Plant Operator

US11345-AIRGAS Airgas USA, LLC; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) match

Tuition Assistance

Paid Holidays

Vacation

Sick time

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Airgas USA, LLC in Elkhart, IN is seeking a Plant Operator to safely operate equipment for handling and production of packaged gas cylinders. The role involves loading/unloading cylinders, forklift operation, safety checks, labeling, and compliance with DOT, FDA, OSHA and Airgas standards.

The ideal candidate will have a HS Diploma or equivalent, experience in manufacturing, and strong safety awareness along with good communication skills. Training may be provided for forklift operation.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Experience in manufacturing operation; filling or loading experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with gas, welding, safety supply or chemical industry (valued).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and comprehend material safety data sheets (MSDS).
• Self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and precision.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload gas cylinders onto route trucks and trailers using proper carts.
• Sort empty cylinders by type for organized workflow.
• Operate forklift to move cylinders on pallets.
• Understand hazards of gases, identify cylinder size, contents and color coding.
• Label cylinders accurately and handle high‑pressure, medical and liquid cylinders safely.
• Prepare high‑pressure cylinders and cryogenic vessels for filling; attach to manifold and evacuate to eliminate contaminants.
• Perform basic cylinder maintenance such as painting, labeling and cleaning.
• Inspect cylinders before filling per government, Airgas and distributor standards.
• Conduct safety checks: odor tests, caps and valves.
• Fill cylinders by pressure and weight, following regulations.
• Check cylinder quantities, styles and product, assist with inventory.
• Coordinate documentation for DOT, FDA, OSHA and Airgas standards.
• Complete quality control sheets as required.
• Uphold all government and company standards for safe handling of hazardous materials.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

MSDS literacy

Forklift operation

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Plant Operator (Open)

Location: Elkhart, IN - Retail shop

Job Description Summary

Plant Operator supports the team by safely operating equipment for the handling and production of packaged gas cylinders.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload gas cylinders onto route trucks and trailers using proper carts.
• Sort empty cylinders by type for organized workflow.
• Operate forklift truck to move cylinders on pallets.
• Understand hazards of gases, identify cylinder size, contents and color coding.
• Label cylinders accurately and handle high‑pressure, medical and liquid cylinders safely.
• Prepare high‑pressure cylinders and cryogenic vessels for filling; attach to manifold and evacuate to eliminate contaminants.
• Perform basic cylinder maintenance such as painting, labeling and cleaning.
• Inspect cylinders before filling per government, Airgas and distributor standards.
• Conduct safety checks: odor tests, caps and valves.
• Fill cylinders by pressure and weight, following regulations.
• Check cylinder quantities, styles and product, assist with inventory.
• Coordinate documentation for DOT, FDA, OSHA and Airgas standards.
• Complete quality control sheets as required.
• Uphold all government and company standards for safe handling of hazardous materials.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Experience in a manufacturing operation; filling or loading experience a plus.
• Familiarity with gas, welding, safety supply or chemical industry (valued).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and comprehend material safety data sheets.
• Collaborative attitude; customer‑service skills.
• Self‑motivated and able to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• High attention to detail and precision.
• Basic math skills: adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing; understand rate, ratio and percentages.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift (training may be provided).
• Physical dexterity for walking, sitting, using hands; reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching as needed.
• Vision and sensory awareness to assure safety (close vision, color, peripheral, etc.).
• Ability to lift up to 60 lb and move up to 800 lb with material handling equipment.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability Insurance.
• 14‑week paid child birth benefit.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick time.
• Early benefit start after 30 days of employment.
• Employee Assistance Program, pre‑tax commuter benefits, parental leave, floating holidays, jury duty and funeral/bereavement leave.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Accommodations

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the hiring process, please contact us by email at us‑[e-mail].