Furnace Operator - PQ

PQ is a leading global provider of silicates, silicas and derivative products. PQ's products are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and many customer products, from decorative paints to green cement, from clean drinking water to green tires and from toothpaste to biofuels and beer.

Ideal candidates resonate with PQ's Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, People, Customer Focus and Safety.  Successful employees embrace and model these values in their behaviors and actions.

• Start up, run and shut down equipment especially to meet quality and H S S & E standards.
• Operate production processing and material handling systems, some by computer control.
• Monitor system outputs – including charts, gauges, flow indicators, computer displays and printouts.
• Control, adjust rates as required to balance related process systems. (Air, gas, speed)
• Perform quality control tests on process samples for process control and assurance of product quality.
• Maintain reliable operations of furnace, dissolving, and related equipment: i.e., pumps, motors, bearings, etc.
• Requires detailed knowledge of entire process, SOP’S, and emergency procedures. Occasionally required to lift up to 40 pounds. Stands or walks with intermittent climbing. Requires visual acuity.
• Exercises judgment, discretion, and rapid decision making in situations involving operational problems, unexpected occurrences, etc.
• Maintain safe working conditions and practices.
• Assure maintenance of environmental control of plant facility as dictated by permits and state regulations, including the safe and orderly disposition of hazardous waste.
• Perform various self-directed Continuous Quality Improvement team support roles.
• Communicate problems, instructions, observations, and request orally and in writing to team members and other departments.
• Operates the liquid sodium silicate plant. Processing of liquid sodium silicate according to standard operation procedures (SOP’s). Responds to system alarms by determining problem and taking corrective action.
• Controls the processes through the use of statistical process control, to include:
  • Sampling and performing tests as needed.
  • Setting up and plotting data on control charts.
• Diagnosing process and taking action as required.
• Performs key coordinating duties for emergency response situations; notifying and working with police, fire and ambulance personnel as required.
• Exhibits all skill requirements for production operations, operations any production equipment, performs miscellaneous duties as needed.
• Performs quality control tests according to SOP’S to include:
  • Product Baume’
  • ▪ Product % Na2O
  • ▪ Product Ratio
• Communicates process problems, instructions, observations, and requests in writing through the use of established systems, including:
  • Production data sheets
  • SPC charts, etc.
• Maintains acceptable housekeeping.
• Perform maintenance and minor repairs as necessary. Tools available limit work, individual skills and training.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a Chemical Manufacturing environment
• Familair working with computers using commercial operating systems

EHS Responsibilities

• Communicates, promotes and personally demonstrates Safety/Health (including PQP Principles) as #1 priority
• Participation in risk assessment audits as applicable
• Understand PQ Principles (PQP) and how they are implemented in the site organization, rules and procedures
• Completes HSE training requirements identified for the job in a timely manner

PQ is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. Click on the link to read Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (eeoc.gov). For more information, please review the link Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov).