Maintenance Operator

Chemtrade; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Chemtrade is seeking a Maintenance Operator to ensure safe, reliable operation of mechanical equipment at the Alum and Grinding manufacturing facility. You will perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, bearings, and related systems, with a focus on minimizing downtime and supporting production goals.

The role requires strong mechanical troubleshooting, the ability to work independently, and commitment to safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of industrial maintenance experience in a chemical, manufacturing, industrial, or process environment preferred.
• Experience with pumps, piping systems, valves, gearboxes, motors, bearings, and rotating equipment.
• Experience with welding, fabrication, and mechanical repairs preferred.
• Forklift, loader, and mobile equipment experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license mandatory.
• Ability to work overtime, on-call assignments, and emergency repair situations.
• Experience working with forklifts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance Activities: Perform preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on plant equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical equipment failures to minimize downtime.
• Inspect, repair, replace, and align pumps, motors, valves, bearings, seals, piping systems, and associated equipment.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and document findings.
• Complete work orders and maintenance records in the maintenance management system.
• Support planned plant shutdowns, turnarounds, and special maintenance projects.
• Conduct lubrication activities and maintain equipment reliability programs.
• Perform welding, fabrication, and basic machining tasks as required.
• Maintain spare parts inventory and communicate equipment needs to management.
• Assist in the installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Safety mindset

Independent worker

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Maintenance Operator

Category: Manufacturing

Type: Regular Full-Time

Position: Chemical Operator

Reports to: Operations Team Lead

Shift: Monday to Friday - 7.00AM - 5.00PM

Hourly rate: $36

The range shown reflects the targeted pay scale. Actual pay within the range depends on work location and factors such as skills, experience, and education. Specific salary details can be discussed during the hiring process. Posted compensation reflects base salary only and excludes bonuses, benefits, pension contributions, and other incentives.

Chemtrade Benefits Highlight Booklet _Come Work With Us

At Chemtrade, we deliver innovative solutions focusing on safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. We value and respect all our employees, recognizing that our diverse and talented workforce is the heart of our success. By putting people at the center of our operations, we build strong connections, nurture innovation, and create fulfilling work experiences for all.

Scope of the Position

The Maintenance Operator is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of mechanical equipment throughout the Alum and Grinding manufacturing facility. This position performs preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on plant equipment and systems including pumps, motors, bearings, piping systems, valves, tanks, conveyors, loading/unloading systems, and related process equipment.

The ideal candidate for this position will be assisting Alum operations with daily task, such as moving materials for the process to the process area, learning and assisting with the process, performing housekeeping, covering for alum operator as needed, and troubleshooting alum related issues.

The ideal candidate possesses strong mechanical troubleshooting skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work independently while supporting plant operations. This role plays a key part in maintaining plant reliability, minimizing downtime, and supporting production goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of industrial maintenance experience in a chemical, manufacturing, industrial, or process environment preferred.
• Experience with pumps, piping systems, valves, gearboxes, motors, bearings, and rotating equipment.
• Experience with welding, fabrication, and mechanical repairs preferred.
• Forklift, loader, and mobile equipment experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license mandatory.
• Ability to work overtime, on-call assignments, and emergency repair situations.
• Experience working with forklifts preferred.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, blueprints, diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Familiarity with maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications and email.
• Understanding of industrial safety programs including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Hot Work, Confined Space Entry, and Working at Heights.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, precision measuring instruments, and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds or more and perform physically demanding work.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Activities

• Perform preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on plant equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical equipment failures to minimize downtime.
• Inspect, repair, replace, and align pumps, motors, valves, bearings, seals, piping systems, and associated equipment.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and document findings.
• Complete work orders and maintenance records in the maintenance management system.
• Support planned plant shutdowns, turnarounds, and special maintenance projects.
• Conduct lubrication activities and maintain equipment reliability programs.
• Perform welding, fabrication, and basic machining tasks as required.
• Maintain spare parts inventory and communicate equipment needs to management.
• Assist in the installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment.

Operational Support

• Assist plant operators with equipment troubleshooting and process-related issues.
• Required to assist in the role of alum manufacturing and grinding operations as needed.
• Support bulk chemical loading and unloading operations when required.
• Operate forklifts, loaders, and other mobile equipment as trained and authorized.
• Respond to equipment alarms and emergency situations.
• Assist with general plant upkeep and housekeeping activities.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety rules, environmental regulations, and operating procedures.
• Participate in safety meetings, audits, inspections, and training programs.
• Adhere to Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space Entry, Hot Work, Management of Change, and other plant safety procedures.
• Report hazardous conditions, near misses, and equipment concerns promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

These duties align with standard operator responsibilities in existing site job descriptions.

• Employees must follow all plant safety procedures, including:
• Confined Space
• Working at Heights
• Management of Change
• Hot Work
• Standard Operating Procedures

What you need to be successful in this role

The successful Maintenance Mechanic will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to safety.
• High mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability.
• Reliability and accountability.
• Teamwork and communication skills.
• A proactive approach to equipment reliability and continuous improvement.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Working Environment

• Chemical manufacturing plant producing Liquid Alum, ACH and PAC chemicals
• Physical capability of performing tasks in 100 degree ambient temperatures while wearing Protective Personal Protection.
• This job requires climbing stairs and ladders and also lifting (within OSHA guidelines).
• This job consists of outside elements where radiant heat or cold is normal work environment, and rotating shifts.
• Following all plant safety guidelines such as: Confined Space, Working with heights Management of Change, Hot Work and Operating Procedures
• Must be able to work scheduled 12-hour days with intermittent 14 - 16 hour days for emergency operations/repairs.

What Chemtrade Offers You

Embracing Diversity, Maximizing Results

At Chemtrade we are committed to cultivating a work environment that embraces and values the unique qualities of every employee. We believe in harnessing the richness of diverse talents, ideas, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to drive our business forward. Our vision is to create a workplace where all individuals feel respected, empowered, and inspired to contribute their experiences, ideas, and perspectives.

In our culture, we celebrate multiple approaches and viewpoints. To foster an inclusive environment, we actively encourage the creation of Employee Resource Groups. These groups provide platforms for employees to share their unique perspectives, contribute their ideas, and help shape our inclusive culture. Together, we strive to build a workplace that recognizes and celebrates the diverse voices within our organization.

We recognize that the diversity of our employees is paramount to our organization's success. It is through the diversity of perspectives that we develop and shape programs and tools that support our employees' growth and career management. Join us in our journey towards building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes the personal and professional development of our employees.

We recognize the immense value of Employee Resource Groups (ERG's) in fostering an including and supportive work environment. Our ERG's serve as vital platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique backgrounds and perspectives.

We firmly believe that diversity drives innovation and fuels our success as an organization. By encouraging the formation of ERG's, we aim to create a workplace where all individual feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work and contribute their diverse talents and ideas. Additionally, we understand the importance of work-life balance and the well-being of our employees and their families. That is why we proudly offer a range of family-friendly benefits and opportunities for career growth and advancement.

We are committed to supporting our employees at every stage of their lives and ensuring they can thrive both professionally and personally. Join us and be a part of a company that values diversity, inclusion and the well-being of it's employees.

Learn more about Chemtrade by following us on LinkedIn or Facebook and YouTube: Chemtrade Video.

#ChemBO