Find & Apply For Chemical Operator Jobs in Petersburg, Virginia

Shift Lead - Chemical Manufacturing Position Summary The Shift Lead provides hands-on leadership of plant operations during an assigned shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable production. This role leads shift personnel, monitors processes through the Distributed Control System (DCS), coordinates production activities, and serves as the primary operational leader during off-hours and emergencies. Key Responsibilities Lead and coordinate daily plant operations to meet safety, production, quality, and efficiency goals. Monitor and adjust process equipment and systems through the DCS. Coordinate plant start-ups, shutdowns, and process changes. Provide direction, coaching, and support to production employees. Coordinate staffing, shift coverage, and effective shift handoffs. Ensure compliance with SOPs, Safety and Operational Control Limits (SOCLs), and company policies. Serve as the primary operational contact during emergencies and process upsets. Identify and address operational issues and coordinate with Maintenance and Engineering to minimize downtime. Complete and review production logs, reports, and other required documentation. Support safety initiatives, process improvements, employee training, and plant projects. Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required. Technical training, trade certification, or post-secondary education in an industrial, manufacturing, or process-related field preferred. Experience in chemical, industrial, or continuous-process manufacturing preferred. Previous leadership or shift supervision experience strongly preferred. Experience with DCS or process control systems preferred. Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills. Ability to read and follow detailed procedures and perform basic calculations involving weights, volumes, pressures, concentrations, and specific gravity. Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, 24/7 manufacturing environment. What We're Looking For We are seeking a safety-focused, hands-on leader who can confidently make decisions, communicate effectively, and keep plant operations running safely and efficiently. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a process manufacturing environment and leading a team in a fast-paced setting.

Pay:

From $37.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person