Operator IV - Front End-Pumper

Emery Oleochemicals; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 100,152,000 - 112,963,000; Full time

Job summary

Emery Oleochemicals in Virginia is seeking a production operator to prepare, monitor, and control processing for chemical products. You will ensure quality, safety, and cleanliness while documenting production and maintaining equipment.

The role requires experience with process controls and instrumentation, plus 2–5 years in manufacturing. Expect 12-hour rotating shifts and a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2–5 years of experience in manufacturing environments.
• Experience with process controls, instrumentation, and quality.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods, process improvement, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Review production schedules, drawings and specs to prepare production.
• Set and program processing controls, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
• Operate DCS and monitor processing variables for stability.
• Test process samples, conduct inspections, and suggest improvements.
• Document processing statistics accurately and timely.
• Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot malfunctions.
• Maintain safe, clean environment and communicate shift handoffs.

Skills

Distillation experience

Verbal & written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Purpose

Produces process products by preparing, establishing, monitoring, and controlling production processes; maintaining quality, safety, and cleanliness standards; documenting production and processes; and maintaining equipment.

Produces process products by preparing, establishing, monitoring, and controlling production processes; maintaining quality, safety, and cleanliness standards; documenting production and processes; and maintaining equipment.

Duties

• Prepares for process production by reviewing production schedules, drawings, and processing specifications; retrieving materials from inventory; sampling materials; sending samples to the laboratory; verifying laboratory acceptance; calculating and measuring materials; and checking tanks, vessels, piping, valves, steam traps, pumps, compressors, prime movers, heat exchangers, reactors, separators, mixers, and distillers.
• Establishes production processing specifications by setting and programming processing controls, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
• Monitors processing production by operating distributed control systems (DCS); reviewing processing variables; observing control panels and alarms; analyzing operating logs; determining process stability; and adjusting or reprogramming controls.
• Maintains quality production by obtaining and testing process samples, conducting inspections, and recommending process improvements.
• Documents production processes by logging processing statistics accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensures operation of the processing system by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; and reporting malfunctioning units.
• Maintains a safe and clean processing environment by complying with all procedures, rules, and regulations; and regularly patrolling the unit.
• Maintains continuity among work shifts by communicating actions taken, irregularities, and ongoing needs.

Skills & Experience Preferred

• Distillation and/or vacuum experience
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2–5 years of experience, including:
• Manufacturing methods and procedures
• Process improvement
• Analyzing information
• Understanding controls and instrumentation
• Maintaining manufacturing quality

Requirements

• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work more than 8 hours per day and more than 40 hours per week as needed.
• Schedule: 12-hour rotating shifts (days, nights, and weekends).

Pay Rate

$34.96