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Chemical Operator Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Operator

New Castle, DE · On-site

$18.50 - $21.25/hr

POSITION PURPOSE The Chemical Operator will monitor and operate equipment and facilities, including field equipment, ensuring quality and conformance with standard operating procedures. Additional ...

Production Operator

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Chemical Operator to join our Specialty Ingredients G.P Business at our Wilmington, DE. This position will report to Plant Manager. The responsibilities of ...

Production Operator

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Chemical Operator to join our Specialty Ingredients G.P Business at our Wilmington, DE. This position will report to Plant Manager. The responsibilities of ...

Union Operator

New Castle, DE · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

We are committed to fostering an environment where you can grow, make a meaningful impact, and thrive. 3+ years chemical operator experience High school graduate • Basic math skills (computation ...

Chemical Warehouse Associate Location: Newark, DE Type: Contract (possible extension) Pay: $18.00 ... Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Daily Assessment Sheet instructions. * Confirm ...

Chemical Warehouse Associate Location: Newark, DE Type: Contract (possible extension) Pay: $18.00 ... Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Daily Assessment Sheet instructions. * Confirm ...

Chemical Warehouse Associate Location: Newark, DE Type: Contract (possible extension) Pay: $18.00 ... Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Daily Assessment Sheet instructions. * Confirm ...

Chemical Warehouse Associate Location: Newark, DE Type: Contract (possible extension) Pay: $18.00 ... Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Daily Assessment Sheet instructions. * Confirm ...

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Chemical Operator information

See Delaware salary details

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How much do chemical operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemical operator in Delaware is $20.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chemical operator?

Chemical Operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring equipment and processes used in the production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or other related products. They ensure that manufacturing processes run smoothly, efficiently, and safely by following strict operational procedures and safety regulations. Their tasks often include mixing raw materials, adjusting controls, performing quality checks, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Chemical Operators play a crucial role in maintaining product quality and workplace safety in industrial settings.

What does a chemical operator do?

A chemical operator manages overall production in a chemical plant, including the employees, operations, and machinery. Chemical operators’ duties and responsibilities include maintaining plant machines such as mixers, vessels and the control functions. Chemical operators also oversee the production process to ensure it runs smoothly and safely and produces a quality product. Skills and qualifications of a chemical operator include equipment maintenance, leadership, and operational experience in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, safety procedures, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with process control systems, laboratory equipment, and safety certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations in potentially hazardous industrial environments.

What are some common challenges chemical operators face during shift work, and how can they effectively manage them?

Chemical Operators often work rotating shifts, which can disrupt sleep patterns and impact work-life balance. Managing fatigue is crucial—operators should prioritize good sleep hygiene, maintain a consistent routine when possible, and communicate with supervisors about workload concerns. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing production demands and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols are everyday challenges. Building strong teamwork and staying updated on standard operating procedures helps operators handle these demands effectively.

What is the difference between Chemical Operator vs Chemical Technician?

AspectChemical OperatorChemical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsAssociate degree or technical certification in chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentFactories, chemical plants, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, testing facilities, manufacturing support
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate and monitor chemical processing equipment, ensure safety and qualityConduct tests, collect data, assist in process optimization
Industry UsageCommonly employed in chemical manufacturing, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticalsSupport roles in similar industries, focusing on testing and analysis

The main difference between a Chemical Operator and a Chemical Technician lies in their responsibilities and required credentials. Chemical Operators primarily operate and monitor production equipment in manufacturing environments, while Chemical Technicians focus on testing, data collection, and supporting process improvements. Both roles are essential in chemical industries but serve different functions based on skills and training.

Are chemical operators in demand?

Chemical operators are in demand due to ongoing needs in manufacturing, processing, and chemical production industries. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of safety protocols, equipment operation, and sometimes certifications, making experienced operators valuable in maintaining efficient plant operations.

How much do chemical operators make?

Chemical operators in Michigan typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry. They often work in manufacturing environments, operating and monitoring chemical processing equipment, and may require safety training and knowledge of regulatory standards.

What are popular job titles related to Chemical Operator jobs in Delaware?

For Chemical Operator jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Operator jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Operator jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Chemical Operator jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Chemical Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Chemical Operator job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,629 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Chemical Operator

Nexpera LLC

New Castle, DE • On-site

$18.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description



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.

BENEFITS

Nexpera's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental and vision insurance. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

POSITION PURPOSE The Chemical Operator will monitor and operate equipment and facilities, including field equipment, ensuring quality and conformance with standard operating procedures. Additional responsibilities include always maintaining safety standards and initiating and following emergency procedures when necessary. The Operator will perform basic maintenance repair and upkeep on area equipment. Job tasks are performed in control room, lab areas, and throughout various operation areas of the site.

The site operates a process safety management-covered process that produces sulfuric acid in multiple concentrations. Product is shipped in rail cars, tank trucks and portable totes.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES (but not limited to):

  • Start up and shut down (normal and emergency) plant systems and components.
  • Operate, monitor and control plant systems; visually inspect, monitor equipment and process conditions.
  • Prepares equipment for maintenance work by isolating, clearing and locking out.
  • Reviews, follows and, if qualified, revises detailed process operating procedures, maintenance procedures and safety procedures.
  • Troubleshoots equipment to restore to normal operation.
  • Analyzes charts and logs to identify potential or actual problems.
  • Identifies system problems to stabilize plant to normal conditions.
  • Trains new operators in the area, reinforcing safety and environmental principles.
  • Performs loading and unloading of railcars, tank trucks and totes.
  • Perform laboratory analysis of products.
  • Clerical duties as required.
  • Shipping duties as required.
  • Operate mobile equipment including manlifts, fork trucks, yard-dog and trackmobile.
  • Participate/Lead various site teams.
  • Recognize abnormalities in a High Hazard work area and promptly initiate action to secure the safety of all personnel along with protection of the environment and local community.

Qualifications

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

  • High School Diploma/GED equivalent
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment
  • Ability to navigate the tools of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, etc.) and learn new computer systems and software applications
  • Willing and able to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including overtime, nights, weekends, holidays and short notice call-in if required
  • Willing and able to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Willing and able to work in a High Hazard environment; outdoors, indoors, elevated heights and confined spaces
  • Willing and able to wear required PPE (personal protective equipment) such as steel toe shoes, hardhat, protective eyewear, face shields, respirator, chemical acid suit, etc.
  • Willing and able to climb stairs, ladders; stand, walk, stoop, bend, kneel, crawl; visual acuity for close work; able to reach overhead; able to hear and respond to alarms
  • Willing and able to acquire a boiler’s license
  • Current and valid driver’s license – willing and able to obtain powered industrial truck (i.e., fork trucks and manlifts) certification
  • Willing and able to operate a trackmobile to move railcars on-site and a yard-dog to move product trailers as needed on the site.
  • Experience maintaining, repairing and troubleshooting industrial equipment/machinery

The following skill sets are preferred by the site:

  • High Hazard/Chemical operations experience
  • Experience reading and interpreting Schematics, Pipe & Instrumentation Diagrams, Procedures, Manufactures’ Literature, Safety Requirements, General Instructions; ability to learn and detect process deviations
  • Experience operating fork trucks
  • Experience with SAP or equivalent Manufacturing Operations software

    PAY AND 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. The Operator Mechanic position is a progression-based role, with hourly rates of $37.72 to $49.20/hr. All Operator Mechanics are eligible for full progression. Additionally, Operator Mechanics 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.