and yields.
• Start pumps and/or operate control valves to wash and rinse reactor vessels, to exhaust gases and vapors, to regulate the flow of oil, steam, air, and to add products to blending vessels.
• Interpret chemicals reactions visible through sight glasses, on local instruments and gauges, or on HMI/PLC (Human Machine Interface/Programmable Logic Controller) monitors, and review laboratory test reports for process adjustments.
• Load and unload trailers, rail cars, totes, and drums.
• Perform material staging for the production areas, tote washing, receiving, and putting materials into storage locations, inventory consolidation.
• Operate valves to regulate flow of products or byproducts through agitator tanks, storage drums, or neutralizer tanks.
• Conduct equipment washouts as directed.
• Calculate material requirements or yields according to formulas
• Monitor recording instruments, flow meters, panel lights, and other indicators, as well as listen for warning signals, in order to verify conformity of process conditions.
• Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panel boards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
• Record operating data such as process conditions, test results, and instrument readings.
• Confer with technical and supervisory personnel to report or resolve conditions affecting safety, efficiency, and product quality or the environment.
• Draw samples of products, and conduct quality control tests in order to monitor processing, and to ensure that standards are met.
• Patrol work areas to ensure that solutions in tanks and troughs are not in danger of overflowing.
• Notify maintenance and other auxiliary personnel to correct equipment malfunctions, and to adjust power, steam, water, or air supplies.
• Perform regular product and raw material inventory. Gauge tank levels, using calibrated rods
• Defrost frozen valves, using steam hoses
• Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel
• Support all Environmental, Health, and Safety programs, policies, and regulations
• General housekeeping duties as assigned
• Participate and maintain compliance related activities including internal and external audits for applicable standards and certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, EFfCI, FSSC 22000, Kosher, Halal, RSPO, ISCC+ and others.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 3 years of operators’ experience in a manufacturing environment with hazardous materials.
• Petro Chemical Certificate from Joliet Junior College (preferred)
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Detail oriented
• Work 12-hour rotational shifts, including some weekends and holiday work.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 22 global manufacturing locations and over 2,500 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Pay Range: $39.70 - $50.78

At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Union Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K with Match

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)

Reactions – Recognition Program