Chemical Operator Assistant Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Harcros Chemicals is an employee-owned chemical manufacturing and distribution company headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, with over a century of industry experience. With operations across North America and a nationwide distribution network, we deliver reliable, high-quality chemical solutions to customers worldwide across industries including water treatment, agriculture, oil and gas, personal care, and more. Safety, sustainability, and exceptional service are at the core of everything we do.

Position Summary:

The Chemical Control Systems Operator coordinates activities related to processing materials and manufacturing products within an industrial environment. Ensures safe, efficient operations while adhering to established procedures and regulatory requirements, including those related to hazardous materials.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate reactor instruments, controls, and process equipment to maintain proper pressure, temperature, and flow.
• Monitor and respond to changes in process conditions, including pumps, reactors, coolers, and vacuum systems.
• Interpret and follow manufacturing procedures to produce products safely and efficiently.
• Calculate batch sizes and accurately record manufacturing data.
• Generate, handle, inspect, and manage hazardous waste, including storage and compliance requirements.
• Respond to hazardous waste spills and incidents according to site emergency and contingency plans.
• Prepare and maintain required hazardous waste documentation (e.g., manifests, inspection logs, waste determinations, and reports).
• Load and unload materials, including tank trucks and tank cars.
• Transport materials between storage and designated work areas.
• Operate various valve systems and follow safety protocols.
• Complete production, transfer, and operational documentation.
• Assist with training new employees and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• 1-3 years of related experience or training.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Strong basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, percentages).
• Ability to solve practical problems and follow written, verbal, and diagram-based instructions.
• Ability to operate a forklift.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience working with hazardous materials or hazardous waste handling.
• Familiarity with industrial process equipment such as reactors, pumps, and vacuum systems.
• Knowledge of safety systems and valve operations.
• Prior experience training or mentoring employees.

Work Environment:

• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and outdoor weather conditions.
• Frequent work at heights or in precarious positions.
• Regular exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Occasional exposure to explosives, wet/humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, electrical shock risks, and vibration.
• Noise levels typically range from moderate to loud.

Physical Requirements:

• Regular standing and walking.
• Frequent use of hands for handling tools, equipment, or controls.
• Ability to communicate effectively (talking and hearing).
• Occasional sitting, reaching, climbing, or balancing.
• Lifting requirements:
  • Regularly: up to 35 pounds
  • Frequently: up to 65 pounds
  • Occasionally: up to 100 pounds
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Why Join Harcros Chemicals?

• Employee-owned company where your contributions drive shared success
• Competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and vehicle/car allowances for eligible roles
• Comprehensive benefits, including multiple medical plan options, disability coverage, AD&D, and life insurance
• Strong retirement benefits with ESOP participation, 401(k) and Roth options, company contributions, and early vesting
• Access to Lyra mental health and wellness resources for employees and dependents starting day one
• Supportive, team-focused culture that values collaboration and growth
• 10 paid holidays, including one floating holiday
• Opportunity to build a meaningful career with a company committed to excellence