SDS Operator Trainee

Tradebe Environmental Services; East Chicago, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Career growth opportunities

Student loan repayment assistance

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) Retirement match

Vacation and sick plans

Life insurance

Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Leadership opportunities

Great work environment

Job summary

Tradebe Environmental Services in East Chicago, IN is seeking an SDS Operator Trainee to learn critical solvent distillation operations and safety practices. You’ll train on our Solids Distillation System, gain hands-on experience, and work toward becoming a certified SDS Operator after one year.

The role is designed for mechanically inclined individuals with prior equipment operation experience, offering a rotating shift (36/48 hours weekly) and competitive pay starting at $23.15 per hour with

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating equipment in industrial/mechanical settings.
• Willingness to learn about thermal desorption systems.
• Ability to work a rotating shift schedule.
• Follow strict safety procedures in a physical environment.
• Comfort with computers and data entry systems.
• Ability to work on-site in East Chicago, IN.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English.

Responsibilities

• Uphold Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) compliance and safe operating practices.
• Train on the operation of the Solids Distillation System (SDS) and Distillation Column.
• Monitor and adjust operating systems, including control panels and valves.
• Troubleshoot unit components like pressure transmitters, burner controls, and valves.
• Track system performance with hourly data logs and walkthroughs.
• Load and unload tankers; maintain cleanliness and safety around the unit.
• Support SDS supervisors and follow safety protocols (LOTO, hot work).
• After one year, complete an assessment to become a certified SDS Operator.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Industrial equipment operation

Mechanical aptitude

English literacy

Rotating shift

Safety procedures

Computers & data entry

On-site work

Learning thermal desorption systems

Education

HS diploma / GED

Job description

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Business Line: Environmental Services & Global Functions

SDS Operator Trainee

Description: Tradebe is a group of industrial businesses dedicated to creating a more sustainable planet and making a real impact on human wellbeing. In the US, we lead the way in recycling and the circular economy, managing diverse environmental challenges sustainably.

Our East Chicago, IN facility is the heart of our operations and our largest processing hub, where innovation and teamwork drive meaningful environmental solutions. Join us in this dynamic location to be part of shaping a sustainable future.

Opportunity Highlights

• Starting Pay:$23.15/hr
• After 90 Days:$23.88/hr
• Shift:Rotating shift (36 hours one week, 48 hours the next)
• Weekly Pay
• Career Growth: After 12 months, opportunity to advance to SDS Operator with a $3/hour increase upon certification

What will you do? Make an impact!

Want to build ahands-on industrial careerand grow into a skilled equipment operator? JoinTradebe Environmental Servicesas aSDS Operator Traineeand get paid to learn critical systems that keep our environmental operations running. Over the course of a one-year, you’ll gain the experience needed to become a SDS Operator.

This is a great role for mechanically inclined individuals with prior machine or equipment operation experience who are looking for a long-term career path in a stable industry.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Uphold Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) compliance by ensuring all operations adhere to relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies, while fostering a safe and environmentally responsible workplace.
• Train on the operation of our Solids Distillation System (SDS) and Distillation Column
• Learn to monitor and adjust operating systems, including control panels and valves
• Assist with troubleshooting unit components like pressure transmitters, burner controls, and valves
• Track system performance with hourly data logs and perform regular walkthroughs
• Load and unload tankers and help maintain cleanliness and safety around your unit
• Support SDS supervisors and follow company safety protocols, including confined space entry, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and hot work procedures
• After one year, complete an assessment to become a certified SDS Operator
• Other duties as assigned

Do you have what it takes?

• High school diploma or GED required
• Previous experience operating equipment in an industrial or mechanical setting
• Interest in learning about thermal desorption systems (prior knowledge a plus)
• Ability to work a rotating shift schedule
• Willingness to follow strict safety procedures in a physical, hands-on environment
• Comfortable using computers and data entry systems (training provided)
• Ability to work on-site as described in the job description
• Ability to read, write, and understand English

What’s in for you?

Why Tradebe is Right for You

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Generous vacation and sick plans
• Medical (including telehealth), dental and vision
• 401k Retirement match
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Health savings accounts (HSA)
• Agency paid, basic life and AD&D insurance
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
• Leadership opportunities
• Great work environment and culture
• And MORE!

Tradebe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law

Nearest Major Market: Gary
Nearest Secondary Market: Chicago