Area Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

NEXPERA leads the way in sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide regeneration, offering a comprehensive range of products and services that optimize processes, minimize environmental impact, and allow our partners to focus on their core operations. With the industry’s largest facility network, we ensure unmatched reliability and drive innovation across the industrial landscape. In addition, we provide an unmatched array of sulfur-based chemicals and related services to a diverse set of industries.

Position Purpose

NEXPERA's Operator I is responsible for operating a HARDTAC Potassium Hydroxide production facility. Responsibilities include operating a state-of-the-art KOH production facility via HMI, conducting laboratory analytical testing for product QA/QC and repairing and maintaining all plant equipment and plant areas.

Primary Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Monitors tank levels, flow meters, gauges, flow rates, pressures and related controls through instrument panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units in plant and control room via HMI.
• Monitors and records operating conditions observations and data in area shift log. Ensures conformance to process specifications. Diagnoses basic operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to supervisor.
• Collects unit, product and feedstock samples in the field as assigned and performs routine tests such as Fluoride concentration, specific gravity, pH and KOH titration. Record and compute results from test data and maintains quality control records and charts as assigned.
• Assists in maintaining an inventory of chemical stores, daily supplies, parts and inventory of equipment and critical spares.
• Enters data from various sources into established databases and spreadsheets. Ensures data integrity by verifying input and simple calculations. Processes forms and prepares and distributes trucking/shipping bill of lading and certificate of analysis paperwork.
• Performs routine and preventative maintenance, lubrication and minor adjustments on machines and related equipment including pumps, filter press, dust collector, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed and odor control systems. Promptly reports any operational problems with machines or equipment to lead or supervisor.
• Troubleshoot non-conforming operating equipment and initiate repairs to include pump seals, regulators, filters, conveyors, odor mitigation systems, hydraulics, steam, air pressure.
• Performs manual labor including cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies.
• Sweeps, mops, scrubs and vacuums floors, cleans offices, restrooms and control room per standard schedule or as detected
• Perform required safety inspections for plant area, mechanical equipment, safety equipment and grounds. Documenting and reporting all findings to supervisor.

Qualifications

In order to be qualified for this role, the following is required:

• High School education or equivalent with the ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions).
• Must have the ability to perform basic math equations.
• One to two years experience in a related position and environment.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.)
• Must demonstrate the ability to operate assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets under general supervision.
• Must demonstrate ability to efficiently operate equipment such as pumps, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed, odor control systems, recessed plate filter presses, and measuring/control devices, testing equipment and material handling equipment.
• Must demonstrate ability to efficiently maintain, install and repair a variety of equipment including pumps, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, chemical feed, dust collector and odor control systems.
• Must have the ability to diagnose process problems in multiple unit processes.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are necessary.
• General PC skills with knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access
• Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily

Work Environment

• Spends 100% of time in operations environment. May need to work outside in inclement weather conditions to perform duties.
• May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and electrical equipment.
• Amount of time spent – Sitting 25%, Walking 75% for as many as 2 miles per shift.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Required to use ladders or stairs.

The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (occasionally 60 pounds). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Requires close visual observation to detect process non-conformance and machine malfunction.

Benefits

NEXPERA’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, including vacation, sick leave, 12 holidays per year, and paid parental leave for all employees; as well as health, dental, vision, and long and short-term disability insurance. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Additionally, Operator are eligible for the annual Local Performance-Based Compensation program.

• Additional information
  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.