What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chemical Operator position at Gaylord Chemical Company?
Location: 1880 Fairlawn Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 70433
Hours: 12 hour shifts, 6 – 6 rotating day and night shifts, working 3 days/4 days in a
two week period
Reports to: Director of Site Operations
The Chemical Operator works a rotating shift to maintain the safe and effective operation of
the plant 24 hours a day seven days a week as required. The Chemical Operator must be
able to interface with computer systems such as a distributed control system and personal
computers in order to effectively perform the required tasks. Chemical Operator duties
include activities indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Activities routinely
involve climbing ladders, working at heights of over fifty feet, entering confined spaces and
working in heat, noise and cold. The Chemical Operator must maintain skills and
knowledge of the plant equipment and operation and be able to accurately relate computer
indications to process conditions in the field. The Chemical Operator must exercise good
judgment at all times in determining any conditions that might warrant shutting down the
process if necessary, to ensure that non-routine situations are handled to minimize risk or
exposure to plant personnel or the community.
REQUIREMENTS
- Conduct job duties safely in accordance with plant policies and procedures. This
process hazards analysis. Develop an understanding of and maintain complete
compliance with regulatory requirements regarding the manufacturing facility and
associated products.
- Operate systems within environmental limits and monitor the processes to detect and
- Learn the plant operation and maintain proficiency through intensive training including
- Manage the plant operation through the use of the plant distributive control system,
- Maintain safe plant operation and product quality through effective use of laboratory
- Certify in GMP operations, Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), and Oxidation operations.
- Develop and maintain proficiency and understanding of hazardous material handling
- Monitor and maintain plant security at all times including nights and weekends.
- Assist in routine maintenance functions as needed. Coordinate contractor and
hot work and confined space entry policies are strictly observed.
- Maintaining effective plant and control room housekeeping.
- Maintain plant documentation as required to insure adequate recordkeeping and
- Be an active participant in projects or initiatives to improve plant safety and
continuously improve productivity.
- Gather and analyze operating and technical information for execution of job
operator observations and other instrumentation, company files, literature, consultants
and co-workers.
- Maintain first aid training certification.
- Assist in preparing checkout, startup, operation and review of new and existing
- Understand, support and comply with all company policies and procedures.
- Supports and participates in the organization’s Continual Improvement Program to
and working toward achievement of company objectives.
EDUCATION
The candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
EXPERIENCE
Two years’ industrial experience, college education or process technology training is
preferred.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
A verifiable background in the following areas will be considered an asset to employment:
- ISO 9001 Quality System
- Process Safety Management
- Distributive Process Control
- Team Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Supervisory Training
- Government Regulated Programs
- Technical Training
- General laboratory skills
- Personal Computer Skills
PHYSICAL & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Squatting, sitting, bending, pushing, walking 10-12 hours per day.
- Able to lift 50 lbs.
- Exposure to production environment.
TRAINING PROGRAM-OPERATOR PROGRESSION
A new hire will enter the Operator Training Program or will be grandfathered into the
program based on their prior certifications.
Step 1 Operator Level I
Step 2 – Operator Level II-completed 3 months of probation and initial training with a
satisfactory completion
Step 3-Operator Level III- completed at least 6 months of training and has satisfactorily
completed the Chemical Technician Certification
Step 4-Operator Level IV- completed at least 12 months of training as an Operator and has
satisfactorily completed the DMSO Certification Operator
Step 5-Operator Level V-satisfactorily completed the N2O4 Certification Operator
Step 6- Operator Level VI-completed 6 months as a Level V Operator Total Program time
(Level I thru Level VI) to complete is a maximum of 30 months.
The Operations Director reserves the right to make exemptions to the movement to another
level depending on meeting certifications and requirements with management approval.
Company benefits include:
- Paid Holidays and Vacation
- Medical, dental, vision, Life Insurance & AD&D
- Long term disability
- 401 (k) Plan
- Active Bonus Program based on safety and other requirements
- Service and Safety Awards
Must be authorized to work for an employer in the USA without current or future
restrictions.
To apply, send cover letter and resume to:
careers@gaylordchem.com
Gaylord Chemical is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic conditions, status as a
protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.