Operator

Westlake Chemical; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking a Process Operator to maintain safe, environmentally sound, and continuous operation of assigned manufacturing areas. You will learn product quality parameters and influence them positively, while ensuring compliance with safety and ISO requirements.

Key duties include routine rounds, equipment checks, data logging, and collaborating with Maintenance. Candidates may need to perform SOP writing and emergency planning, with potential for safety team roles.

Qualifications

• TWIC card required prior to employment.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Associate Degree in Process Technology preferred; other technical degrees may be considered.
• Three years experience as a process operator or maintenance technician in chemical plants or refineries may be accepted.
• Military experience in related specialties may substitute for degree.

Responsibilities

• Maintain continuous, safe operation of the assigned unit.
• Follow instructions from supervision and manage shift relief.
• Perform routine rounds; inspect equipment and report issues.
• Log data, collect samples, and cooperate with maintenance for repairs.
• Write standard operating procedures and participate in safety reviews.
• Comply with OSHA, DEQ, EPA, DOT and ISO quality requirements.
• Possibly join Rescue Team/Fire Brigade and operate heavy equipment as needed.
• Maintain housekeeping and safety standards; participate in safety meetings.

Skills

TWIC credential

Education

High school diploma/GED

Associate Degree in Process Technology (preferred)

Three years of related experience (process operator/maintenance)

Three years military active duty experience (in lieu of degree)

Bachelor’s degree in other fields may be accepted in lieu of Process Technology degree

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

Responsible for maintaining safe, environmentally sound, and continuous operation of respective manufacturing areas. Must be able to learn product quality parameters and positively influence them.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Perform work required to maintain continuous and safe operation of the assigned unit.

• Follow both written and verbal instructions from supervision and make acceptable shift relief.
• Make routine rounds to inspect equipment for faulty operation and report to supervision.
• Keep accurate logs, collect and log reading data as required, and take samples as scheduled.
• Work with Maintenance Department for equipment maintenance and repairs, including equipment isolation, hydrocarbon purging, equipment lockout, and writing Safe Work Permits.
• Participate in training other operators.
• May be required to work special job assignments such as writing standard operating procedures, preparing emergency operating plans, working on turnaround preparation, and attending safety meetings and process hazard reviews.
• Comply with all local, state, and federal regulations including OSHA, DEQ, EPA, DOT, etc.
• Fulfill Quality Management System requirements as dictated by ISO procedures.
• May be required to become a member of the Rescue Team and Fire Brigade.
• May be required to operate heavy machinery such as a forklift and railcar moving equipment.
• Maintain good housekeeping and safety standards in the area of responsibility.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Perform the primary thinking encompassed by this job description.

• Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Support Company goals of continuous improvement and operational excellence, including active

participation on project teams.

• Perform duties in a manner that protects personal safety as well as the safety of others.
• Promptly report Safety, Health or Environmental issues or incidents to supervision.
• Any additional responsibilities or tasks as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A current, valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is required.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Associate Degree in Process Technology or Associate Degree in a related technical discipline is preferred.
• In lieu of Process Technology degree, a minimum three (3) years of experience as a Process Operator or Maintenance Technician in a chemical plant or refinery, or applicable experience in related field may be accepted.
• Three (3) years military active duty experience in a related military occupational specialty may be accepted in lieu of Process Technology degree.
• Bachelor's degree in other fields may be accepted in lieu of Process Technology degree.

• Successful candidates must satisfy background screening, including motor vehicle record screening, drug testing & pre-employment physical requirements before starting work

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, crouch, climb, or twist. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. The employee will be required to occasionally use both hands for fine and power grip, and precision and speed work. The employee will be intermittently required to drive a truck, bicycle, or forklift at any given time during the shift on a daily basis. Employee must be able to climb elevated structures up to 310 feet high. Employee must also be conformable with confined space entry. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually high. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.

Inside exposure includes but not limited to A/C 40% of the time. Outside exposure includes but not limited to outside elements 60% of the time. May be exposed to slippery, rocky, or uneven surfaces. Job may require working in closed quarters. Exposure to dust, fumes, and gasses are at a minimum on the inside, and can be moderate outside.

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

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.