Chemical Operator

PQ Corporation is a leading global provider of silicates, silicas and derivative products. PQ’s products are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and many customer products, from decorative paints to green cement, from clean drinking water to green tires and from toothpaste to biofuels and beer.

• Start up and shut down equipment in accordance with procedures while meeting production needs.
• Operate production processing and material handling systems, some by computer control.
• Monitor system outputs – including charts, gauges, flow indicators, and computer displays.
• Control, adjust rates as required to balance related process systems.
• Perform quality control tests on process samples for process control and assurance of product quality.
• Maintain reliable operations of furnace, dissolving, and related equipment in conjunction with the maintenance department: i.e., pumps, motors, bearings, etc. through responsible and informed operation.
• Requires detailed knowledge of entire process, SJP’S, and emergency procedures. Daily requirement is to lift up to 60 pounds. Stands or walks with intermittent climbing. Requires visual acuity.
• Exercises judgment, discretion, and rapid decision making in situations involving operational problems, unexpected occurrences, etc., often independently.
• Maintain safe working conditions and practices.
• Assure maintenance of environmental control of plant facility as dictated by permits and state regulations, including working with the environmental department for the safe and orderly disposal of hazardous waste.
• Communicate problems, instructions, observations, and request orally and in writing to team members and other departments.

• Operates the liquid sodium silicate plant. Schedules the batch making, reacting, and processing of liquid sodium silicate according to standard operating procedures (SOP’S). Responds to system alarms by determining problem and taking corrective action.
• Controls the processes through the use of statistical process control, to include:
  • Sampling and performing tests as needed.
  • Setting up and plotting data on control charts.
  • Diagnosing process and taking action as required.
• Performs key coordinating duties for emergency response situations; notifying and working with police, fire and ambulance personnel as required.
• Exhibits all skill requirements for production operations, operates any production equipment, and performs miscellaneous duties as needed.
• Performs quality control tests according to SPP’S to include:
  • Product Baume’
  • Product % Na2O
  • Product Ratio
  • Product LPC
  • Product Viscosity
  • Product Turbidity
• Communicates process problems, instructions, observations, and requests in writing through the use of established systems, including:
  • Production data sheets
  • ePac CMMS
  • Microsoft Outlook
• Maintains acceptable housekeeping

• High school graduate or equivalent education required
• Prior background working in industrial production, preferably a chemical processing facility
• Good interpersonal skills, works well in a team environment
• Able to follow written and verbal instruction
• Able to demonstrate basic computer skills including Microsoft Office products

• Special Factors
  • This role is a 3-6 month contract supporting a project

• Communicates, promotes and personally demonstrates Safety/Health (including PQP Principles) as #1 priority
• Participation in risk assessment audits as applicable
• Understand PQ Principles (PQP) and how they are implemented in the site organization, rules and procedures
• Completes HSE training requirements identified for the job in a timely manner