Chemical Process Operator

Description

SUMMARY

Responsible for operating and maintaining machinery used in the process of can manufacturing. Play a crucial role in ensuring that cans are properly cleaned to remove contaminants and residues from cans according to the specifications and quality standards set by the company before they proceed to the next manufacturing stages.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate washer following standard operating procedures (SOPs) for loading, unloading, and operation.
• Monitor equipment to ensure smooth and continuous operation, reporting any issues to the supervisor.
• Inspect cans before and after washing to maintain cleanliness and quality standards.
• Operate and monitor wastewater equipment including equalization tanks, Y-strainers, DAF (Dissolved Air Flotation), and J-Press for sludge removal.
• Perform daily and weekly analytical tests on wastewater to ensure proper operation and chemistry.
• Adjust concentration of DAF chemistries under supervision to comply with wastewater regulations.
• Conduct monthly PCR sampling of wastewater and maintain detailed records.
• Perform daily and weekly preventative maintenance on wastewater and RO water systems, including calibrations, cleaning, and checking equipment.
• Inspect cans and wastewater quality to ensure adherence to quality standards and regulations.
• Record data from wastewater and production processes for continuous improvement projects.
• Report any deviations, malfunctions, or quality concerns to supervisors and maintenance teams promptly.
• Follow safety protocols and guidelines for can manufacturing, decoration processes, and workplace safety.
• Maintain 5S principles and optimal cleanliness in work areas to uphold a safe and organized environment.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.
• Coordinate with team members, technicians, and supervisors to ensure smooth production flow and effective communication.

Food Safety

Responsible and required to notify management about actual or potential food safety issues; and empowered to act to resolve food safety issues within their scope of work. If this position is vacant for any significant period of time the obligation for completion of all food safety and quality related tasks will become the responsibility of the direct manager or a qualified designee.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills/ Knowledge:

Experience with washer operation and/or wastewater management, with a strong understanding of quality testing procedures, maintenance tasks, and safety protocols. They should possess excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues effectively. Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills are essential, along with a willingness to adhere to regulations, learn new technologies, and actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the production environment.

Computer Skills:

Proficiency in computer skills, including data entry, spreadsheet analysis, and familiarity with relevant software for equipment monitoring and reporting, is required for this position

Education:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous lab environment experience preferred.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must frequently stand, walk, bend and twist, reach with hands and arms, climb, stoop, kneel. Regular fingering, grasping, and feeling: requires repetitive movement with frequent use of hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls and hand-eye coordination.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus regularly.