Plant Operator (Chemical Manufacturing)

Job Title: Chemical Plant Operator (PAP)

Location: Raleigh, NC

Pay Rate: $23-24/hr on W2

Summary of Position:

The Chemical Plant Operator is a key member of the production team responsible for operating and monitoring a chemical manufacturing process that produces bulk organic chemicals. The role requires strict adherence to company standards and operating procedures to maintain a safe and efficient operation while ensuring product quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform standard tasks such as packaging product, taking process samples, changing filters, cleaning centrifuges, moving large hoppers, and flushing lines.
• Maintain accurate operating reports and documentation.
• Work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule (detailed below).
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, including wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent (required).
• Associate or Technical degree (preferred).

Experience:

• Previous experience in a Process Safety Management (PSM) manufacturing environment (preferred).

Skills & Competencies:

• Forklift operation experience (preferred).
• Ability to read and follow detailed instructions and procedures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic math skills and sound decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Essential Functions:

• Operate within a regulated environment, ensuring compliance with all PSM and OSHA regulations.
• Monitor and operate reactors, decanters, filters, process columns, tanks, centrifuges, dryers, and related equipment via manual operations, panel boards, PLC displays, and DCS screens.
• Handle and label finished and intermediate products following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Maintain detailed logs on process conditions, including weights, temperatures, pH levels, pressures, and flow rates.
• Deliver samples to the laboratory and retrieve operating supplies from storage.
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas, process equipment, tools, and safety supplies.
• Use hoists and material-handling devices to transport bulk raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and packaged goods.
• Ensure proper operation of equipment to maintain high product quality and avoid equipment damage.
• Recognize and respond to abnormal equipment performance or unsafe conditions.
• Complete required computer-based training (CBT) on time.
• Perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures independently.
• Participate in safety, efficiency, and cost-savings initiatives such as Kaizen events and Hazmat teams.

Working Conditions:

• Open-air plant construction exposes operators to seasonal weather conditions; however, primary workstations are indoors.
• Typical chemical plant environment with potential exposure to wet floors, chemical-stained equipment, and occasional chemical fumes.
• Manual handling of materials up to 50 lbs (lifting, rolling drums, pouring bags of raw materials).
• Requires physical activity such as climbing stairs/ladders and driving forklifts.
• Exposure to corrosive, flammable, and toxic chemicals—strict safety protocols are in place.
• Rotating 12-hour shifts (7 AM – 7 PM and 7 PM – 7 AM), including mandatory overtime as needed for safe staffing levels.

Additional Requirements:

• Medical Respirator Clearance (MSA full-face Advantage respirator) is required and must be completed as part of the onboarding process.
• A 16-panel drug screen is mandatory for this role.
• Candidates should not be submitted to multiple Raleigh, NC openings simultaneously—submissions will be reviewed, and candidates may be redirected to a more suitable opening if applicable.

Shift Schedule:

• The position follows a four-week rotating schedule:
• Week 1: Four night shifts → Three days off
• Week 2: Three day shifts → One day off → Three night shifts
• Week 3: Three days off → Four day shifts
• Week 4: Seven days off