Chemical Operator

Oxychem; Geismar (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is seeking a Chemical Operator for its Geismar, Louisiana facility. The position focuses on safe operation, monitoring process variables, and maintenance coordination to support continuous production in a fast-paced chemical plant.

Qualified candidates have at least 2 years in production, maintenance, or similar roles; strong math, reading, and problem-solving skills; and the ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, or holidays.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of relevant chemical plant experience.
• Strong math, reading, and mechanical reasoning abilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections and troubleshoot unit operations.
• Monitor process conditions using instrumentation and control systems.
• Maintain logs of readings, lab results, and shift production requirements.
• Coordinate maintenance and prepare equipment for maintenance tasks.
• Lock out/tag out procedures and permit preparations as needed.
• Communicate equipment issues to supervision and maintenance teams.
• Respond to emergencies and support safety and environmental goals.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Mechanical reasoning

Mathematics

English proficiency

Education

High School diploma or GED

Process Technology Degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft applications

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 within our Chemical Manufacturing Facility located in Geismar, Louisiana.

Essential Job Duties

• 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.
• A minimum of 2 years relevant work experience (e.g. production, loading, or unit maintenance) in a chemical plant, manufacturing environment or military.
• 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.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of SAP
• Process Technology Degree