Junior Operator

Dow•Kendallville, IN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Dow is hiring an Operator for its plant in Kendallville, Indiana. The Operator operates assigned equipment or plant areas and completes operational activities listed on the Operations Dashboard (OPD) Tasks List. The role uses operational knowledge and discretionary time to support safe, reliable, optimal, and sustainable facility performance. Operators work with shift team members to anticipate and resolve unplanned events, escalate issues beyond the team’s capabilities, and may train less experienced operators. The position involves established basic technical skills and routine work using existing processes and methods. Operator progression is managed at the site level. The position is onsite and requires an off-shift schedule: either 3 PM–11 PM or 11 PM–7 AM. The Operator must be willing to drive a forklift and meet the physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Relocation assistance is not available. Dow does not provide visa sponsorship or support for this U.S.-based position.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Must be at least 18 years old at the time of the start date, typically within two months of the application date.
Willingness to drive a forklift.
Willingness and ability to work an off-shift schedule of either 3 PM–11 PM or 11 PM–7 AM.
Ability to work legally in the United States; visa sponsorship or support, including for permanent residency, is not available.
Proficiency with Microsoft applications such as Word and Excel, and ability to learn new systems quickly.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate.
Ability to prioritize workload according to significance and deadlines.
Ability to organize, plan, and prioritize work; self-starter able to identify, prioritize, and accomplish multiple tasks.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Willingness and ability to meet the physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including repeatedly lifting up to 50 pounds; frequent bending and reaching; standing and walking for extended periods; and climbing stairs and fixed ladders.

Nice To Haves

Process operations, manufacturing, or other related experience.

Responsibilities

Follow operating discipline policies, principles, procedures, standards, and practices to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations, and ensure adequate operating discipline is available for planned and unplanned activities.
Operate and field-check process equipment; monitor process conditions, performance metrics, equipment, and control systems; and make decisions to maintain or achieve desired operating rates and conditions aligned with plant, site, and business goals.
Complete scheduled operational tasks and other work arising from the resolution of unplanned events.
Coordinate with members of the shift team and other shifts to balance workloads and complete assigned tasks by their due dates.
Conduct effective shift relief and handoffs in accordance with facility-specific operating discipline and tools.
Maintain qualifications in assigned areas and complete training goals on time, using discretionary time to address skill and knowledge gaps.
Mentor and train new and existing operations personnel in process operation, troubleshooting, and operating discipline in alignment with the plant’s training process.
Perform assigned Immediate Response activities.
Initiate and document preliminary investigations according to plant-specific processes and criteria, and participate in formal and informal root cause investigations as appropriate.
Track and use applicable plant performance metrics to optimize operations and identify improvement opportunities.
Use process knowledge and skills to improve plant performance and operating discipline; proactively identify opportunities through facility improvement processes, management-of-change processes, and communication tools.
Perform autonomous maintenance, including minor repairs and preventive maintenance, in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, processes, and disciplines, subject to local agreements.

Benefits

Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity, with locally relevant incentives.
Programs and benefits supporting physical, mental, financial, and social well-being.
Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources.
Employee stock purchase programs, subject to location availability.
Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program for U.S. employees; qualifying monthly student debt payments are treated as contributions to the Employees’ Savings Plan (401(k)) for purposes of the company match.
Medical and life insurance packages with a variety of coverage options; travel insurance is available in certain countries and locations.
Training, mentoring, work experiences, community involvement, and team-building opportunities.
Role-based workplace flexibility to support productivity and personal needs.
Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
Paid time off for new parents, including birthing, non-birthing, adoptive, and foster parents.
Paid time off to care for sick or injured family members.
Paid time off for volunteering and Employee Resource Group participation.
Wellbeing Portal for Dow employees.
On-site fitness facilities, depending on location.
Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships, and more.
Some locations may offer transportation allowances, meal subsidies or vouchers, and carbon-neutral transportation incentives.