Lead Chemical Operator

Position Overview and Expectations

The Lead Chemical Operator is “hands-on”. In addition to performing “hands on” chemical operator functions, s/he ensures the efficient operation of their respective area of process, including but not limited to adherence to OSHA and company safety standards, assigns batches, ensures employees are adhering to company SOPs, consistency, continuous improvement and good housekeeping. S/he effectively communicates with all fellow employees; provides a positive role model; instructs, trains and mentors new chemical operators and has the ability to fill in during a supervisor’s absence.

Available Shifts
Saturday, Sunday and Monday (5:45 am to 6:00 pm) - Day shift
Saturday, Sunday and Monday (5:45 pm to 6:00 am) - Night shift
**Work 35.25 hours and get paid for 40 hours**
Essential Functions
Chemical Operator

• Read batch cards and record all information required, both written and electronically within the ERP systems
• Safely handle and transfer flammable/combustible materials
• Measure amounts of products or weights of filled containers to ensure conformance to specifications
• Mix ingredients according to specified procedures and formulas
• Operate various pieces of process equipment related to the specific job function such as batch tanks, blenders, pumps, compressors, etc.
• Observes production and monitors equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation
• Routinely works from formulas, charts, tables, and schedules.
• Reads gauges and charts and records all data/work in required log(s)
• Monitor and control temperatures
• Monitor and control rotating equipment
• Monitor and control pressures
• Measure mass
• Monitor and control mass/volumetric flow

• Follows Standard Operating Procedures and work instructions

• Responsible for maintaining proper records to avoid efficiency losses and cross-contamination of other products
• Responds quickly to process upsets to prevent production and quality losses, safety hazards, and OSHA-EPA violations
• Completes batch paperwork and maintains accurate inventory through cycle counts and proper electronic and physical transactions
• Collects “in-process” samples for quality control testing

• Understands how process variables affect product quality; identify and correct situations which may lower product quality

• Cleaning of processing equipment, including lines, parts and vessels/tanks, etc.

• Performs routine inspection of equipment, such as pumps, mixers, agitators, compressors, etc. and record data as required
• Using hand tools, trouble-shoots and performs minor repairs on specific machines
• Replaces damaged or worn parts such as changing filters and other minor maintenance task as needed/requested

• Safely operates overhead equipment such as jib and bridge cranes
• Additional duties/ad hoc projects as assigned/requested by management

• Prepares equipment for maintenance following company established procedures
• Reports any mechanical issues immediately to Supervisor
• Understands and routinely practices cGMP, FDA and Environmental, Health and Safety Regulations

• Maintains good attendance and covers for others in their absence

Lead Functions

• Ensures adherence to OSHA and company safety and 5S standards
• Leads and directs assigned team/personnel in observance of safe practices and good housekeeping, taking necessary corrective steps and instructing personnel as required
• Conducts routine housekeeping duties to ensure proper presentation of facility and grounds at all times
• Utilizes all available resources to meet the production schedule and productivity goals
• Under the supervision of the Shift Supervisor, the Lead Chemical operator is responsible for:

o Assigning daily job assignments to employees in their respective area
o Scheduling equipment usage
o Ensuring employee are properly trained to perform the essential functions of their roles including operating equipment and following company policies and SOPs
o Providing a collaborative/team environment through ongoing coaching and mentoring

• Monitors the area to ensure employees are meeting productivity goals and adhering to all safety rules
• Provides direct and daily feedback to the responsible Supervisor regarding any personnel, equipment, safety or productivity problems
• Provides data as required to track the team’s progress towards achieving department and company goals and objectives
• Performs production waste handler duties in accordance with Hazardous Waste Policy
• Directs equipment and process adjustments based on previous shift activities and supervisor direction, including but not limited to review of operator's and supervisor's logs, area safety and cleanliness physical surveys, laboratory test results, and records all production and operational data in logs provided
• Collaborates with peer leads, shift supervisor, engineering, and maintenance personnel in priority setting, equipment repairs, and timeliness of equipment preparation for maintenance
• Instructs and trains new operators; keeps shifts up-to-date on Management of Change issues, procedural revisions and required regulatory training
• Understands and follows cGMP guidelines and ISO 13485 where applicable

HESS

• Adheres to wearing the proper PPE/Safety equipment at all times
• Understands and complies with all written safety, health and environmental procedures
• Attends all required scheduled Health, Safety and Environmental training sessions
• Participates in required Health, Safety and Environmental initiatives and programs
• Performs required administrative functions related to Health, Safety and Environmental functions such as completing forms, checklists and log sheets

• Maintains the highest level of housekeeping

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Independently operates various pieces of process equipment related to the specific job function such as batch tanks, blenders, pumps, compressors, etc. without supervision

• Independently cleans processing equipment, including lines, parts and vessels/tanks, etc. without supervision
• Independently troubleshoots all process equipment with without supervision
• Recommends and initiates data gathering techniques to resolve problems or improve effectiveness of operations
• Provides detailed information on problems, observations and action to other technicians, lead technicians, engineers, and the plant manager through written logs, data sheets and /or personal contact.
• Reliable and dependable in performing job-related tasks accurately and meeting deadlines consistently
• Promotes a safety culture
• Demonstrated leadership abilities - Ability to lead a team in the absence of the department supervisor/manager
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a chemical operator
• Demonstrated mechanical ability
• 3 year’s forklift experience with certification
• Self-directed and ability to work independently

Preferred Skills

• 3+ years chemical manufacturing experience
• Previous experience in lead position

Education

• High School Graduate or GED

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Physical Demands: Employee is required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bend; kneel and climb; and lift/move up to 50 lbs. on a daily basis. In addition, must be able to maneuver and move 30 to 55 gallon drums or up to 450 pounds utilizing the proper drum material handling equipment provided and/or the proper techniques.

• Work Environment: This position requires one to work in a manufacturing facility. There is a moderate level of noise, heat, cold, dust, and dirt. Employee frequently works near moving mechanical equipment and chemicals and will be exposed to varying temperatures.

Benefits/Perks

• Enriched Medical Plan with Vision
• Enriched Dental Plan
• Company-sponsored Life Insurance
• Voluntary Vision Discount Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Medical, Dependent Care, & Commuter
• 401K Plan
• 401K Safe Harbor – Employer Contribution of 3% Gross Wages
• Voluntary Term Life/AD&D Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial Advisory Service
• Identity Theft Protection
• Travel Emergency Assistance
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Family Scholarship Program
• Weekly Payroll
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Company social events throughout the year including tickets to sports events and concerts
• Paid Holidays

Job Type: Full-time