Process Operator

ERCO Worldwide; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Benefits on Day 1

Health Care/Wellness Spending Account

Annual Short Term Incentive Bonus

Staff Recognition Awards

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Paid time off

401k match

Disability Insurance

Job summary

ERCO Worldwide is hiring an Auxiliary (Process) Operator for our Port Edwards plant in Wisconsin. You will join a Production team under the Chief Operator, operating brine systems and a chlorine electrolyzer, with overtime as needed on a 12‑hour rotating shift schedule.

You will record conditions, inspect equipment, test samples, and assist in troubleshooting while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Training will cover brine operations, environmental control, and LEAN improvements.

Qualifications

• High School degree or above.
• Industrial experience in chemical processing preferred.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Ability to operate and monitor brine systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor brine systems (NaCl and KCl) and environmental control plant.
• Record process conditions using logs and observations.
• Inspect pumps, gauges, levels, and agitators for safe operation.
• Follow SOPs for startup/shutdown and maintenance coordination.
• Collect samples and test them in the lab to ensure target ranges.
• Write service orders for repairs and document results.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Troubleshooting

Oral/written communication

Teamwork

Safety minded

Outdoor work

Stress tolerance

Decision making

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Auxiliary (Process) Operator

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Openings: 2

Location: 101 Highway 73 South, Nekoosa, WI (Port Edwards Plant)

Hours: 12 hour rotating shift schedule (5:30am-5:30pm)

Salary: $66,079.03 + overtime pay (Skill Block 1)

Get To Know Us!

ERCO Worldwide’s century-long tradition of excellence has firmly established its reputation for providing reliable, intelligent, and environmentally responsible manufacturing on a global scale. As one of the largest suppliers of Chlorine Dioxide technology in the world, we are devoted to building genuine customer relationships and delivering innovative, sustainable chemical solutions that improve lives and the health of our planet. Grounded in our commitment to sustainability, we serve multiple industries such as pulp & paper, oil & gas, agriculture, food processing, water treatment and more! It’s our goal to make everyone’s lives more productive, convenient, enjoyable, and safe.

Our Vision (What we aspire to achieve)

To be the trusted partner for safe, innovative chemical solutions that improve everyday life and advance sustainability.

Our Mission (What we do and for whom)

We deliver sustainable, innovative chemical solutions driven by a steadfast commitment to safety, exceptional service, and continuous improvement, rooted in a culture of care that fosters lasting value for our people, customers, and the communities we serve.

Our Values (The beliefs, principles and practices that drive our organization)

Safety First - We prioritize safety, protecting our people, customers, communities and the environment.

Do the Right Thing - We are guided by honesty, integrity, and accountability which influence our decisions and actions on behalf of our stakeholders.

Together, We Thrive - We foster a respectful, open, and inclusive workplace where collaboration thrives, people grow together, and teams celebrate each other's successes.

Performance with Purpose - We achieve results by empowering employees and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring positive impact and long-term success.

Join The Team:

ERCO Worldwide is looking for a Auxiliary (Process) Operator to join our Production team! Our Port Edwards Plant is looking for a hardworking, safety-minded, individual to join its Production Team! Under supervision of the Chief Operator, the Auxiliary Operator operates and controls equipment in the plant and facility brine systems (NaCl and KCl). The brine systems are integrated with a chlorine electrolyzer operation, so portions of the brine systems are OSHA PSM covered processes. Production Operators are responsible for monitoring and adjusting equipment operation to produce high-quality products. These positions are full time, 12-hour shift work and every other weekend off. All operators are expected to work overtime when required.

The Role:

• Completes all requirements of the On-boarding program within 60 days.
• Completes initial operator training packets for KCl Brine, NaCl Brine and Environmental Control plant in a timely manner
• Using a round log sheet, walk the systems and record process conditions.
• Inspect pumps, seal water flow, saturator voids, salt flow, gauges, tank levels and agitators.
• Look for leaks, abnormalities, using all your senses; see, hear, smell, touch (caution PPE).
• The ability to write service orders in E1 (JD Edwards) for things needing repair.
• Make minor repairs; change fittings, hoses, stop leaks, tighten flanges.
• Safely collect required samples.
• Properly test samples in the lab
• Record both on paper and electronic copies.
• Adjust the system to keep results within parameters listed in Process control manual.
• Follows operating procedures when shutting down and starting up systems.
• Follow SOPs when preparing systems for Maintenance work.
• Understand the lock out policy and how to use a lockbox checklist for equipment isolation.
• Work with experienced operators during main plant outages.
• Test alarms, automatic and manual controls for proper operations.
• Using hard and electronic copies of operation manuals, P&IDs, and procedures increases your understanding of the systems independently.
• Maintains plant housekeeping and safety standards, inspections, and observations.
• Participates in PHAs, IMR investigations, PSSERs, JSAs process improvements as needed.
• Review Operating procedures when assigned in EDMS.
• Reviews MOCs, suggests changes, and signs operator training form.
• Assists with troubleshooting process issues, recommends process changes.
• Understands fully the environmental rules and regulations related to the entire production process.
• Becomes certified in HAZWPOR, CPR, and First Aid.
• Under supervision of the Chief Operator, the auxiliary operator controls equipment in both brine systems (NaCL & KCl) as well as the waste treatment plant.
• Operator Auxiliary I, alongside an experienced operator, will begin training in the brine area. The operator will be assigned their initial brine operator training packets in ERCO U, which they must finish within three to four months. After that, they will start training in the environmental control plant, where they will also be given a training packet, which they must finish within six months of their hire date. The operator will be deemed qualified and capable of working alone with little help once they have finished the training materials and have a thorough understanding of their duties.
• Brine systems (NaCl & KCl) are monitored by Auxiliary Operators through two system wide rounds, conducted twice per shift. The operator will be looking for proper equipment functions, flows, leaks, unusual sounds smells or vibrations, and setpoints. A sample collection of hazardous chemicals, brine and brine muds will be collected, tested and recorded two times per shift and adjustments made to keep processes in the target range. The brine systems are integrated with chlorine electrolyzer operation, so portions of the brine systems are considered OSHA PSM covered processes.
• Auxiliary Operators operate the Environmental Control Plant by treating plant wide wastewater and brine muds. Operators monitor fumes scrubbers for various vessels. Environmental control plant operators understand requirements to discharge liquid to the effluent. The finished liquids are regulated by RCRA, the DNR and others.

The Person:

• Education: High School degree or above (Technical College)
• Basic understanding of manufacturing in industries such as chemical, pulp and paper, and food processing
• Industrial experience with brine operation, rail cars, pumps, valves, electrolyzers, heat rectifiers, confined space
• Creative and innovative thinker
• Someone who is safety-oriented and can stay calm under pressure
• Strong troubleshooting and judgment skills
• Basic computer skills
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work outdoors, stand for shift, lift & climb stairs
• Ability to work a 12-hour rotating shift including weekends and holidays
• Manages workload and reacts to changes
• Ability to work independently and make timely decisions.
• Takes accountability and demonstrates a positive attitude
• Remains calm under pressure. Behaves professionally even under stress.
• Demonstrates respect for others
• Demonstrates commitment to success for him/herself and the company
• Demonstrates time management and organizational skills, being resourceful, proactive, high energy, and results driven
• Oral/Written Communication skills; documents well

The Value You Bring:

• Strong health and safety mindset
• Strong relationship builder – collaborative, team-builder
• Focused and results driven, transparent, and articulate
• Drives continuous improvement
• Resilient – can adapt to changing environments/technology
• Proactive – takes initiative, creative, stays ahead of the curve, enthusiastic, inspirational

What you’ll love about us!

Competitive Benefits:

We take pride in providing our employees with a competitive compensation package to help promote your wellbeing and that of your family. Here are some of the perks we offer:

• Health and Dental Benefits on Day 1
• Health Care/Wellness Spending Account
• Annual Short Term Incentive Bonus
• Staff Recognition Awards
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Paid time off
• 401k match
• Disability Insurance

Developmental Opportunity:

At ERCO we believe in continuous improvement, not just with our processes, but with our employees too! We have an excellent L&D department who create and facilitate training courses for our ERCO University platform on all topics for the development of our people. We also help cover and encourage employees to take courses and attend conferences to further their knowledge and skillsets!

ERCO Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting, developing and maintaining a diverse workforce in compliance with all applicable Human Rights legislation. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate for disabilities made known to us by our employees and applicants. If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please let us know and we will make every reasonable effort to meet your needs.

Get to know us more by visiting our website and LinkedIn page!