Chemical Plant Operator (Entry-Level)

AUSTIN POWDER COMPANY; Tennessee; On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder Company is seeking an Entry-Level Operator to join our chemical manufacturing team. The role involves loading and unloading trucks, monitoring processes with DCS, and ensuring safety and quality across the plant.

You will work under the Operations Shift Supervisor and have opportunities to grow into a Utility Operator, with training and exposure to multiple departments. Requirements include being at least 18, a High School Diploma or GED, and the ability to work in a

Qualifications

• Hazard recognition to identify safety issues and escalate actions.
• Ability to assist in Emergency Response.
• Must be able to wear and use PPE as required.
• Maintain professional appearance.
• Basic math and reading of procedures.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload trucks and railcars.
• Monitor processes using DCS or local controls.
• Record process conditions, test results, and instrument readings.
• Take product samples to ensure quality and standards.
• Collaborate with departments to resolve safety, efficiency or quality issues.
• Support general plant and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure railcars are staged with correct DOT placards.

Skills

Hazard recognition

Emergency response

Math skills

Read SOPs

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

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

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 role includes loading and unloading trucks, handling hazardous chemicals, and monitoring the overall manufacturing process. It serves as the foundation to learning the overall site operations and offers growth opportunities into other positions within 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.
• Read and comprehend operating procedures and batch sheets.
• Recognize, investigate, and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Effectively communicate with various departments and team members.
• Work at heights, climb ladders and stairs, lift and carry up to 50 lbs, and operate valves.
• Work in a safety‑sensitive environment and disclose use of any prescription medication that may affect performance.

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.

Equal Opportunity and EEO Statement

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. Employment decisions are based upon job‑related reasons regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder participates in E‑Verify and complies with applicable regulations prohibiting discrimination against qualified individuals based on veteran or disability status, as well as all other protected classes.