Entry Operator

Position Summary

This position assists in the day-to-day operations of the Natrium sodium bicarbonate manufacturing facility in Cortland, NY. This role is entry level and ideal for individuals who are hands-on, eager to learn, and committed to working safely in a team environment. You will have the opportunity to build a career in industrial operations by operating process equipment, conducting routine process tests, and adjusting operating conditions.

The operator works in a plant environment with continuous exposure to manufacturing conditions and requires a continuous presence on the plant floor.

This role is hourly non-exempt and starts on day shift M-F 7:30am – 4pm. After a successful training period this role will transition to Operator 1 with 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Complete tasks assigned by the Warehouse Lead and Operations Manager including loading trucks, packing baking soda and soda ash, cleaning and organizing the warehouse, and maintaining the grounds (cutting grass, snow blowing, etc.)

• Shadow senior plant operators throughout the plant to learn daily tasks and plant operations.

• Familiarize yourself with chemical processing equipment, including pumps, valves, tanks, and other process equipment.

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) to safely produce, transfer, and handle chemicals.

• Develop an understanding for operating data, including temperatures, pressures, flow rates, chemicals, and tank levels.

• Perform routine inspections and report abnormal conditions to team lead or operations management.

• Take samples and assist with basic laboratory testing as required.

• Learn start-up, shut-down, cleaning, and routine maintenance procedures of the plant.

• Maintain a clean and safe environment in accordance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards.

• Wear proper personnel protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety protocols.

• Participate in safety meetings, training, and emergency drills.

• Assist with packing during shift.

• Employee must follow all applicable company policies and safe practices and perform all duties assigned by Warehouse Lead and Operations Manager. This description covers the significant duties of the job but may not include additional assignments assigned by Warehouse Lead and Operations Manager.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn plant operations

• Must be able to operate a forklift (experience preferred).

• Experience in a chemical, food, or pharmaceutical environment is strongly preferred.

• Ability to read and comprehend safety policy, SOP’s, SDS, Quality Manual and various production schedules/reports.

• Basic computer skills (email, file management, word processing, etc.)

• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs (constantly throughout shift if packaging), must be able to ascend and descend ladders, climb stairs, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and crawl.

• Must be able to work in a dusty environment where temperatures vary from hot to cold, work in humidity and around various chemicals.

• Work is performed frequently in both outdoor and indoor environments. Outdoor environments include exposure to summer and winter temperatures.

• The employee’s working conditions are typically moderately loud and occasionally very loud. The employee must be able to work schedules as assigned, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, and must be available for call-out during emergencies, inclement weather, or other critical events.

Key Competencies

Education

Total Rewards

J.M. Huber Corporation complies with all local/state regulations requiring salary range transparency.

Any offered salary is determined based on relevant factors such as an applicant's skills, performance, job responsibilities, prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications and market considerations.