Chemical Plant Operator (Entry-Level)-3

AUSTIN POWDER COMPANY; Tennessee; On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder Company is seeking an Entry-Level Operator to perform functions in chemical manufacturing of Anhydrous Ammonia, Nitric Acid, Ammonia Nitrate Solution, and Emulsion. The role covers loading and unloading trucks, handling hazardous chemicals, and monitoring the process under supervision.

This position provides a foundation for growth within site operations and reports to the Operations Shift Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Must identify safety issues and act on corrective steps.
• Able to assist in emergency response when needed.
• Fit for work in required PPE and safety gear.
• Able to read, understand, and follow procedures.
• Strong basic math and measurement skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing day-to-day plant operations.
• Load and unload trucks and railcars.
• Monitor chemical processes via DCS or local controls.
• Record process conditions, test results, and readings.
• Sample products to ensure quality and standards.
• Coordinate with departments to address safety and quality.
• Monitor and maintain optimal work areas.
• Assist with general plant and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure railcar staging and DOT placards are correct.
• Gain experience toward a Utility Operator role.

Skills

Hazard Recognition

Emergency Response

PPE Usage

Read SOPs

Basic Math

Read Batch Sheets

Team Communication

Work at Heights

Lifting 50 lbs

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Summary 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 50Ibs, 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 Affariative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. 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 also participates in E‑Verify. 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.

Company History

SINCE 1833, IMPROVING THE WORLD WE LIVE IN. Austin Powder has been making explosives for over 190 years and we take great pride in improving the world we live in. In 1833, the Austin family created the company to produce black powder that would help break the rock, mine the minerals and build the canals and railroads to develop the frontier. Initially along the banks of the Cuyahoga River near Akron, Ohio, we grew as the country grew. Today, Austin Powder is a world leader in the industrial explosives industry with a passionate commitment towards safety, a relentless customer focus, a family culture work environment, and a demonstration of respect of towards all. As in our early years, our mission continues to be to improve the world we live in through the safe and responsible use of explosives. Our success has been based on our core values and this has proven to be universally true around the globe as the company has expanded to be one of the leading providers of industrial explosives and blasting services in the world.