Senior Operator, Hazardous Waste

AbbVie•North Chicago, IL

9d•$24 - $43

About The Position

The Senior Operator position is an advancement from Operator requiring completion of all core tasks from the previous levels. Serves as a highly experienced operator, recognized for excelling across multiple operational areas within the facility. Independently executes, coordinates, and delegates daily operational tasks, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety and compliance standards. Acts as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), supporting training, certification, documentation, and audit activities to uphold process integrity and regulatory requirements. Responsible for system set-up, advanced troubleshooting, minor maintenance, and providing critical support to ongoing projects and equipment reliability initiatives. Proactively identifies improvement opportunities, fosters operational excellence, and can fill in and perform the roles of Operations Coordinator when needed. Demonstrates leadership, technical depth, and reliability essential for supporting team development and maintaining high standards throughout materials management operations. Able to fill-in, execute and perform roles of Operations Coordinator as necessary.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
3 to 4 years experience preferred.
Forklift and portable hand truck certification.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
EPA/RCRA, and DOT 49 CFR certifications (including ability to sign compliance documents), and respirator certification.
Ability to obtain certification to drive trucks up to 10,000 pounds and vans on public roads.
Knowledgeable in handling, storage, and compliance for hazardous, chemical, and biologic materials.
Strong analytical training, problem-solving, teamwork, organizational, and customer service skills, including manual material handling.
Previous experience in industrial, military, pharma, chemical or utility plant operations
Demonstrates broad technical knowledge of processes, equipment and site-specific systems, maintains maturity in responding effectively to emergencies or unplanned situations.
Proficiency in computerized systems; ability to read, write, interpret, and communicate effectively
Strong mathematical/mechanical aptitude, understanding of lean tools, and regulatory compliance knowledge.
Proven ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision, strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Operates key process equipment and instruments (e.g., tanker trucks, pumps, machines, etc.) according to all applicable procedures in a wide range of outdoor operating conditions.
Serves as backup coordinator as needed or supports the designated coordinator by monitoring project changes and operational workflows to ensure ongoing process compliance and scheduled output.
Monitors critical parameters, anticipates and addresses deviations to mitigate risks of material loss, and coordinates or executes removal, cleaning, and testing operations.
Submits work orders for equipment repair and maintenance, documents production and equipment status, and maintains logs.
Ensures compliance with all AbbVie policies/procedures and regulatory requirements; serves as SME during training, ensuring proper use of PPE, operational procedures, and project/process knowledge
Documents events and observations from system checks escalate unresolvable issues to supervision.
Coordinates logistic requests, tracks inventory transactions, and ensures required resources are available to meet project/process objectives.
Promotes environmental stewardship and occupational health and safety by supporting EHS programs (incident reporting, waste management/disposal, use of PPE, etc.) and drive continuous improvement in these areas.