Operations Helper - Entry Level 2026

Eastman Chemical Company; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, TN, is seeking an Operations Helper (entry level) with a clear path to the Operator Apprentice Program (OAP) to become a Chemical Operator. The role requires safety-minded work in a heavy manufacturing setting and offers progression opportunities within Eastman’s process operations.

The position is located in Kingsport, Tennessee, and applicants must be prepared to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including overtime on short notice, and to wear PPE as

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be 18+ and legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Able to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including overtime.
• Willing to wear PPE as required.
• Completing ACT WorkKeys with required scores within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Prepare orders for shipment and load finished product.
• Unload raw materials and inspect tanks.
• Operate forklifts and maintain a clean, safe area.
• Open/close valves and perform daily housekeeping.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Shift work

PPE compliance

Physical stamina

Driver's license

US work authorization

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's or technical degree preferred

Job description

Operations Helper - Entry Level 2026

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visitwww.eastman.com.

Job Description

In this role, you start as an Operations Helper (entry level position) progressing into the Operator Apprentice Program (OAP) to become a Chemical Operator.

*These positions are located in Kingsport, TN.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will work under the general supervision of a team manager or coach to safely perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare orders for shipment by packaging and loading finished product into warehouse or onto tank cars or trucks.
• Unload and unpack raw materials arriving at the plant.
• Operate forklifts.
• Clean and inspect tanks.
• Open and close valves.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment, including performing daily housekeeping in assigned work area and all other work areas as instructed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have valid driver's license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Willing and able to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including overtime, sometimes on short notice.
• Willing and able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, such as steel toe shoes &/or boots, hard hat, high visibility clothing, respirator and protective eyewear.
• Willing and able to perform various physical requirements, including but not limited to, climbing stairs or ladders, bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, repetitive movement and performing overhead work.
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate basic knowledge and skills by completing the ACT Workkeys assessment testing and attain required scores within 12 months of hire date.
  • WorkKeys required score levels:
    • Reading for Information / Workplace Documents - Level 6
    • Locating Information / Graphic Literacy - Level 5
    • Applied Mathematics - Level 6

Preferred

An associate's or technical degree, chemical process certificate, military experience &/or manufacturing experience highly preferred.

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Nearest Major Market

Asheville

Nearest Secondary Market

Knoxville

Job Segment

Operations Manager, Warehouse, Application Developer, Operations, Manufacturing, Technology