Chemical Plant Operator

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly wage with shift allowances

Medical and retirement benefits

Paid training

Richards Bay employment security

Safety equipment provided

Strong safety culture

Job summary

Placements24 presents a Chemical Plant Operator role in Richards Bay, focusing on safe operation and monitoring of production equipment. The candidate will follow procedures, address deviations, and maintain compliant logs in a fast-paced industrial setting.

The position emphasizes safety culture, teamwork, and reliable performance to ensure continuous production and adherence to environmental standards. Training opportunities are included.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification is an advantage.
• Experience as chemical plant operator or similar industrial role.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processes and safety procedures.
• Able to read P&IDs, operating manuals, and Safety Data Sheets.
• Physically fit and able to perform manual tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor processing equipment following SOPs.
• Perform routine inspections and minor repairs.
• Respond to alarms and deviations with corrective actions.
• Monitor process parameters and adjust controls.
• Maintain health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Keep accurate logs and production records.

Skills

Chemical plant ops

Safety compliance

P&IDs reading

Teamwork

Manual labor

Equipment operation

Education

High school diploma

Technical certification advantageous

Tools

P&IDs

SDS manuals

Operating manuals

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a diligent and safety-conscious Chemical Plant Operator to join their operational team in Richards Bay . This is a critical on-site role responsible for the safe and efficient operation of chemical production equipment and processes. You will be involved in monitoring plant performance, performing routine checks, and responding to operational deviations to maintain optimal production levels and ensure safety standards are met. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of chemical plant operations, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented industrial environment. This position offers a stable career path within the chemical manufacturing sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor chemical processing equipment, ensuring adherence to operating procedures and production schedules.
• Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on plant machinery.
• Respond promptly to alarms and operational upsets, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Monitor process parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rates) and adjust controls to maintain optimal conditions.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and reports, documenting production data and any incidents.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant technical certification is an advantage.
• Previous experience as a chemical plant operator or in a similar industrial role.
• Solid understanding of chemical processes and safety procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, operating manuals, and safety data sheets.
• Physical fitness and ability to perform tasks requiring manual labor and operate equipment.
• Strong observational skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage with shift allowances.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Paid training programs and opportunities for skill development.
• Secure employment in a key industrial hub.
• Company-provided safety equipment and work attire.
• A strong safety culture and supportive work environment.