Chemical Operator

Oxychem; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

OxyChem is seeking an experienced Chemical Operator for its Chicago, IL plant. The role focuses on protecting the environment and safety while operating process equipment and monitoring conditions to ensure compliant production.

You will conduct inspections, troubleshoot issues, log readings, and coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams. The position requires shifting work, a safety mindset, and strong teamwork and communication skills.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED completed.
• Process Technology Degree or 2 years chemical plant experience.
• Strong math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning.
• Willing to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime.
• Emergency Response Team member capability.
• English literacy required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Physical: lift 40 lbs, climb ladders, PPE use.

Responsibilities

• Maintain protection of the environment and safety as top priority.
• Conduct routine inspections and troubleshoot operational problems.
• Operate field equipment and monitor process conditions.
• Log readings, lab results, shift production, and equipment issues.
• Initiate maintenance requests and prepare equipment for maintenance.
• Notify supervision and troubleshoot process issues as needed.

Skills

Math skills

Reading comprehension

Mechanical reasoning

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

English proficiency

Education

High School diploma

Process Technology Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At OxyChem, our chemistry makes modern life possible, and it is our people who make the difference. We are a safety-first, purpose-driven team committed to innovation, environmental responsibility, and doing things the right way. If you are ready to contribute, elevate your skills, and take ownership of your career, Oxychem offers the opportunity to make a difference every day.

OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading producer of essential chemistry with operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. OxyChem’s products play an essential role in everyday life, supporting critical applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, personal hygiene, and residential and commercial construction. OxyChem actively participates in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program, underscoring our commitment to safety. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, OxyChem is a top three U.S. manufacturer of polyvinyl chloride, chlor-alkali and chlorinated organic chemicals, and calcium chloride. Visit oxychem.com for more information.

In a fast-paced industry that demands precision, we create a supportive workplace where the safety and well-being of our employees are paramount. We are committed to rewarding top performers, offering very competitive pay and benefits, and providing tremendous career development opportunities.

We are looking for an experienced and self-motivated individual to fill the position of Chemical Operator with our Chemical Plant located in Chicago, IL.

Primary Functions:

• Maintain protection of the environment and the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the communities in which we operate and/or transport our products as our highest priority.
• Conduct routine operating inspections of the unit, troubleshoot operational problems and respond to area emergencies or to changing operational situations.
• Operate equipment in the field and monitor process operating conditions through the use of instrumentation to regulate temperatures, pressures, concentration and flow of chemicals through the process system for prescribed reaction with critical limits. All must be accomplished according to standard operating procedures and in support of the safe operation and environmental integrity of the plant.
• Maintain log of readings, lab results, shift production requirements and equipment issues to record daily activity and provide for adequate shift relief.
• Initiate work requests, perform minor maintenance within capabilities and prepare equipment for maintenance.
• Prepare equipment for maintenance work such as locking out equipment, preparing permits and verifying equipment.
• Make minor repairs to equipment and initiate maintenance action when needed utilizing the SAP work notification process.
• Notify supervision, maintenance, engineering and other auxiliary personnel regarding equipment malfunctions and troubleshoot process issues as needed.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or completed GED.
• Process Technology Degree OR minimum of 2 years relevant work experience (e.g. production, loading, or unit maintenance) in a chemical plant or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work a rotating shift; weekends; holidays; overtime; and respond to callouts.
• Ability and willingness to serve as member of Emergency Response Team.
• Ability to read, write and speak in English.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work as part of a team.
• Physical requirements: Must be able to lift 40 lbs., climb ladders and stairs. Walking, bending, stooping is required. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment including the use of a respirator. Must be able to respond to visual and audible alarms.

Hourly Pay Range: $37.00–$41.00, determined by experience and qualifications. Candidates having qualifications that exceed the minimum job requirements may receive consideration for higher-level role given (1) their experience, (2) additional job requirements, and/or (3) business needs.

Check out OxyChem’s competitive benefit package here .