Chemical Plant Operator jobs in Lynchburg, VA

About Ascent

Our Chemical Division is part of our portfolio of specialty chemical manufacturing locations. Our vision is to be the premier partner for chemical manufacturers seeking purpose-built, custom solutions.

We believe that being best in class means living out our values daily, and hiring the types of people who will strengthen our brand.

• We bring INGENUITY to complex customer solutions.
• We are AGILE and willing to flex our operations and processes to accommodate our customers’ needs.
• We approach work with VELOCITY, responding quickly to customers’ challenges.
• We prioritize the SAFETY of our teams above all, refusing to put our teams at risk.
• We take OWNERSHIP of our customers’ standards and goals and empower our teams to work together to make decisions.
• We are DISCIPLINED in our pursuit to efficiently build the very best.

Take time to learn more about us today at: https://www.ascentchem.com

A. Basic Company Requirements

• Understand and adhere to company policies and procedures
• Read and understand written procedures (in English) for processing chemicals
• Follow written and verbal instructions from supervision, management, and engineering
• Complete basic math functions (add, subtract, multiply, and divide)

B. Safety and Environmental Requirements

• Don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) correctly and effectively
• Read and understand a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to identify hazards of handling chemicals
• Safely handle solvents (such as methanol), acids (such as nitric acid), and bases (such as 50% sodium hydroxide) or other hazardous or potentially hazardous chemicals
• Understand and adhere to company emergency procedures
• Complete monthly and annual computer-based safety training on time
• Report all spills, leaks, injuries, mischarges, and other incidents immediately to the Supervisor and/or management
• Attend training as specified by Supervisor, including all safety training
• Report all unsafe conditions immediately to the Supervisor and/or management
• Understand policies and procedures for line breaks, hot work, Lock Out/Tag Out, and confined space and be able to perform associated tasks as required by supervision
• Protect the environment to prevent ground, water, and air pollution

C. Batch Chemical Processing and Housekeeping Requirements

• Proficient in performing all operational duties of a Reactor Operator (RO)
• Run chemical reactions in vertical/horizontal reactors under pressure or vacuum with minimal or no supervision
• Heat and cool reactors using steam, cooling tower water, hot oil, or chilled water/glycol
• Properly record data for environmental and regulatory requirements, as specified by EHS (dust collector inspections, etc.)
• Operate reactors during trials and work with production or technical team members in development of new processes for customers
• Assist the Supervisor with daily walks/evaluation of the operating area and tank farm
• Assist in the equipment set-up and changeover from process to process
• Train operators on reactor operation on existing and new processes
• Perform or assist in basic maintenance tasks, such as minor leak repair
• Be able to troubleshoot operational issues, determine if the issue is mechanical or process based, and notify the appropriate personnel for assistance
• Participate in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR) and Job Safety Analyses (JSA) for product setup or introduction of new equipment
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) for existing and new processes
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision

D. Receiving, Shipping, and Other Material Movement Requirements

• Assist with receiving and shipping of bulk and packaged materials, with an understanding of product identification and Bill of Lading
• Inspect and operate a fork truck per company procedures
• Safely transport materials using a fork truck (staging raw materials in the plant, transporting waste containers to waste pad, and transporting finished product to warehouse, etc.) or other transport device

Skills, Qualifications, Experience, Special Physical Requirements:

• At least 6 months of experience as a proficient Reactor Operator (RO) or at least 4 years prior experience in a manufacturing facility
• High School Diploma and/or GED
• Ability to lift 60 lbs.
• Need to be able to read, write, and verbally communicate in English

Ascent Industries is an equal opportunity employer. Ascent does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.