Chemical Plant Operator (PAP)

Title: Chemical Plant Operator (PAP)

Location: Raleigh, NC

Pay Rate: $23/hr on W2

Duration: 6 months contract with possible extension

Shift Schedule:

The position follows a four-week rotating schedule:

Week 1: Four night shifts → Three days off

Week 2: Three day shifts → One day off → Three night shifts

Week 3: Three days off → Four day shifts

Week 4: Seven days off

Summary of Position:

The Chemical Plant Operator is a key member of the production team responsible for operating and monitoring a chemical manufacturing process that produces bulk organic chemicals. The role requires strict adherence to company standards and operating procedures to maintain a safe and efficient operation while ensuring product quality.

Key Responsibilities:

Perform standard tasks such as packaging product, taking process samples, changing filters, cleaning centrifuges, moving large hoppers, and flushing lines.

Maintain accurate operating reports and documentation.

Work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule (detailed below).

Ensure compliance with safety regulations, including wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent (required).

Associate or Technical degree (preferred).

Experience:

Previous experience in a Process Safety Management (PSM) manufacturing environment (preferred).

Skills & Competencies:

Forklift operation experience (preferred).

Ability to read and follow detailed instructions and procedures.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Basic math skills and sound decision-making abilities.

Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Essential Functions:

Operate within a regulated environment, ensuring compliance with all PSM and OSHA regulations.

Monitor and operate reactors, decanters, filters, process columns, tanks, centrifuges, dryers, and related equipment via manual operations, panel boards, PLC displays, and DCS screens.

Handle and label finished and intermediate products following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Maintain detailed logs on process conditions, including weights, temperatures, pH levels, pressures, and flow rates.

Deliver samples to the laboratory and retrieve operating supplies from storage.

Maintain cleanliness of work areas, process equipment, tools, and safety supplies.

Use hoists and material-handling devices to transport bulk raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and packaged goods.

Ensure proper operation of equipment to maintain high product quality and avoid equipment damage.

Recognize and respond to abnormal equipment performance or unsafe conditions.

Complete required computer-based training (CBT) on time.

Perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures independently.

Participate in safety, efficiency, and cost-savings initiatives such as Kaizen events and Hazmat teams.

Working Conditions:

Open-air plant construction exposes operators to seasonal weather conditions; however, primary workstations are indoors.

Typical chemical plant environment with potential exposure to wet floors, chemical-stained equipment, and occasional chemical fumes.

Manual handling of materials up to 50 lbs (lifting, rolling drums, pouring bags of raw materials).

Requires physical activity such as climbing stairs/ladders and driving forklifts.

Exposure to corrosive, flammable, and toxic chemicals—strict safety protocols are in place.

Rotating 12-hour shifts (7 AM – 7 PM and 7 PM – 7 AM), including mandatory overtime as needed for safe staffing levels.

Additional Requirements:

Medical Respirator Clearance (MSA full-face Advantage respirator) is required and must be completed as part of the onboarding process.

A 16-panel drug screen is mandatory for this role.

Candidates should not be submitted to multiple Raleigh, NC openings simultaneously—submissions will be reviewed, and candidates may be redirected to a more suitable opening if applicable.