Senior Plant Operator - Lead

Solenis•Suffolk, VA

56d•$63,830 - $93,610•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead VFA Senior Plant Operator will apply advanced technical knowledge and operational expertise to support safe and efficient production. This role will work closely with other shifts and site departments such as: Maintenance, Lab, Engineering, and Material Handling to maximize equipment performance and ensure production targets are met. The position is responsible for meeting production goals, while maintaining high safety and environmental performance. The Lead Operator will serve as the designated backup to the Shift Supervisor, providing leadership and operational oversight during periods of supervisor absence. This role will support the commissioning and startup of a new plant on site. While the role will eventually transition to a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, the first 1–2 years will be worked on a Monday–Friday daytime schedule.

Requirements

Ability to recognize hazards and change behaviors to support a Zero incident mindset for self and others
Achieving stated throughput targets in accordance to the production schedule, while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity rates
Ability to complete the site Hazwoper certification and join the Emergency Response Team, perform duties in all types of PPE up to an incapsulated suit, able to work in confined spaces and not afraid of heights.
Stay clean shaven for respirator usage
Ability to operate within a high paced, team-focused production area and continually progress to learn all aspects of the plant
Have a full working knowledge of the equipment and processes associated with the plant and packaging
Pursue all aspects of waste minimization to ensure products are properly disposition, and understanding the waste process to handle generation as regulated
Ability to understand and operate the plant within Federal and State regulations pertaining to Waste management (EPA programs, RCRA and DOT) and OSHA
High School diploma, proficient in math, written and spoken English
Strong knowledge of hazardous chemical handling
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to follow direction and communicate across multiple departments

Nice To Haves

Deep understanding and experience with chemical manufacturing process equipment including reactors, distillation columns, and automation.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Distributed Control Systems/PLCs (DeltaV), and Data Historians

Responsibilities

Operate plant to meet productivity targets and handle chemicals charges in a safe manner as defined by standard procedures.
Monitor process and adjust control parameters with the control systems
Conduct routine rounds and actively participate in shift turnover
Maintain process control to ensure First Pass Quality is achieved
Perform a complete and detailed turnover and ensure that all required documentation is complete and accurate
Maintain and restock supplies and raw materials as necessary for the assigned process area
Ability to lift 55 pounds, excessive walking, bending, continuous climbing of stairs, operate a forklift and cleaning equipment
Maintain high standards of housekeeping in work area
Serve as process expert in safety reviews
Provide coverage for supervisory role and permit support during supervisor absence
Become certified permit writer to support permits during daily shift, including Safe Work, Hot Work and Line Break of High Hazard material
Train on power outage recovery with Shift Supervisor
Create process orders and maintenance work orders within SAP
Be actively involved in Safety Programs in any of the following roles: auditor, implementer of corrective actions, attend meetings, etc. Train others to have familiarity with these programs (OEL, Safety audits, Site Safety Committee, 5S, regulator audits, etc.)
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with minimal direct supervision to meet daily goals
Understand and operate within Federal and State regulations pertaining to safety and environmental requirements (EPA programs, RCRA and DOT) and OSHA
Other duties as assigned/requested