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Relief Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Solvay

Relief Operator (F/M/X)

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$43 - $44.24/hr

As a Relief Operator, you will provide operational support across multiple areas of the facility, including receiving, production, packaging, warehouse, and shipping functions. This cross-functional ...

Solvay

Relief Operator (F/M/X)

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$43 - $44.24/hr

As a Relief Operator, you will provide operational support across multiple areas of the facility, including receiving, production, packaging, warehouse, and shipping functions. This cross-functional ...

Thorn Creek Basin Sanitary District

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RELIEF SHIFT OPERATOR

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$35.80/hr

We are looking for someone with a high school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of similar operating experience. Average mechanical aptitude, proficiency in math and average computer skills are ...

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All JobsRelief Operator JobsRelief Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Relief Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$21

$30

How much do relief operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for relief operator in Chicago, IL is $21.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a relief operator?

Relief Operators are trained personnel who temporarily fill in for regular operators at industrial or manufacturing facilities, such as chemical plants, oil refineries, or power plants. Their main role is to ensure continuous and safe operations by stepping into various operator positions when the primary staff are on leave, on breaks, or otherwise unavailable. Relief Operators must be knowledgeable about multiple operational processes, safety protocols, and equipment. They help maintain smooth workflow and minimize downtime by being flexible and adaptable to different tasks. This position often requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly learn new procedures.

How does a relief operator manage transitioning between different equipment or workstations during a shift?

Relief Operators are responsible for covering various equipment or workstations, often stepping in for other operators during breaks or shift changes. To manage these transitions smoothly, Relief Operators must quickly familiarize themselves with the current status of each workstation, review operational logs, and communicate clearly with the outgoing operator. This adaptability helps maintain consistent production and safety standards. Strong attention to detail and effective communication are key to ensuring a seamless handover and minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Relief Operator vs Process Operator?

AspectRelief OperatorProcess Operator
CredentialsTypically requires safety training and basic operational certificationsRequires specific process or plant operation certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in industrial plants, often on short-term or temporary basisWorks in continuous process environments, often full-time
Employer & IndustryEmployers include manufacturing, oil & gas, chemical plantsEmployers include chemical, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries

Relief Operators primarily provide temporary coverage and safety-focused support in industrial settings, while Process Operators handle ongoing, routine operations of plant processes. Both roles require safety training, but Process Operators typically need more specialized process certifications. Relief Operators are often employed for short-term needs, whereas Process Operators work full-time in continuous operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a relief operator?

To thrive as a Relief Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial processes, equipment operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, and routine maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing shifts and responding to emerging issues. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations, especially when stepping in for other operators.

What are the most commonly searched types of Relief Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Relief Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Relief Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Relief Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Relief Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Relief Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Relief Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relief Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,634 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Relief Operator (F/M/X)

Solvay

Chicago Heights, IL • On-site

$43 - $44.24/hr

Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Solvay rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Solvay is all about chemistry. We're not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet's beauty for the generations to come.
About the role
Our Supply Chain and Operations team plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.
As a Relief Operator, you will provide operational support across multiple areas of the facility, including receiving, production, packaging, warehouse, and shipping functions. This cross-functional role offers the opportunity to develop broad operational knowledge while supporting business continuity during employee absences, vacations, training periods, and fluctuations in production demand. In this role, you will work closely with operations, logistics, and production teams to maintain safety, quality, productivity, and customer service standards while contributing to the overall success of the facility.
You will be accountable for:
    • Provide operational coverage across production, packaging, warehouse, shipping, and receiving activities as business needs require
    • Operate and monitor production, packaging, and material handling equipment to support safe and efficient operations
    • Perform inspections, quality checks, sampling, and inventory transactions to maintain operational excellence
    • Support material movement, shipping, receiving, and warehouse activities using forklifts and other equipment
    • Maintain compliance with safety procedures, housekeeping standards, and site operating requirements

We offer at-will employment based onsite.
About you
High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
Experience in manufacturing, production, warehouse, logistics, packaging, or industrial operations is desired.
Competencies:
    • Production & Process Operations
    • Materials Handling & Logistics Coordination
    • Safety & Operational Compliance

Behaviors:
    • Flexibility
    • Teamwork
    • Accountability

About the pay and benefits
  • Attractive and equitable pay for all: compensation is determined within a range to foster your development in the role. The base pay expected for this role is: $43.00-$44.24 per hour in the United States. Your salary may ultimately be higher or lower based on your skills and experience. Additionally, we provide a competitive total rewards package that includes a bonus and/or other incentives.
  • Solvay Cares program: minimum of 16 weeks of parenting leave for all employees and package with healthcare, disability and life insurance coverage.
  • Prioritization of well-being: Solvay Solidarity Fund to support employees through hardship, work-life balance promotion, flexible approach to work part-time or hybrid work arrangements (depending on the type of job), employee assistance program with access to physical and psychological support.
  • Professional development: prioritization of internal talents for career progression, access to a training platform, opportunities to join Employee Resource Groups (ERG) for experience sharing and mentorship and free language courses in 24 languages.

About us
Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world's most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes.
We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.
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