Associate Operator, Production

Overview

Process Experts are responsible for the safe operation of a continuous polymerization process from raw material handling to packaging of final product. Process Experts not only maintain but also drive to improve Stewardship, Quality, Reliability, and Engagement. Each Process Expert is expected to become fully qualified in four process areas: Pellet Handling, Tank Farm, Continuous Polymerization, and a fourth topped out area, which is either DCS, Lab, or Utilities.

Responsibilities

• Meet behavior expectations in the areas of stewardship, quality, productivity, and teamwork and actively participate in continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform assigned core team (stewardship, quality, or reliability) and supplemental role responsibilities as assigned. 
• Perform routine and non-routine tasks as assigned, but not limited to, task boards, on-shift predictive/preventive maintenance (PPM), breakdown repair and scheduled shutdown/turnaround activities in area of expertise. 
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Participate in and lead daily meetings with the assigned shift operating team.
• Communicate critical shift change information to the oncoming crew and document problems and learning value using tools such as shift turnover log, electronic logbook, Microsoft Outlook, etc.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures to operate assigned area of the plant
• Utilize personal computer skills to optimize and troubleshoot product quality and equipment operations via HMI, PLC and DCS interface.
• Document maintenance work requests and activities performed utilizing maintenance execution system (SAP).
• Perform standard and non-routine testing of product quality.
• Analyze process and product variation and take corrective action utilizing statistical quality control techniques and process data historians (Aspen-Tech IP.21).
• Initiate and participate in Root Cause Analysis/Problem Solving Events of EHS, Quality, Productivity and Reliability incidents.
• Patrol assigned area to visually inspect, monitor equipment and process conditions to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and environmental regulations. 
• Operate fork trucks and motorized equipment.
• Load and unload material to/from railcars, tank trailers, and drums.

Qualifications

• The individual will work as a member of an empowered team in a 12-hr rotating (4-4-3-3) shift job assignment in all areas of the plant.
• Overtime is required to cover vacancies due to illness, vacation of other team members, and scheduled meetings.
• Process area is non-air conditioned and requires wearing fire resistant clothing due to possible presence of flammable atmospheres.
• Individual must periodically don specialty thermal protective clothing as some tasks have potential exposure to molten polymer and high temperature heat transfer fluids during line breaks and maintenance tasks. Individual must be able to safely don this equipment.
• The job entails periodic heavy lifting utilizing safe ergonomic behaviors.  Individual must be capable of lifting 50 lb.
• Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding frequently during the shift in various environments.
• Individual must be medically approved to wear a respirator.
• Individual must be capable of working in a confined space where supplied breathing air or respirators may be required.
• Must be able to work standing, walking or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work in high noise atmosphere and wear hearing protection.
• Must be able to occasionally operate mobile equipment.
• Must be able to work from heights.
• Individual must be capable of performing simple math computations involving ratios and fractions.
• Individual must possess strong interpersonal and teamwork skills capable of working in an empowered team environment.

To be qualified to apply for this role, the following is required: 

• High School Diploma/GED equivalent
• Valid driver’s license

The following skill sets are preferred:

• Previous experience in a manufacturing, industrial facility, or utilities
• Previous experience in a chemical manufacturing environment
• Previous fork truck or forklift experience  
• Experience with SAP or equivalent manufacturing execution software