Utility Operator

Celanese•Hopewell, VA

1d•$30 - $44

About The Position

Celanese is seeking a Utility Operator for its Hopewell, Virginia site. The position is responsible for operating site utility services, including steam, compressed air, chilled water, cooling water, potable water, Dowtherm, rainwater control, and waste hauling. The operator is also responsible for monitoring and testing the Biological and Sanitary Plants during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may support the Emergency Response Team with environmental issues and incident control. The Utility Operator works independently and is classified as a “Lone Worker.” The role requires an 8-hour rotating shift schedule and overtime coverage when needed for vacancies, vacation, sickness or disability, and shutdowns. The operator handles chemicals used in water and waste treatment and is accountable for energy operations at the manufacturing site, as well as the environmental performance and safety of utility, biological, and sanitary operations to the “first valve” of energy users.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Ability to operate independently of supervision and make initial assessments and decisions during upset conditions.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of high-pressure boilers and related mechanical equipment.
Knowledge of chillers and chilled water systems.
Knowledge of air compressors and air-drying systems.
Knowledge of cooling tower systems.
Basic knowledge of water treatment chemistry and testing.
Ability to interact with instrumentation and control systems and troubleshoot them.
Ability to communicate effectively using electronic media, including email and Lotus Notes.
Intermediate Word and Excel skills and basic SAP skills.
Ability to recognize hazards in mechanical systems and execute the LTCT program in the operational area.
Ability to coordinate with contractors and perform Work Permits and Line Break Permits, and to load and unload tanker trucks.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor site utility services, including steam, compressed air, chilled water, cooling water, potable water, Dowtherm, rainwater control, and waste hauling.
Monitor the performance of the Biological and Sanitary Plants and perform necessary testing, including during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Support the Emergency Response Team on environmental issues and incident control as needed.
Light gas- or oil-fed burners on boilers and the Dowtherm boiler, and start oil pumps to feed oil into furnaces or boilers.
Observe pressure, temperature, and draft meters to verify operation of combustion control systems, feed water regulators, and burners.
Operate valves and controls to set fuel feed, draft openings, water levels, Dowtherm pressure, and boiler steam pressure.
Inspect boilers and auxiliary units, detect malfunctions, and make repairs such as changing burners and tightening pipes and fittings.
Treat boiler feed water and maintain logs of meter and gauge readings, water test results, and fuel consumption.
Operate electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate raw water flow into the plant.
Monitor Dowtherm levels, add Dowtherm as necessary, and draw off Dowtherm from boilers to minimize solids buildup.
Operate compressors and air dryers, maintaining specified pressure and continuous supplies of air and dry air for plant operations.
Operate and monitor the plant breathing air system.
Prepare compressors, pumps, condensers, and related equipment for operation; start equipment and auxiliary machinery.
Monitor and adjust temperature, pressure, amperage, and other operating readings; record readings at specified intervals.
Inspect equipment and systems periodically for operating condition and repair or adjustment needs.
Isolate and clear broken lines for repair or shut down equipment as needed.
Adjust cooling tower pumps, valves, fans, and automatic controls.
Pump water into water mains and monitor and adjust panelboard controls for flow rates, loss of head pressure, water elevation, and river-water distribution.
Repair and lubricate machines and equipment.
Work rotating 8-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and provide overtime coverage when needed.
Handle chemicals used in water and waste treatment.
Perform other duties as assigned.