Chemical Operator Trainee

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Milliken's SiVance Plant is a world-class business leader in silicone chemistry, focused on the development and manufacture of specialty silicone technologies at this fully-integrated production facility established in 1953 in Gainesville, Florida. The 65-acre site contains Research & Development laboratories, analytical capabilities for chemical analysis and route development, and production facilities ranging from lab scale, to pilot and commercial scale, allowing SiVance to move innovations through the development pipeline in relatively short order. At the SiVance plant, more than 130 associates produce hundreds of silicon-based products considered vital to the performance and value of industrial and consumer products manufactured around the world.

CHEMICAL OPERATOR TRAINEE - SIVANCE PLANT, GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA

SUMMARY:

Safely and efficiently run chemical reactions and distillations in chemical processing equipment in a designated area of the plant as directed by production lead operator, and the Shift Supervisor or Operations Manager. Operator Trainee will be under the direct supervision of experienced staff while they learn the skills necessary to operate processing equipment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Become familiar with all pertinent SOP's and departmental manuals and demonstrate ability to perform chemical operator duties. 
2. Develop working knowledge of the setup, operation and cleanup of chemical process equipment; and demonstrate competency in operating assigned vessels in the Pay and Progression path.  
3. Become knowledgeable of required paperwork flow, product flow and terminology used in each new production assignment.
4. Learn to properly identify and safely demonstrate how to disassemble, clean, reassemble all process filters utilized in commercial production processes as directed by supervisors.
5. Responsible for process paperwork including SAP, Excel and Label-printing computer system.
6. Maintain assigned work station(s) in a neat and orderly fashion with minimal supervision.
7. Maintain proficiency in proper sampling, weighing and labeling procedures and demonstrate the ability to keep all containers properly identified and labeled at all times.
8. Maintain proficiency in the operation of the following heating and cooling systems, including location of control switches, valves and regulators:
   1. City water
   2. Tower water
   3. Glycol cooling
   4. Steam boiler
   5. Hot oil heating
9. Read and understand all written procedures contained in Chemical Process Documents. Demonstrate this ability by completing required procedural batch sheets without error. 
10. Demonstrate the ability to work and use time effectively under minimum supervision to accomplish assigned production goals and additional tasks to support safe and clean work environment.
11. Demonstrate proficient and safe drum handling techniques while moving full 55 gallon drums on/off of pallets unassisted and by hand.
12. Demonstrate proficient and safe cylinder handling techniques while transferring cylinders from one location to another as directed by supervisors.
13. Learn and demonstrate the ability to safely transport and load 25 kg bags of chemicals into various chemical processing equipment by hand.
14. Participate in Process Review Committee meetings to serve as the operator process expert.
15. Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with others.
16. Demonstrate the ability to listen to supervisors and follow both verbal and written instructions.
17. Be familiar with and comply with established SiVance LLC Quality Policy.
18. SAFETY – Adhere to all plant safety policies and compliance regulations.  Actively participate in the safety process through completing of safety audits, participating in safety projects, identifying Site Hazards and contributing to safety improvements, and being an attending member of a safety team.  Complete annual safety training as required.
19. QUALITY – Become familiar with, understand and comply with Milliken Quality Policy, Standard Operating Procedure(s) (SOPs), relevant ISO 9000 standards and Company Policies that are applicable to this position.
20. HAZARDOUS WASTE HANDLING - All associates who handle hazardous waste shall be given an overview of the regulations and company policies regarding the management of hazardous waste.  The hazardous waste handlers shall receive detailed instruction on the proper handling, collecting, labeling, and transporting of hazardous waste as outlined in RCRA and OSHA regulations.  Instructions shall also include whom to notify in case of a spill and proper procedures for spill response.  Educational requirements include the ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.  Instructions on handling hazardous waste shall come from the hazardous waste manager or appropriate designee.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

1. High school graduate or GED required.
2. Good basic math skills.
3. Physically able to roll full 55 gallon drums, lift 25 kg bags, climb long vertical ladders, move heavy equipment and have the ability to move freely in cramped quarters. 
4. Must be clean shaven for work and able to wear a full-face respirator when needed. 
5. Willingness to work all required shifts, including nights and weekends. SiVance Plant works rotating 12 hour shifts 7a/7p and swaps days to nights every 12 weeks.
6. Have good mechanical ability and willingness to learn.

Preferred:

1. Previous experience in chemical or heavy industry manufacturing.
2. Computer skills to include basic Word, Excel and simple database entries.

By combining science with design and insights, Milliken tackles the issues and concerns of today. Every day, our community of innovators is invigorated by the challenge of finding creative ways to enhance people's lives and make the world around us easier, safer, more sustainable and more beautiful.