Process Operator

Department: Operations 

Hiring Manager:  Production Superintendent  

FLSA Status:  Hourly - Non Exempt 

Working Status: Full Time

JOB SUMMARY

The Process Operator will report to the Process Operator Team Lead and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of product to ensure maximum production quantity and quality, while supporting the policies, goals and objectives of UBE. 

•  Maintains a continuous overview of plant operation and performance; participates in plant operation troubleshooting for assigned areas of the plant.
• Operates safely and monitors assigned areas of plant to support achievement of production targets, yield objectives and product quality specifications at minimum cost.
• Promptly and accurately communicates plant problems to the Board Operator, PTL, and service departments, as appropriate.
• Continuously reviews the operation of the plant, anticipating and solving problems in a timely manner and identifying opportunities for improvements.
• Operates and monitors assigned areas of plant in accordance with quality, statutory, environmental, and safety.
• Maintains compliance with the ISO 9001 standard for finished product methanol.
• Participates in the development of systems directed at meeting the goals of the Operations Department.
• Maintains detailed knowledge of the Responsible Care ethics and safe work standards and practices for plant and equipment operation.
• Participates in the use of Incident Reporting Procedures and Hazard Identification Systems to recommend changes to practices.
• Monitors use and inventories of process chemicals and supplies.
• Maintains all necessary Emergency Response skills.
• Participate on the Fire Brigade and Hazmat teams.
• Maintains knowledge of all relevant emergency response procedures and emergency equipment status.
• Maintains site security outside of normal business hours.
• Authorizes work permits and isolation certificates as per Area Authority responsibilities.
• Participates in all assigned incident investigations and assists to develop and implement quality corrective actions.
• Participates in the development of new procedures as required to ensure safe and effective plant operation.
• Completes daily, monthly and any other routine operating procedure.
• Maintains detailed knowledge of all water, effluent and specifications for assigned plant areas.
• Interprets laboratory test results and determines required actions and decisions, if required.
• Samples and test process streams monitoring any changes or trends.
• Undertakes assigned laboratory work including sampling, testing, analysis and reporting accurately and consistently in accordance with Operations laboratory procedures.
• Contributes to the long-term development of the department by participating as an effective member of the shift team.
• Participates in ensuring shifts have competent and effective staff by mentoring and training less experienced shift team  members.
• Participates in the development and application of systems directed at meeting the goals of the Operations Department.
• Ensures the use and accuracy of all shift logs, log sheets, sign off procedures, certificates and other documentation and that the relevant recording and filing practices are followed.
• Participate in overtime system to ensure minimum plant staffing requirements are maintained.
• Ensures proper logs of equipment conditions and availability are kept for proper shift over.
• Assists in the development of isolation packages for the repair of process plants, ensuring that equipment is safe to work on and is isolated and ready for maintenance when required.
• Assists with diagnosing and troubleshooting maintenance related issues.
• Performs common operator maintenance tasks that may include cleaning, inspection, and lubrication.
• Coordinate with Board Operator and Maintenance Technician to complete work in a timely fashion.
• Monitors all work in assigned areas ensuring that it is completed in accordance with the permit-to-work system and that all hazards associated with the tasks have been identified.
• Participate in projects that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Conducts all business in a manner which supports the Responsible Care® ethics.
• Responsible for ensuring awareness of all controlled documents relating to this position as per Document Awareness Report  from Document Management Database.

 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Required: High School Diploma  
• Associate degree or Technical Certificate in Process Technology or other related field; OR equivalent related work   experience/combined education.
• 4+ years of relevant industrial work experience
• Distributive Control System (Panel Operator) experience is preferred.
• On call rotation and must be willing to work overtime. 
• Must be able to work in an industrial environment which includes climbing ladders and steps, able to work in confined spaces,  get on scaffolding and manlift type equipment and wear PPE such as full body harness.
• Must be clean shaven and able to wear supplied air and air purifying respiratory protection
• Able to lift 50 lbs
• Must have a valid state issued driving license
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules and respond to off-shift support needs as required.
• Valid Drivers License 
• Current TWIC card 
• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•   Associate degree in Process Technology
•   Extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance related to chemical manufacturing (OSHA, EPA, PSM, RMP).
•   Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CMMS software.

 KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; self-motivated and disciplined to meet deadlines in the context of competing priorities and projects; lead and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment with the ability to successfully multi-task and meet deadlines and customer demands with a sense of urgency.
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively across all levels of the organization, from shop floor Operators to Operations and functional leaders.
• Critical thinker with strong influencing skills; self-aware and open and receptive to feedback.

 ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS :

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and initiative in addressing equipment issues.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules and respond to off-shift support needs as required.

  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Use your hands to handle, control , or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold your hand steady while moving the arm.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See differences between colors, shades, and  brightness.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very  small objects 
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English with all team members.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands,  and wrists.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the  body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy  objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright  when in an unstable position.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

Orientation and training for this hiring class will begin JULY 2026. 

Shift work will begin at the end of 2026. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: UBE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.