CHEMICAL OPERATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

A Chemical Operator is someone who runs batch and continuous production processes safely, from raw material loading through finished product transfer, inside a regulated plant environment. Most positions require HAZWOPER-compliant hazardous materials handling alongside routine DCS- or PLC-based process control. The physical demands are real: shifts rotate, PPE is mandatory, and deviations from batch sheet documentation carry compliance consequences. Every qualified operator must be forklift-certifiable and capable of working under strict SOP and environmental reporting requirements.

As the Chemical Operator, you are accountable for executing batch production from charge to closeout, maintaining accurate records, and keeping your assigned area within EHS and quality standards. You work within a shift-based team reporting to a production supervisor, with daily coordination across maintenance, quality control, and inventory personnel.

Career Impact: Hands-on command of industrial DCS and PLC process control systems builds technical credibility that transfers directly into Senior Chemical Operator and Process Technician roles.

Business Impact: The accuracy and safety of every batch directly determine whether a finished product meets documented quality standards and ships on schedule to customers or internal project teams.

Growth Opportunity: Operators who develop expertise in troubleshooting chemical reactors, distillation columns, and control instrumentation are well-positioned to move into lead operator or process engineering support roles within the same facility.

• Operate batch and continuous process equipment, including reactors, pumps, mixers, valves, and transfer systems, following approved SOPs and batch recipe sheets.
• Monitor instrumentation readings such as temperature, pressure, and flow meters, and make real-time adjustments to maintain optimal process conditions.
• Complete batch sheets, logbooks, and inventory records accurately at each stage of production to satisfy quality and regulatory documentation requirements.
• Collect and submit product samples to the QC laboratory at prescribed intervals for analysis and quality verification.
• Conduct pre-transfer line checks on connections, valves, and bleed-off points to confirm safe and correct configuration before each product transfer.
• Perform housekeeping, equipment cleaning, and minor repairs within assigned work area to maintain visual process control and a safe environment.
• Communicate production status, deviations, and equipment issues to supervisory personnel and incoming shift operators during handover.
• Support maintenance activities including lockout/tagout procedures, safe work permit issuance, and preparation of equipment for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• 2 or more years of hands-on experience in a chemical manufacturing or industrial production environment, with exposure to batch operations.
• Working knowledge of hazardous materials handling procedures, including appropriate PPE use and waste disposal practices.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and follow SOPs, batch sheets, safety rules, and procedure manuals with a high degree of accuracy.
• Forklift certification or eligibility to become certified within a defined period after hire.
• Basic computer literacy sufficient to navigate electronic records systems and enter production data accurately.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting to 50 pounds, climbing stairs and ladders, and working extended periods in variable temperature conditions while wearing PPE.

• Associate's degree or technical certificate in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience operating a Distributed Control System (DCS) or PLC-based automated control environment in a continuous or batch facility.
• HAZWOPER certification or prior completion of hazardous waste operations training in compliance with federal requirements.
• Forklift and DOT certification already held, with prior experience loading and unloading bulk trailers and preparing hazardous shipment documentation.

• Batch documentation accuracy rate, measured against completed batch sheets reviewed per shift.
• Deviation frequency, tracking the number of process deviations reported and escalated per month.
• Sample submission compliance, reflecting on-time delivery of QC samples at all prescribed collection intervals.
• Equipment downtime attributable to operator error or missed inspection, tracked against shift maintenance logs.
• Shift handover completeness score, based on logbook entries reviewed for accuracy and required production detail.
• Typical tools: process control systems (commonly DCS or PLC platforms); inventory and production recording (commonly SAP or equivalent ERP).

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $62,000 annually, depending on seniority and plant complexity
• Bonus: Shift differential and occasional production performance bonuses common
• Equity: Equity not typical at this level; profit-sharing offered at some larger manufacturers
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard; some employers cover the majority of premiums
• PTO: 2 to 3 weeks paid time off plus paid holidays; shift-based roles often include additional allowances
• Common Perks: PPE and safety gear provided, on-site training programs, forklift and HAZWOPER certification reimbursement

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including verification of employment history and applicable drug screening, are a condition of employment for all positions in this function. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship.

The Chemical Operator owns batch production operations within a chemical manufacturing facility, performing raw material loading, DCS-monitored processing, and lab quality testing to meet production schedules. Reporting to supervisory personnel, the role enables continuous output by maintaining process documentation, coordinating equipment repair orders, and communicating production status across the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform production functions in accordance with established procedures, specifications, and production schedules.
• Load raw materials, including liquids and powders in bulk storage and various packaging, into vessels.
• Use a distributed control system with sensors, including flow meters, pressure gauges, and temperature gauges, to convert raw materials in a batch operation and make necessary adjustments as required.
• Wear proper personal protective equipment when required and perform lab tests to determine that raw materials and finished products meet documented quality standards.
• Follow production schedules and perform assigned production duties within established cycle time guidelines.
• Notify supervisory personnel of causes for any deviations from standards.
• Clean up after raw material loading activities, including sweeping, mopping, and dusting, return tools to proper storage locations, and maintain assigned work areas with proper visual process control documents.
• Update process documentation, including batch sheets, as work processes are completed, and update raw material inventory using computer software.
• Create work orders for equipment repair activities at higher skill levels.
• Communicate production status and issues using proper business etiquette with supervisory personnel and other team members.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Technician certification or equivalent.
• HAZMAT training or experience, including Hazwoper.
• Minimum of 3 years of chemical manufacturing experience in a batch environment involving chemical reactions.
• Knowledge of DCS systems for process control.
• Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of the job.
• Ability to identify and define problems, collect data, and establish facts.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and rotate shifts as required.

Embedded within Danimer Catalytic's pilot plant team, the Chemical Operator delivers hands-on operation and maintenance of reaction and separation units, including chemical reactors, distillation columns, and automated control systems, to generate product samples for internal testing and customer evaluation. Working closely with project teams, the role advances the company's development of novel chemicals and polymers by ensuring safe, compliant process operation and thorough recordkeeping.

Core Functions

• Follow standard operating procedures after training to independently operate chemical process equipment.
• Monitor material flow and instruments, including temperature and pressure gauges, indicators, and meters, and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal processing conditions.
• Conduct tests and periodic inspections of process equipment for malfunctions, hazards, and leaks.
• Set up and operate automated control systems to regulate process equipment.
• Record and maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, and production notes in a computer database.
• Use troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve process and equipment problems.
• Perform basic repairs on process equipment and piping and keep maintenance records.
• Collect, examine, and weigh product samples for analysis.

Qualifications & Experience

• High School diploma required; Associate's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience with process equipment, including chemical reactors, distillation columns, control valves, pumps, dryers, filters, and compressors.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience with toxic, reactive, air-sensitive, or flammable chemicals.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with hazardous materials or in a continuous operation environment.
• Experience troubleshooting and solving mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation issues.
• Experience following work procedures and complying with environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong recordkeeping and documentation skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a collaborative team environment and accommodate a variety of work schedules.

Reporting to site supervision, the Senior Chemical Operator shapes product transfer operations across process and storage tanks, performing minor equipment repairs, QC sample collection, and shift-to-shift communication within a chemical manufacturing environment. Partnering with maintenance personnel and QC laboratory staff, the role sustains reliable production output and accurate raw material accountability across assigned areas.

Primary Duties

• Observe all standard operating procedures, safety procedures and rules, and environmental practices.
• Transfer products into and out of various process and storage tanks using pumps, screw conveyors, and other transfer systems according to defined standard operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot all problems that occur on product transfer and other area equipment and report issues to supervision.
• Inspect and clean all machinery within scope of authority and perform minor repairs when necessary.
• Prepare assigned equipment for maintenance and assist maintenance personnel with both preventive and unscheduled maintenance.
• Draw product samples at prescribed intervals and submit them to the QC laboratory for analysis.
• Unload liquid chemical bulk delivery trucks.
• Maintain an accurate account of raw material usage on batch sheets and daily tasks in the area logbook.
• Communicate with previous and incoming shift personnel regarding production, maintenance, and other pertinent details as captured in the area logbook.
• Manage inventory of material in intermediate bulk containers.

Skills & Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Experience with chemical mixing.
• Experience operating a forklift and ability to obtain forklift certification.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, with good time management skills.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Sitting at the intersection of process control and environmental compliance, the Chemical Operator leads plant process operation at an Evonik Industries facility, managing chemical additions via automatic controls and manual field equipment while completing batch sheets and monitoring lab quality results. Operating across maintenance, engineering, and contractor teams, the role shapes continuous production quality by recommending process adjustments to the Production Manager and driving ongoing improvements to total plant operation.

Duties

• Manipulate processes as required to assure continuous production of quality products.
• Complete production and environmental records as required.
• Maintain assigned work areas clean and orderly to provide a safe and healthy work environment.
• Create maintenance notifications as needed.
• Monitor lab quality results and recommend adjustments to the Production Manager.
• Maintain an up-to-date and detailed understanding of automated operations and utilities.
• Liaise on technical plant issues with Maintenance, E&I, Engineering, and Contractors.
• Continuously seek improvements to maximize total plant operation.
• Complete batch sheets ensuring accurate recording of all raw materials and supplies used during the shift and record production delays in the daily log or batch sheets as necessary.

Requirements

• High School education or equivalent; technical training preferred.
• 1-2 years of operational experience as a chemical operator in a continuous or batch facility.
• 6-12 months of experience operating equipment remotely from an automated environment.
• Safety and skills training relevant to each plant process.
• Ability to operate a forklift or hoist, checking, and cleaning.

A key member of a chemical manufacturing operations team, the Chemical Operator delivers batch processing duties including charging materials, monitoring data, and performing SAP transactions while upholding Health, Safety, and Environmental policies. Collaborating across a multi-functional organizational structure, the role builds team capability through mentoring, training, and assessment of fellow operators in support of continuous improvement.

Functions

• Comply with Health, Safety, and Environmental policies, procedures, and arrangements.
• Report all Health, Safety, and Environmental accidents, incidents, and near misses promptly.
• Act safely and responsibly at all times.
• Perform duties associated with batch processing for operations, including charging materials, processing batches, and monitoring and recording data.
• Perform SAP transactions corresponding to duties executed.
• Work indoors and outdoors, including in potentially extreme temperatures, and handle chemicals and chemical waste products, some of which may be hazardous.
• Assist in the training, mentoring, and assessment of other team members.
• Exercise autonomy and judgement subject to overall direction or guidance.

Experience & Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a chemical or manufacturing plant.
• Basic computer skills and ability to navigate electronic documents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with demonstrated critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment within a multi-functional organizational structure.

Safe and efficient chemical production depends on the Chemical Operator, who builds process quality by operating control systems, troubleshooting batch conditions, and ensuring accurate completion of in-process reports and batch sheets across all production and project work. Based within a plant operations team, the role enables smooth shift transitions and regulatory compliance by reviewing operational status with incoming operators and maintaining safe equipment handling throughout all process stages.

Accountabilities

• Operate equipment in accordance with established procedures, including DOPs, SOPs, and SOFs.
• Complete and initial batch sheets accurately.
• Operate basic control systems that monitor levels, temperatures, pressures, and flow rates of products.
• Handle chemical hoses and connections, operate valves, and work with various styles of pumps, including proper clearing and isolation of this equipment.
• Monitor and make necessary adjustments to control systems or manually operated equipment.
• Troubleshoot processes to ensure product quality and personal safety while avoiding environmental problems and unnecessary equipment repairs.
• Ensure the safe and efficient performance of production and project work by following standard operating procedures and work instructions.
• Complete all in-process reports and documents associated with job tasks accurately and thoroughly.
• Review the status of all in-process operations with the next shift operator and communicate information accurately and clearly to ensure smooth plant operation.

Technical Qualifications

• Forklift operator experience.
• Strong mathematical and mechanical aptitude.
• Strong multi-tasking, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate, share information, resolve issues, and give and receive feedback respectfully and professionally.
• Ability to work in hot and cold environments while wearing PPE.

As the Chemical Operator, this role shapes multi-step chemical fabrication and processing operations by executing written and oral procedures, controlling simultaneous process sequences, and maintaining complete material identity and accurate records throughout production. The plant operations team relies on this work to sustain product quality, regulatory compliance, and an orderly operating environment across all process stages.

Activities

• Receive work orders, instructions, and materials.
• Work from written or oral procedures to process, purify, or chemically fabricate products through a sequence of operations.
• Control multiple operations simultaneously.
• Process and dispose of waste as required.
• Prepare and maintain records as required.
• Perform and evaluate control tests for various chemical processes as required.
• Maintain identity of material through all process sequences.
• Maintain a neat and orderly operating area.

Position Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience participating in a teamwork environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other job-related software.
• Ability to apply scientific or technical knowledge in the performance of job duties.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and ability to multi-task.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Chemical Operator owns the safe operation of multiple chemical processing equipment systems, including DCS and PLC-based control systems, while managing product transfers, shift documentation, and hazardous waste handling within a manufacturing environment. The work directly supports plant safety and production continuity by ensuring formulation compliance, accurate recordkeeping, and maintenance of process equipment to the operator's skill level.

Operational Focus

• Operate multiple equipment systems used in the processing of chemical substances, adhering to formulation specifications and operational safety standards.
• Clean and maintain plant manufacturing areas, facility grounds, and equipment regularly, including operating process water treatment systems.
• Attend and participate in shift meetings and safety sessions, providing accurate reporting and confirmations for shift changes and completing job safety evaluations as requested.
• Receive and complete daily work assignments, documentation, and checklists, adhering to process and industrial safety guidelines and requirements.
• Review product specifications and formulations for proper safety equipment, tool usage, and material specifications, utilizing specified checklists as indicated.
• Complete maintenance on process equipment to the extent of skill level.
• Load and unload box trailers and bulk trailers and complete product transfers.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• High School diploma.
• Current tow motor or forklift operator certification or license.
• 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Chemical industry experience preferred.
• Experience operating a Distributed Control System (DCS) or PLC-based control system.
• Maintenance experience with process equipment repairs, electrical work, piping, cutting, and welding.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste materials and appropriate handling and disposal procedures.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing specifications and raw materials.
• Basic mathematical and computer literacy skills.
• Ability to function independently in a team environment with minimal supervision and work overtime and rotational shifts.

The Chemical Operator owns batch manufacturing operations within a chemical production facility, following written and verbal work instructions to safely operate equipment, monitor process conditions using pressure and temperature instrumentation, and perform quality control testing and equipment calibrations. Reporting to senior chemical operators and team leadership, the role delivers consistent product quality and operational safety by maintaining accurate documentation, completing preventive maintenance, and adapting to changing production demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate with senior chemical operators and team members regarding safety, production, quality, and operational issues.
• Manufacture batches in accordance with all safety, quality, and efficiency standards by following written and verbal work instructions.
• Follow procedures to safely and efficiently operate equipment related to the manufacturing of chemicals.
• Use equipment and instrumentation to monitor pressure, temperature, and other conditions.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time, including passing pulmonary function tests and physical examinations for respirator use.
• Perform quality control testing and equipment calibrations as required.
• Maintain accurate documentation and clean and safe work areas.
• Complete required preventive maintenance.
• Handle tasks from initiation to completion and adapt to changing demands.

Professional Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of control equipment, including flow meters, level sensors, and pressure sensors.
• Basic mathematical and mechanical aptitude and computer skills.
• Ability to follow procedures and adapt to changing demands in a team-based environment.
• Ability to work overtime and weekends when required.

Embedded within a chemical plant production team, the Chemical Operator delivers batch manufacturing operations by operating tanks, pumps, mixers, and flow meters to produce chemical products while managing hazardous waste packaging and maintaining required log sheets and batch tickets. Working closely with laboratory personnel and warehouse staff, the role enables product quality and regulatory compliance through precise chemical measurement, forklift-based material transport, and adherence to all corporate safety policies.

Core Functions

• Operate equipment, including tanks, pumps, mixers, pH meters, level meters, flow meters, valves, and hoses, to manufacture batches of chemical products.
• Measure quantities of liquid and solid chemicals using scales and flow meters and transfer the chemicals into tanks.
• Locate materials in the warehouse and transport them to manufacturing using a forklift.
• Collect process samples and interface with laboratory personnel for analysis.
• Maintain required log sheets, including batch tickets, packaging sheets, scrubber operation logs, pH meter calibration records, and equipment inspection records.
• Package, mark, and label hazardous waste containers.
• Adhere to all corporate, plant, and safety policies and procedures.

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Forklift certification and Hazardous Waste Operations certification.
• Minimum of 2 years of applicable experience; chemical manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in the handling of hazardous materials.
• Familiarity with shipping and warehouse practices, work orders, and barcode scanning.
• Ability to wear protective equipment as applicable, including a respirator.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure product quality and safe chemical handling.