DescriptionBASIC FUNCTIONThe Plant Support Laboratory Chemist is responsible for carrying out laboratory tests required for plant support and new development. Primarily this involves using lab-scale polymerization reactors to carry out tests under different conditions. This may be done to troubleshoot a plant issue, make some optimization of an existing catalyst, provide catalyst information to support plant operations, or evaluate new catalyst system. The Plant Support Laboratory Chemists must function in a situation that requires them to perform complex procedures quickly and accurately. They must thoroughly know the operation of the test equipment to perform the tests correctly and safely. RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain a safe work environment in the laboratories through an active safety/loss control program including regular safety meetings and inspections.
- Understand, support and comply with all safety policies, procedures and applicable regulations including the use of loss control software for loss control reporting and communication, completion of safety inspections and assigned HSSE action items.
- Investigates accidents and near-misses, internal or external to laboratory and participates, conducts, or ensures completion of regular safety requirements. Maintain laboratory chemicals inventory.
- Make improvements (safety suggestions), performing safety inspections, completing safety action items, performing safety reviews and risk analyses are an important part of this job.
- Use of lab-scale reactors for polymerization testing to carry out projects for plant support or new development.
- Use of specialized chemical handling equipment (dryboxes, Schlenk manifolds, etc) and pressurized systems.
- Evaluate properties of polyethylene samples.
- Arrange collection of required samples from the plants (e.g. catalyst samples, fluff and resin) as needed.
- Planning of regular maintenance for polymerization testing and lab equipment.
- Coordinate collection of testing results and analyses, including testing results from internal and third-party laboratories.
- Document the results in the laboratory notebook and tabulate the results and write reports for use by the Supervisor and other investigators.
- Perform catalyst studies and polymerization testing to support plant operations and development efforts in Polymers. Seek opportunities to contribute to development activities.
- Arrange collection and delivery of samples, supply of cylinders with the Supervisor, Plant Support and plant personnel.
- Work with other laboratory chemists as a unit sharing responsibilities. Take responsibility for actions and seek to solve plant and/or customer problems.
- Service and maintain laboratory equipment, as much as technically possible, to ensure that it is operating at an optimum level.
- Inform supervisor of requirements for refurbishing and replacing laboratory supplies and materials.
- Contribute to the development of new methods and improvement of existing methods.
- Coordinate internal and third-party testing.
- Responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Other duties as assigned.
CORE VALUESMust exhibit and demonstrate our 5 Core ValuesCaring: Dedicated to Safety, Employees, Customers, Community and EnvironmentTrustworthy: Living a Culture of Openness, Honesty and CollaborationFocused: Creating Value by Delivering the Right SolutionsInnovative: Daring to be different by finding New WaysFun: Embracing our Diverse Family and Celebrating our SuccessCOMPETENCIES
- Job Knowledge - Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keep job knowledge current
- Productivity - Manages workload, works efficiently, meets goals and objectives
- Quality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve product/services
- Safety - HSSE - Works in a safe manner, uses PPE, recognizes hazards, makes safety suggestions and observations, current on Training Mine
QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or related field or industrial experience conducting ethylene reactor polymerizations
- Superior communication and relationship-building skills
- Good proficiency with Microsoft Office products
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Adaptable and flexible; ability to work in dynamic environment
- Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 3 years of laboratory experience, preferably in polyethylene research or plant support
- Experience handling air/moisture sensitive chemicals
- Experience working with pressurized systems
PHYSICAL CAPACITY REQUIREMENTSThis position requires the incumbent to:
- Follow safety requirements for the role
- Wear required PPE (eye protection, noise protection, etc.) when inside plant environment, or where directed by signage
- Lift up to 10 pounds
- Walk safely in and around industrial areas
- Work under deadline pressure within an environment that demands attention to safety and detail
- Sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Work at computer for significant periods of time throughout the day