Chemical Process Technician – Batch Operations

What a day looks like

Your shift begins with a safety check and a quick scan of the previous logbook entries. You don the required PPE—respirator when tasks call for it—and verify that reactors, distillation columns, pumps, and centrifuges are set for the next batch. You stage raw materials, charge the system, and dial in temperature, pressure, and vacuum setpoints from the control panel. As reactions progress, you watch trends, adjust valves, and capture readings. Mid-batch, you pull a sample, run the required tests, and confirm the product tracks to specification. If something drifts, you troubleshoot, fine-tune controls, and keep production on target. You wrap up by documenting gauge readings, shift production, and any equipment issues, and you leave the area clean, orderly, and ready for the next run.

Core responsibilities

• Operate a range of chemical processing assets: reaction systems, distillation systems, filters, extractors, autoclaves, reactors, pumps, and centrifuges.
• Load/unload raw materials, intermediates, and finished goods into/out of process equipment.
• Configure, operate, and fine-tune indicating and control devices to maintain target conditions.
• Monitor and record reactions and physical/chemical property changes; maintain precise batch documentation.
• Adjust valves, controls, and related devices to hold specified temperature, pressure, and vacuum.
• Respond appropriately to process or equipment deviations; escalate and resolve abnormalities.
• Keep detailed logs of gauge readings, shift output, malfunctions, and other operating data.
• Draw product samples and conduct required testing to verify conformance to specifications.
• Spot equipment or process bottlenecks; recommend improvements to methods and performance.
• Suggest changes to working conditions or equipment usage to improve efficiency.
• Maintain a clean, well-organized work area and consistently follow safety, quality, and environmental procedures.
• Complete all required training and on-the-job learning within established timelines.
• Support company safety and quality initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.

Education & experience

• Successful completion of the company Operator training program or equivalent prior experience.
• Completion of 120 hours of on-the-job training within the first 90 days of employment.
• Completion of PCC Classroom Training for RCRA General Awareness within six months of employment.
• Annual recurring RCRA General Awareness training.
• Prior experience in chemical processing, manufacturing, production, or equipment operation may be considered equivalent.

Special requirements

• Demonstrated ability to safely run and monitor chemical processing equipment per procedures.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
• Capable of accurately interpreting equipment readings and recognizing process changes.
• Strict adherence to detailed operating, safety, quality, and environmental procedures.
• Willingness to work overtime and flexible hours to meet production needs.
• Ability to wear a respirator for designated tasks.
• Occasionally lift up to 65 pounds from knees and waist.
• Adequate eyesight to safely perform essential functions and monitor conditions.
• Effectiveness in a manufacturing and chemical processing environment.
• Ability to successfully complete required classroom and on-the-job training.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Knowledge of safe operating procedures for chemical processing and manufacturing equipment.
• Working understanding of reactions, distillation, filtration, extraction, autoclaves, reactors, pumping, and centrifugation.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for equipment and process issues.
• Skill in setting and adjusting indicating and controlling devices.
• Proficiency in managing valves, controls, and maintaining temperature, pressure, and vacuum.
• Ability to recognize and document changes in chemical/physical properties and product composition.
• Accuracy in recording gauge readings, production data, equipment malfunctions, and other operational details.
• Competence in sampling and testing to verify product specifications.
• High attention to detail with a strong commitment to safety and quality.
• Continuous improvement mindset to enhance methods, equipment performance, and operational efficiency.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established procedures.
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Work environment

Work is performed in a chemical processing/manufacturing setting with regular interaction with process equipment, raw materials, intermediates, finished products, and chemical systems. Close attention to operating conditions, equipment performance, production needs, safety procedures, and quality standards is essential. Overtime and flexible scheduling may be required. Exposure to industrial equipment and environments requires the use of PPE, including a respirator for certain tasks. You are expected to maintain a safe, orderly work area and rigorously follow company safety, quality, and environmental procedures.

Physical demands

• Occasional lifting of up to 65 pounds from knees and waist.
• Operation of processing equipment, valves, controls, pumps, and related devices.
• Use of hands/fingers with sufficient dexterity to operate equipment and controls.
• Adequate eyesight to monitor equipment, gauges, controls, samples, and process conditions.
• Ability to wear a respirator when required.
• Standing, walking, and moving throughout a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Ability to safely perform duties while wearing applicable PPE.