Production Operation Technician

Vantage Specialty Chemicals; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, HSA, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Illinois seeks a Production Operation Technician to safely control chemical processes, stage raw materials, and manage warehouse tasks. You will work with forklifts and automated systems, ensuring quality and safety while following SOPs and logs.

The role emphasizes safety, hands-on process operation, and effective communication with supervision. Prior forklift experience and adherence to PPE are essential for daily responsibilities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 6 months experience in an industrial facility preferred.
• Forklift experience preferred.
• Must follow PPE and safety policies.
• Ability to read SOPs and complete documentation.

Responsibilities

• Control chemical processes safely per procedures.
• Maintain safe operations and environmental rules.
• Attend mandatory safety training and audits.
• Document operations and communicate status to supervision.
• Operate forklifts, trackmobile, and warehouse tasks.
• Perform maintenance prep and follow LOTO/SWP where required.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Trackmobile

Pallet Jack

Job description

Position Summary

The Production Operation Technician, based on process know-how, knowledge, and trouble shooting skills, carries out independently, safely and responsibly all operations required to complete production requirements using all written procedures and verbal instructions.

• This individual may be involved with the generation, collection, storage, and preparation of shipments of hazardous materials.
• Pick and stage all necessary raw materials prior to beginning batch via forklift or pallet jack.
• Stage, fill, and label drums, totes, or pales for finished products from reactors or storage vessels following Standard Operator Procedures (SOPs).
• Print, complete, and scan necessary packaging and shipping documents as required.
• Unload and sample raw materials from tank trucks or rail cars.
• Load finished materials onto a tank truck
• Complete all tasks wearing the proper PPE in accordance with site policies.
• Support and comply with all company safety, health, environmental, and quality programs and policies and be directly responsible for managing safety and health performance.
• Perform other duties as required and directed by Production Manager, Production Supervisor or other senior operators.
• Control the operation of chemical processes (which includes supply tanks, pumps, lines, valves, product tanks effluent systems and all equipment within that plant) in a safe manner in accordance with current procedures and agreed best practices.
• Maintain a safe operational environment by being knowledgeable of and enforcing all safety and environmental rules, policies and regulations in the work area.
• Attend and demonstrate proficiency in all mandatory Safety training.
• Complete weekly safety audits, with the requirement of four per month including O&C/SUSA/CURE/EHS&S or other safety department initiatives.
• Maintain and demonstrate proficiency in the Production Technician skill blocks for which the individual is qualified.
• Maintain proper communication (verbal and written) and documentation as required for the operation of the plant to ensure maximum output and quality of product during operation.
• Sample and label raw material and/or products as required using established procedures.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt to and become proficient in the safe operation and control of automated control systems.
• Maintain inventory control in all tanks associated with the process. Assures the integrity of the product and process as per standard operating procedures and/or written or verbal instructions.
• Maintains a high level of housekeeping in the work areas including the tank farms. Dispose of debris in the general plant area and clean areas using whatever tools or equipment are required.
• Make appropriate adjustments to the equipment used in the processes to maintain required product quality and maximize efficiency.
• Demonstrate basic troubleshooting skills while effectively communicating the current status, progress, completion and resolution description through documentation on log sheets, work orders and communication to supervision/relief personnel.
• Develop and suggest ideas for improving processes and equipment.
• Immediately report any accidents or hazardous incident.
• Participate with other team members in preparing processes and equipment for maintenance using proper LOTO and Safe Work procedures when required in a timely fashion.
• Perform regular plant safety inspections/audits and write/enter work orders for all required repairs.
• Provide knowledge, information, and support during training of new/or relief personnel. Complete all required documentation at the time of instruction.
• Perform analytical measurements as assigned to assure product quality at all times.
• Perform material transfers as required.
• Perform all aspects of “warehouse operator” position and general warehouse functions which include hand-palletizing 50 lb. bags, stenciling/labeling, stretch-wrapping, loading trucks, as necessary.
• Operate and manage industrial trucks (such as forklifts) to load and unload materials or deliveries and move materials to storage areas or operational areas.
• Operate and manage Trackmobile to move railcars safely in either the trackmobile driver capacity or the groundman.
• Communicate and work effectively with Vantage personnel and third parties (such as contractors, delivery drivers, etc.).
• Perform any other non-routine duties as directed by management or supervision.

Position Summary

The Production Operation Technician, based on process know-how, knowledge, and trouble shooting skills, carries out independently, safely and responsibly all operations required to complete production requirements using all written procedures and verbal instructions.

• This individual may be involved with the generation, collection, storage, and preparation of shipments of hazardous materials.
• Pick and stage all necessary raw materials prior to beginning batch via forklift or pallet jack.
• Stage, fill, and label drums, totes, or pales for finished products from reactors or storage vessels following Standard Operator Procedures (SOPs).
• Print, complete, and scan necessary packaging and shipping documents as required.
• Unload and sample raw materials from tank trucks or rail cars.
• Load finished materials onto a tank truck
• Complete all tasks wearing the proper PPE in accordance with site policies.
• Support and comply with all company safety, health, environmental, and quality programs and policies and be directly responsible for managing safety and health performance.
• Perform other duties as required and directed by Production Manager, Production Supervisor or other senior operators.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Control the operation of chemical processes (which includes supply tanks, pumps, lines, valves, product tanks effluent systems and all equipment within that plant) in a safe manner in accordance with current procedures and agreed best practices.
• Maintain a safe operational environment by being knowledgeable of and enforcing all safety and environmental rules, policies and regulations in the work area.
• Attend and demonstrate proficiency in all mandatory Safety training.
• Complete weekly safety audits, with the requirement of four per month including O&C/SUSA/CURE/EHS&S or other safety department initiatives.
• Maintain and demonstrate proficiency in the Production Technician skill blocks for which the individual is qualified.
• Maintain proper communication (verbal and written) and documentation as required for the operation of the plant to ensure maximum output and quality of product during operation.
• Sample and label raw material and/or products as required using established procedures.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt to and become proficient in the safe operation and control of automated control systems.
• Maintain inventory control in all tanks associated with the process. Assures the integrity of the product and process as per standard operating procedures and/or written or verbal instructions.
• Maintains a high level of housekeeping in the work areas including the tank farms. Dispose of debris in the general plant area and clean areas using whatever tools or equipment are required.
• Make appropriate adjustments to the equipment used in the processes to maintain required product quality and maximize efficiency.
• Demonstrate basic troubleshooting skills while effectively communicating the current status, progress, completion and resolution description through documentation on log sheets, work orders and communication to supervision/relief personnel.
• Develop and suggest ideas for improving processes and equipment.
• Immediately report any accidents or hazardous incident.
• Participate with other team members in preparing processes and equipment for maintenance using proper LOTO and Safe Work procedures when required in a timely fashion.
• Perform regular plant safety inspections/audits and write/enter work orders for all required repairs.
• Provide knowledge, information, and support during training of new/or relief personnel. Complete all required documentation at the time of instruction.
• Perform analytical measurements as assigned to assure product quality at all times.
• Perform material transfers as required.
• Perform all aspects of “warehouse operator” position and general warehouse functions which include hand-palletizing 50 lb. bags, stenciling/labeling, stretch-wrapping, loading trucks, as necessary.
• Operate and manage industrial trucks (such as forklifts) to load and unload materials or deliveries and move materials to storage areas or operational areas.
• Operate and manage Trackmobile to move railcars safely in either the trackmobile driver capacity or the groundman.
• Communicate and work effectively with Vantage personnel and third parties (such as contractors, delivery drivers, etc.).
• Perform any other non-routine duties as directed by management or supervision.

Education

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D required.

Experience

• Minimum of six (6) months experience in an industrial facility, preferred.
• Forklift Experience preferred.

Working Conditions

• Sitting: 40%
• Vision: Normal
• Standing: 60%
• Hearing: Normal
• Lifting: 50 lbs.
• Dexterity: Normal
• Smell: Normal

Pay

The estimated base pay range for this position is $21/hr – $31/hr. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills and geographic location. This position is eligible to participate in a short-term incentive program.

Benefits

• Medical, HSA, dental, vision
• FSA (limited purpose, dependent care, and commuter/parking)
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• EAP, identity theft protectionPaid time off, Parental Leave
• 401(k) with company match

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vantage is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category.

About Vantage

Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction. We are a dynamic people-centered organization where you’ll be part of a collaborative global team. Embracing our cultural diversity, we learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voices and talents of our colleagues, empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results and we celebrate them by fostering a culture of recognition, development, learning, excellence and shared achievement. Most importantly, we know you’re going to like it here. For more information visit: vantagegrp.com or LinkedIn/vantage.