Utility Operator

Westlake Chemical; Kentucky; On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits from Day 1

Competitive pay

Quarterly and annual bonus programs

Matching 401K

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking Utility Workers/Operators in Kentucky for entry-level positions in a continuous manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include packaging products, monitoring production, and ensuring quality standards. Candidates should have at least 6 months of experience in industrial operations. Benefits start on Day 1 and include competitive pay, bonuses, medical coverage, and more. Join a dynamic team committed to enhancing lives through our products and community presence.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months of experience in an industrial operations environment preferred.
• Experience in plastic extrusion or related manufacturing is desirable.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions in English.

Responsibilities

• Package products including weighing, labeling, and inspecting.
• Monitor production and equipment for safe operation.
• Ensure materials meet recipe specifications.

Skills

High work performance standards

Effective communication in English

Mathematical skills

Problem-solving skills

Mechanical aptitude

Tools

Hand tools

Scales

Computer equipment

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

We are looking for a few good people to join us as Utility Workers/Operators!

What will you do?

A Utility Operator is an entry‑level position in a fast‑paced continuous manufacturing environment responsible for packaging all product types, blending, grinding, compounding plastic materials and warehouse assignments. The operator must be flexible and will be assigned any task across all company functions or locations as needed to maximize production. The role is part of a 24‑hour operation on 12‑hour rotating shifts – 7 day shifts and 7 night shifts in a 28‑day period.

What Does Westlake Dimex offer to employees?

• Exciting and dynamic environment with plenty of opportunity for career growth
• Competitive pay
• Quarterly and annual bonus programs
• Day 1 benefits: medical, dental, vision
• Life insurance and optional dependent insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability
• Matching 401K with an annual retirement contribution
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Caregiver and paternal leave
• Scholarship program for dependents
• Tuition reimbursement
• and MORE!

If this role sounds like a fit for you – don’t hesitate, apply today!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for product packaging which includes weighing, labeling, and inspecting products that meet quality and shipping standards.
• Monitors all production and equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Reports equipment and processing issues to supervision.
• Ensures materials meet the recipe specifications and loads designated materials into machinery.
• Examines products and materials visually and/or physically to ensure quality and proper packaging specifications are met.
• Completes and maintains all required system inputs and transactions. Responsible for data integrity.
• Documents work completed as required, including logs, data reports, procedures, etc.
• Participates in training, meetings, and continual improvement processes and methods.
• Assists and gains knowledge of all required machine and tooling cleaning procedures.
• Maintains plant housekeeping standards.
• Follows and complies with all safety and work rules and regulations.
• This position may require forklift certification depending on the assignment.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

At least 6 months experience in an industrial operations environment strongly preferred. Experience in plastic extrusion, colorants and additives, or related manufacturing or warehouse environment is desirable.

Required Behavioral Skills

• Sets high standards of work performance; assumes responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks.
• Must be able to read and comprehend all instructions and policies in English.
• Must have mathematical skills to add, subtract, multiply and divide and apply these skills to weights, measures of volume, speed, and distance.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in English during one‑on‑one and small group situations.
• Must be able to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced team environment.
• Must be able to use computers to enter worked time, log production and complete assigned training.
• Must have effective problem‑solving skills and demonstrate a basic level of mechanical aptitude.
• Must have manual dexterity sufficient to operate a wide variety of small hand tools, scales, calipers, tape measure, hand trucks, utility knife and computer equipment.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Must be able to work in temperatures ranging from 0 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Must wear safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, and bump caps for 12‑hour shifts.
• Must be able to work in dusty environments and wear appropriate dust masks and respirators as required.
• Must be able to safely walk on occasionally dusty, wet and/or slippery surfaces.
• Must have the ability to routinely lift/carry/push/pull 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Must have the ability to stand for 12 hours.
• Must have the ability to reach above their shoulders.
• Must have the ability to routinely bend, squat, kneel, twist/turn.
• Must have the ability to routinely climb vertical fixed and mobile ladders.
• Must have the ability to operate a Powered Industrial Truck as required.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.