Operator CF Industries Chemical Manufacturer and Distributor

Northwest Iowa Community College; Spencer (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Generous time off

High-quality healthcare options

Job summary

Northwest Iowa Community College is seeking an Operator to manage product loading and unloading and maintain the facility's operations. This role requires flexibility for shift work, which may include evenings and weekends as necessary. Responsibilities encompass maintaining operational equipment and grounds while ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

Candidates should possess a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical knowledge, and good communication skills. Benefits include competitive compensation and a comprehensive healthcare package.

Qualifications

• Must be HAZMAT certified (post-employment requirement).
• Ability and initiative to exercise independent or team-oriented action.
• Read, write, communicate, and comprehend English.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload products according to operating procedures.
• Maintain equipment and the grounds.
• Comply with health and safety programs.
• Train and develop other operators.

Skills

Good communication skills

Refrigeration knowledge

Basic computer skills

Ability to understand procedures

Education

High School graduate or equivalent

Equivalent of 2 years college or related work experience

Job description

The purpose of the Operator position is to carry out the processes of: loading and unloading product, storing product and maintaining the grounds, buildings and equipment used during operations. This position, alongside others at the site, will be expected to work flexible shifts to support the business cycle of our customers, which may occasionally include evenings and weekends as required. Shift work is required for this role.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform product loading and unloading functions and associated duties, in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Maintain operating equipment, buildings and grounds in accordance with operating procedures, including inspecting equipment, performing mechanical maintenance, advising personnel of unsafe conditions, and general cleaning of terminal areas and ordering supplies.
• Understand and apply principles of refrigeration systems, as appropriate, testing and recording sample results, and monitoring/recording gauge readings.
• Maintain and update appropriate manuals and records/paperwork accurately.
• Comply with all training, environmental, health and safety programs of the Company/industry.
• Assist with training and development of other operators as appropriate.
• Interact and/or coordinate with Emergency Response Personnel regarding environmental, health and safety situations.
• Perform hazardous material response/remediation duties should a hazardous material spill occur.
• Progress through and maintain skills acquired in the Operator Progression Program.
• Perform other duties requested by facility management necessary for proper operation of the facility (e.g., record‑keeping, development/implementation of procedures).
• Perform maintenance duties or provide assistance to emergency situations at other Company locations as directed by Company management personnel.
• Participate in the development and implementation of capital and maintenance projects.
• Assume management responsibilities of the facility when the facility manager is absent.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent; plus equivalent of 2 years college, Military/technical training, or related work experience.
• Ability to understand and follow operating procedures.
• Refrigeration knowledge commensurate with position level.
• Good communication skills.
• HAZMAT certified (post‑employment requirement).
• Ability and initiative to exercise independent or team‑oriented action.
• Basic computer skills and capability for data entry and information retrieval.
• Read, write, communicate and comprehend the English language.

Position Scope & Travel

May be required to travel to and work at different facility locations for limited periods of time.

Working Conditions

• Works in a variety of environmental conditions (extreme cold/heat, humidity, wind, rain, snow, ice, etc.).
• Works with hazardous chemicals (including emergency response requirements).
• Incumbents are “on‑call” 24 hours per day for pre‑designated time periods and must be located within reasonable proximity of the facility (≈30–45 minute driving time).
• Maneuvers over uneven and/or slippery surfaces.
• Regularly assumes physically awkward and stressful positions.
• Occasionally required to climb to and maneuver at heights of approximately 80–100 ft.
• Works at computer terminals and monitors facility processes during product loading.
• Applicant must have the ability to work in a continuous operating environment.
• Shift work is required: 12‑hour rotating shifts (6am–6pm; 6pm–6am). Work may be necessary on nights, holidays, and weekends with little or no advanced notice on occasion.

Emergency Response Personnel Requirements

• Ammonia terminal operators must function as emergency responders in the event of an anhydrous ammonia spill, with two basic roles: Hazardous Material Technician and Incident Commander under 29 CFR 1910.120(q).
• Exposure level is normally below the PEL but could be immediately dangerous in an emergency.
• Personal protective equipment includes a Level A encapsulated suit and self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) weighing approximately 35 lbs.
• Emergency response may be indoors or outdoors, with weather ranging from extreme heat to extreme cold.
• Hazardous Materials Technician responsibilities: perform offensive measures to patch, plug or stop a leak of anhydrous ammonia; deploy up to 200 ft of fire hose; use tools (wrenches, hammers, wedges, etc.); remove victims to a safe location for treatment; perform diking or ditching measures using sandbags and shovels; climb stairs to the top of an ammonia tank (~90 ft high) while carrying 50 lbs. of equipment; install valves in ammonia piping system; haul emergency response equipment to designated command locations; assist local fire department and authorities as needed; operate mobile and heavy equipment (front‑end loader, pick‑up truck) to contain spills.
• Incident Commander responsibilities: guide and direct emergency response from an upwind location, typically in Level D protective gear, with physical activities restricted to surveillance of the response area and assisting Hazardous Material Technicians into protective gear.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including a base salary and incentive program available to all full‑time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits package with high‑quality healthcare options, a well‑being incentive program, 401(k), life and disability insurance, generous time off (including volunteer time off).
• Flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work‑life balance.

Legal Notices

FMLA: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmhlah

Employee Polygraph Protection Act: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf

Employees in Canada can learn more about their rights by viewing the “Canadian Human Rights Act”.