Operator

Westlake Chemical; Geismar (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical in Geismar, Louisiana, seeks an experienced process plant operator to monitor and control plant conditions and run equipment safely and efficiently. You will support maintenance activities, quality checks, and daily reporting in a high-demand petrochemical environment.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Process Plant Technology or 2+ years of operator experience in a chemical plant, with 3+ years’ experience able to substitute for the degree.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Associate in Process Plant Technology preferred.
• Minimum 3 years direct operating experience in chemical plants; can substitute for degree.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant conditions and maintain optimum operating parameters.
• Operate assigned plant facilities, vessels and machinery.
• Ensure proper shutdown, clearance and isolation for maintenance procedures.
• Respond to emergencies and participate in safety programs and drills.
• Control raw material efficiencies and maintain inventories of production chemicals.

Skills

Process plant operations

Safety procedures

Emergency response

Maintenance coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor or Associate in Process Plant Technology

Two years operator experience in chemical plant

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

SUMMARY Westlake makes chemical and plastic products, which in turn make life better for people every day. We are a quality manufacturer and dependable global supplier of petrochemicals, plastics and building products. Our mission is to serve our clients by enhancing daily life through the products and services we provide.

The following is a general list of routine job duties, responsibilities, and requirements which are intended as a guide to enable the operator to better understand the various situations particular to the assigned job. This list is not all inclusive. The operator is expected to perform any other duties that may be assigned and the operator must understand that the job functions may be changed at any time.

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitor plant conditions and maintain optimum operating parameters
• Monitor and operate assigned plant facilities, vessels and machinery.
• Ensure proper implementation of equipment shutdown, clear up and isolation for maintenance procedures.
• Safe start-up and shutdown of plant equipment.
• Make daily contact with operation and maintenance personnel up to Lead/Superintendent level for implementation of routine work and maintenance activities and programs.
• Work according to established procedures, specialized technical standards and safety instructions, using own initiative/judgment in adjusting operation parameters for all plants, particularly during an emergency.
• Detect abnormalities and assist in remedial actions.
• Respond immediately to an emergency to restore safe operation conditions including firefighting and or Emergency Response Team membership.
• Control raw material efficiencies by following standard operating procedures and product recipes.
• Maintain adequate inventories of production chemicals and operating supplies.
• Produce and maintain regular logs and reports for daily plant activities.
• Check quality control tests and analysis for plant performance.
• Take an active part in all aspects of safety programs, attending group safety meetings, emergency drills/exercises and action safety/housekeeping plans.
• Perform minor maintenance activities to ensure efficient operations.
• Perform the primary thinking encompassed by this job description.
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Fully support Company goals of continuous improvement and operational excellence at strategic and tactical levels including reviewing area of responsibility for improvement opportunities to initiate projects or communicate ideas to management as well as active participation on projects teams.
• This position may be required to drive company vehicles from time to time.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferred Bachelor degree or an Associate’s degree in Process Plant Technology or two (2) years of operator experience in a chemical plant.
• Direct operating experience with a minimum of three (3) years demonstrating thorough familiarity with general chemical process plant operations can be a substitute for Bachelor or Associates’ degrees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Employee may be required to use stairs/elevators and have the ability to occasionally work at elevated heights. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and can expect to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (typically no more than 25 items over the course of a shift). Wearing of personal safety equipment (Air Pack) and other protective equipment – totaling up to 45-50 pounds may be required for emergency response and / or evacuation activities. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Additionally, this position must take general decisions requiring judgement and perform activities requiring sustained concentration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is sometimes moderate when working inside, however, some of the work may be required in the operating units which mandates usage of required PPE and safety equipment including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions — from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.westlake.com. Westlake (NYSE: WLK) is a global diversified industrial company that manufactures and supplies essential products that enhance the daily lives of people around the globe. Our products, now under a One Westlake brand, supply the necessary building blocks for everyday products across housing and infrastructure, packaging and healthcare, and automotive and consumer goods. Consumers gain the benefits of materials Westlake produces in products such as food packaging, medical devices, soaps and detergents, car interiors, fashion, toys, shoes, furniture, electronics, siding, stone veneer, windows, outdoor living, roofing, and pipe & fittings. Westlake is proud to contribute to driving a sustainable future through the creation of essential products that are Enhancing Your Life Every Day®.