Entry Operator

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Date: Feb 25, 2026

Location: Cortland, NY, US

Company: JM Huber Corporation

Portfolio Business: Huber Engineered Materials 

Miller Chemical and Fertilizer, LLC, a J.M. Huber Company is a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of crop adjuvants, plant growth regulators, nutritional fertilizers, and specialty agrochemicals with an 81-year heritage. 

J.M. Huber Corporation is one of the largest privately held, family-owned companies in the United States. Established in 1883, we are a diversified, global supplier of specialty and commodity chemicals, hydrocolloid solutions, engineered wood products, and natural resources to customers spanning a wide variety of industries. With approximately $3 billion in sales and 4,000 employees worldwide, we have a material presence in more than 20 countries.

Position Summary

This position assists in the day‑to‑day operations of the Natrium sodium bicarbonate manufacturing facility in Cortland, NY. This is an entry‑level role ideal for individuals who are hands‑on, eager to learn, and committed to working safely in a team‑based manufacturing environment.

The Entry Operator will support plant operations by operating process equipment, conducting routine process checks and tests, and making basic adjustments to operating conditions in accordance with established procedures. This role provides an opportunity to build a long‑term career in industrial operations through structured training and on‑the‑job experience.

 

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 (consistently 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. PPE is provided.
  • 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

Summary
Adaptability / Perseverance
Create a Psychologically Safe Work Culture - Early Professional
Creative / Innovative
Drive for Results - Early Professional
Effective Communication
Make Quality Decisions - Early Professional
Manage Stress - Early Professional
Planning and Organizing
Solve Problems - Early Professional

Education

High School Diploma
GED

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.

 

U.S. Market-Based Salary Range

Entry Operator

19.74 - 21.74

 

In addition to base compensation, individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and profit-sharing payout.

Huber also offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package as detailed on the Huber Benefits Hub

Our employees are our strongest asset, and their safety, health, and well-being is our highest priority. We respect the individual by providing opportunities for professional and personal development. Our Principles drive us to create an inclusive workplace where employees share core values, show dignity and respect toward others, and work hard to achieve their best performance.

J.M. Huber Corporation is an EEO employer. Pre-employment drug screening is required.

United States New York Ithaca 

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