Entry-Level Operator-2

Austin Powder•Midway, TN

10d

About The Position

The Entry Level Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and environmentally compliant loading of anhydrous ammonia, ANSOL, and nitric acid trucks and railcars. The role supports plant operations through housekeeping, equipment and vehicle upkeep, railcar and waste-tote movement, sampling, documentation, and general plant labor. Operators use SOPs, SDSs, and P&IDs, follow PPE requirements, complete qualification packets, and maintain credentials for the areas in which they are qualified. As qualifications expand, the operator may perform BPO and utility duties, including utility startup and shutdown, monitoring alarms and trips, taking and testing water samples, managing sumps based on water quality, completing required check sheets and logs, writing specified safe work permits, and carrying out lockout/tagout. Further plant operating duties include monitoring and adjusting processes, collecting samples and reviewing laboratory results, responding to process deviations and emergencies, recording operating data, and communicating with other operators and supervisory or technical personnel. The position may involve work throughout the plant, including the railyard, loading and storage areas, utilities, production areas, and control room. The operator may assist with on-the-job training and is expected to maintain safe, orderly work areas and provide thorough shift turnovers. The role requires the ability to work at heights, use ladders and stairs, lift up to 50 pounds without assistance, wear required PPE, and participate in designated emergency-response activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 21 years of age and one of the following: an associate degree, military service, or two years of manufacturing experience.
Ability to work at heights, navigate ladders and stairs, lift 50 pounds without assistance, and operate field valves and other controls.
Ability to meet physical requirements for wearing OSHA- or USN-mandated PPE.
Ability to participate in emergency response activities, including HAZMAT, confined-space rescue, first aid, and incipient fire brigade duties.
Knowledge or competency in production and processing, mechanical systems, chemistry, computers and electronics, safety and security, mathematics, teaching and training, and applicable laws and government regulations.
Ability to monitor process operations and operate a DCS using gauges, dials, and other indicators.
Understanding of basic mechanics and fluid flow; ability to investigate process upsets, troubleshoot, and take corrective action.
Ability to conduct tests and inspections and evaluate quality or performance.
Logic, reasoning, judgment, decision-making, active listening, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to understand process chemistry, physical states of substances, written work documents, and basic arithmetic and algebra.
Effective written and oral communication, attention to detail, and ability to follow rules and sequences.
Ability to remain attentive, recognize potential problems, interpret information, and precisely operate machine or vehicle controls.
This is a safety-sensitive position; employees must disclose to Human Resources prescription medication use that may affect safe performance of essential job functions.

Responsibilities

Safely and reliably load anhydrous ammonia, ANSOL, and nitric acid trucks and railcars in compliance with environmental requirements.
Maintain housekeeping and organization in loading, storage, waste-containment, connex, plant, and control-room areas.
Wear required PPE and keep it clean and ready for use.
Blow down ammonia bullets before laboratory sampling.
Move railcars and operate the shuttle wagon; inspect the railyard each shift to verify cars are parked and secured, signage is in place, and derails are set.
Complete loading paperwork and placarding in accordance with DOT guidelines.
Move waste totes and assist with tank sampling, BPO duties, and general plant labor.
Use SOPs, SDSs, and P&IDs; complete qualification packets within allotted time and maintain qualifications for assigned areas.
Clean and fuel operations vehicles and golf carts; assist with painting plant items and replacing deteriorated signs, labels, or line markings.
Perform qualified BPO and utility duties, including water sampling and testing, managing storage-area sumps according to water quality, and completing assigned check sheets and logs.
Write specified safe work permits in the utility area, perform and sign off LOTO in L&S and Utilities areas, and mark up P&IDs as required.
Monitor and record plant operating readings and process parameters, analyze readings, report deviations, and take appropriate corrective actions.
Start up, shut down, and adjust plant processes and equipment; monitor alarms, trips, instruments, and process conditions.
Collect product samples, conduct quality-control tests, review laboratory data, and make adjustments to keep processes within specifications.
Troubleshoot process upsets, respond to emergencies, and operate emergency systems to initiate response and announce emergencies over the radio and plant intercom.
Communicate conditions affecting safety, efficiency, or product quality to technical and supervisory personnel; direct outside operators when qualified to do so.
Patrol work areas to identify hazards and prevent tank or trough overflows; correct or barricade hazards and post warning signage.
Write work requests and provide thorough shift turnovers covering adjustments, repairs, ongoing problems, and outstanding work.
Assist with on-the-job training for operators pursuing qualifications in additional site areas, as directed.
Participate in emergency response activities, including HAZMAT, confined-space rescue, first aid, and incipient fire brigade duties.