Chemical Operator

Evolving Solution Services; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Evolving Solution Services is seeking a Chemical Operator in Columbia, SC to support the Engineered Nylons department. You will dose raw materials, operate multiple process steps, and manage loading, drying, testing, and packaging of resin within a rotating shift schedule.

The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and safety-focused work practices. Prior operator experience is preferred, and a willingness to learn and adapt is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience as a Chemical Operator preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot problems.
• Good attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Willingness to work overtime and rotating shifts in a non-climate-controlled environment.

Responsibilities

• Doses raw materials and runs batch processes for mix tank, evaporator, reactor, and pelletizer.
• Operates control system to dose water and bulk liquids and loads raw materials into hoppers.
• Collects samples for QA testing and ensures proper labeling of finished product.
• Unloads trucks, loads materials, and performs packaging of resin.
• Monitors process variables (time, temperature, pressure, level) and responds to alarms with supervision.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Basic arithmetic

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Chemical Operator

Full Time Manual Labor Columbia, SC, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1068

Position Summary

The Engineered Nylons Department runs a batch process to produce various types of nylon resin. The Chemical Operator doses raw materials and performs all process steps for the mix tank, evaporator, reactor, pelletizer, and material transfer to storage tanks. Further processing responsibilities include resin transfer, drying, sample testing and packaging of final product. The Chemical Operator works a rotating shift schedule in a non-climate-controlled area.

Essential Functions

• Operates a variety of equipment to correctly dose all raw materials
• Stages, prepares, lifts, and loads raw materials into Acid Hoppers
• Selects product recipes and initiates the program to automatically dose bulk acids
• Unloads raw material supply trucks
• Operates the control system to dose water and bulk liquid materials
• Measures and doses proper amounts of manual acids and additive materials
• Executes the process cycle for the mix tank, evaporator, reactor, and pelletizer
• Executes the "dryer cycle" from the storage tanks to the sealed package:
  • Load the dryer
  • Perform leak checks
  • Operate vacuum dryer systems to tumble and dry resin
  • Collect samples, test moisture and color, and interpret results
  • Unload the dryer and package into boxes/drums
  • Label finished product with the correct part, weight, and lot number
• Collect and submit samples for QA testing
• Performs dryer steam outs to remove buildup in the vacuum lines
• Adheres to all policies and procedures for safe and efficient operation
• Follows operating procedures and instructions per batch process sheets
• Monitors and controls process variables, such as time, temperature, pressure, and tank level
• Sets valves, switches, pumps, and other components per production specifications
• Investigates and resolves process alarms and upset events
• Coordinates with maintenance to diagnose and correct equipment issues
• Completes product change, startup, and shutdown activities

Secondary Functions

• Works in a safe manner and maintains general housekeeping
• Demonstrates commitment to customer quality, business results and continuous improvement
• Expected to increase knowledge of the Engineered Nylons operation and progressively improve individual performance
• Manages daily tasks to achieve target production rates
• Supports rework activities
• Other assignments as requested

Position Specifications

• Overtime required as needed to cover absence/vacation
• Strong listening and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills required
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot problems
• Basic computer skills
• Must demonstrate commitment to safety
• Must demonstrate a willingness and desire to learn
• Must demonstrate effective time management and sound judgment
• Ability to make basic mathematical calculations
• Ability to read information and numbers and write legibly
• Must demonstrate a willingness to assist other operators when necessary
• Ability to lift 60 pounds

Job Training

• Engineered Nylons Safety Orientation
• Reactor Orientation Training
• NWA/SPC training
• Confined Space Certification

Required education and experience

High school diploma or equivalent required

Experience as a Chemical Operator preferred

Skills Progression Matrix

Skill Level

Skill Level Description

Pre-requisites to advance

Comments

Chemical Operator L1

Requires presence of a trainer.

Must have recommendation of Trainer and Team Leader.

Trainees are expected to progress to Chemical Operator 2 rate in less than 4 months.

Chemical Operator L2

Ability to work independently

Must have no active disciplinary actions.

Must have Team Leader recommendation.

Operators are expected to advance to Chemical Operator 3 rate in less than 24 months.

Chemical Operator L3

Consistently demonstrates the ability to perform all essential job functions

Must have no active disciplinary actions.

Must have Operations Manager recommendation.

Target staffing is (4) Chemical 4 operators.

Chemical Operator L4

Accepted as a subject matter expert for all aspects of the Chemical Operator 1-4 positions.

Able to identify and troubleshoot upset events. Able to train or audit someone else’s work.

Must have recommendation of Trainer, Team Leader and Operations Manager to enter Reactor Operator Training program.

Chemical 4 Operators will be given first consideration when openings occur for Chemical Operator positions 5 and above.

Chemical Operator L5

Requires presence of a trainer.

Must have recommendation of Trainer and Team Leader.

Trainees are expected to progress to Chemical Operator 6 position in less than 6 months.

Chemical Operator L6

Ability to work independently.

Must have no active disciplinary actions.

Must have Team Leader recommendation.

Demonstrates ability to run R1 & R2

Operators are expected to advance to Chemical Operator 7 position in less than 36 months.

Chemical Operator L7

Consistently demonstrates the ability to perform all essential job functions.

Must have no active disciplinary actions.

Must have Operations Manager recommendation.

Demonstrates ability to run Reactor #3.

Demonstrates ability to unload chemical supply trucks.

Target staffing is (8) Chemical Operator 8 positions and (4) Chemical Operator 7 positions.

Chemical Operator L8

Accepted as a subject matter expert for all aspects of the Chemical Operator 5-8 positions.

Able to identify and troubleshoot upset events. Able to train or audit someone else’s work.

n/a

The above statements describe the general nature and level of responsibilities for these positions and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. Company management may assign other relevant, business-related duties.