Chemical Plant Operator (Entry-Level)

Austin Powder; Midway (TN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder in Midway, Tennessee, is hiring an Entry-Level Operator to support the chemical manufacturing of ammonia, nitric acid, and related products. You will load and unload trucks and railcars, monitor processes, and perform routine quality checks.

This role serves as the foundation for learning site operations and offers growth into other positions. Emphasis is placed on safety, PPE compliance, teamwork, and the ability to read procedures and batch sheets.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years old.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Chemical manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily plant operations.
• Load and unload trucks and railcars.
• Monitor processes using DCS or local controls.
• Record process conditions and test results.
• Sample products to ensure quality.
• Collaborate with departments to address safety and quality.
• Maintain safe working areas.
• Assist with general equipment maintenance.
• Coordinate railcar movements and DOT placards.
• Develop knowledge to advance to Utility Operator.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Skills

Hazard Recognition

Emergency Response

PPE Knowledge

Basic Math

Procedures Literacy

Troubleshooting

Communication

Height Work

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Join the Family - Come work for an exciting company offering great benefits, challenging opportunities, and colleagues who feel more like family.

Overview

The Entry‑Level Operator is responsible for performing all functions necessary for the chemical manufacturing of Anhydrous Ammonia, Nitric Acid, Ammonia Nitrate Solution, and Emulsion. The Entry‑Level Operator performs a variety of tasks related to loading and unloading trucks, handling hazardous chemicals, and monitoring the overall manufacturing process. This position serves as the foundation to learning the overall site operations and offers growth opportunities into other positions at the facility. The Entry‑Level Operator reports directly to the Operations Shift Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Assist in managing the day‑to‑day operations of the plant.
• Load and unload trucks and railcars.
• Monitor chemical processes or systems using Distributive Control Systems (DCS), local controls, or semi‑automatic equipment.
• Monitor and record various process conditions, test results, and instrument readings.
• Conduct sampling of products to ensure quality and product standards are being met.
• Work with various departments to report and resolve conditions affecting safety, efficiency, or quality.
• Monitor work areas to ensure optimal operating conditions.
• Assist with general plant and equipment maintenance.
• Monitor railyard ensuring all railcars are staged properly and have the proper DOT placard(s).
• Gain experience and knowledge to advance into a Utility Operator.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• 18+ years of age
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Chemical manufacturing experience preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Requirements

• Hazard Recognition - Identify potential safety issues and make recommendations for action or resolution.
• Ability to assist in Emergency Response.
• Ability to wear and perform work in required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Fall protection harness, full‑face respirator, chemical resistant suits, face shield, and any other necessary PPE.
• Maintain shaven facial appearance.
• Possess basic math skills.
• Able to read and comprehend operating procedures and batch sheets.
• Ability to recognize, investigate, and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Ability to effectively communicate with various departments and team members.
• Ability to work at heights, climb ladders and stairs, lift and carry up to 50 lbs, and operate valves.

Work Environment

US Nitrogen, LLC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position will be exposed to all elements of the weather on the plant site.

This is a safety sensitive position which requires employees to disclose the use of any prescription medication that may affect his or her ability to safely perform the essential functions of this position.

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Aff Div? Actually

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.