Job Overview
The Chemical Plant Utility Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation and maintenance of critical utility systems that support chemical manufacturing processes. This includes steam boilers, hot oil heaters, cooling towers, and air compressors. This role ensures continuous supply of utilities while adhering to all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards in an industrial chemical plant environment.
Essential Functions
Hot Oil Heater (Thermal Fluid Heater) Operation and Maintenance
- Operate and maintain hot oil heaters/thermal fluid systems up to 550F, regulating temperature, flow, and pressure to meet process demands.
- Monitor heat transfer fluid levels, condition, and circulation; perform routine checks for leaks, overheating, or degradation.
- Conduct preventive maintenance, filter changes, burner adjustments, and minor repairs to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- Troubleshoot system issues and maintain detailed logs of temperatures, pressures, and fluid analysis.
Cooling Tower Operation and Maintenance
- Operate and monitor cooling tower systems, including fans, pumps, drift eliminators, and water distribution to provide adequate cooling for plant processes.
- Perform routine inspections, cleaning (e.g., fill media, basin), and preventive maintenance to control biological growth, scaling, and corrosion.
- Monitor and adjust water treatment chemistry (e.g., biocides, scale inhibitors); collect samples and maintain proper pH, conductivity, and cycles of concentration.
- Ensure efficient heat rejection and respond to operational changes or emergencies.
Air Compressor Operation and Maintenance
- Operate and maintain industrial air compressors and compressed air systems, ensuring reliable supply of instruments and plant air.
- Monitor pressure, temperature, oil levels (if applicable), and dryer performance; perform routine checks and filter replacements.
- Conduct preventive maintenance, lubricate components, and address issues like moisture buildup or leaks.
- Maintain air quality and system integrity to support pneumatic controls and equipment throughout the facility
Additional Duties
- Perform daily rounds, log readings (pressures, temperatures, flows, levels), and maintain accurate operational records and shift handover notes.
- Respond to process demands, emergencies, and alarms; participate in troubleshooting and corrective actions.
- Adhere strictly to all plant safety procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hot work permits, PPE requirements, and chemical handling protocols.
- Assist with minor repairs, housekeeping, and preparation for major maintenance outages or inspections.
- Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to support reliable plant performance.
- Participate in safety meetings, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Role Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training in industrial utilities, boiler operation, or related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience operating and maintaining industrial boilers, heaters, cooling towers, compressors, or similar utility systems (chemical plant or heavy industrial experience strongly preferred).
- Knowledge of steam systems, thermal fluid heaters, water treatment, compressed air systems, and basic mechanical/electrical principles.
- Ability to read and interpret gauges, P&IDs, equipment manuals, and operating procedures.
- Strong safety awareness and commitment to following regulatory standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA, ASME, state boiler codes).
- Basic computer skills for logging data and using CMMS (maintenance software).
- Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, and on-call as needed in a 24/7 operation.
- Physical ability to climb ladders, work at heights, lift moderate weights, and work in varying weather/indoor conditions.
- Preferred Certifications** (or willingness to obtain)
o Boiler Operator License (state-specific, low- or high-pressure).
o Cooling Tower or Water Treatment certification.
o OSHA safety training, First Aid/CPR, or other relevant industrial certifications.
Pay: From $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Safety equipment provided
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
