Chemical Plant Utility Technician (Sodium Nitrite)

Job Description

Job DescriptionStep into night operations where precision keeps our Syracuse sodium nitrite plant running safely and smoothly.

Role: Chemical Plant Utility Technician

Location: Syracuse, NY

Schedule: 12-hour night shift (6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.); overtime may be required

Reports to: Shift Supervisor

A night in the life

As the plant comes alive after dusk, you’ll start with pre-start checks, confirm tank levels, and bring pumps, valves, and piping online. You’ll open and secure tank truck vessels for safe loading and unloading, coordinate with the Production/Shipping Supervisor on schedules, and keep a vigilant eye on product quality through routine bench tests, hydrometer reads, and titration analyses. Between rounds, you’ll hop on a skid steer, scissor lift, or forklift to stage materials, support rail car movement, and perform housekeeping. When maintenance isn’t available, you’ll install or maintain equipment to keep operations on track, documenting everything to ISO, safety, and quality standards. Throughout the shift, you’re the eyes and ears of the process—reporting any issue that could impact safety, efficiency, or product quality.

What you’ll do

• Operate and monitor process equipment to produce sodium nitrite and related products to Chemtrade standards
• Open, load, and unload tank truck vessels safely; check tank levels and prevent overflows during transfers
• Run mobile equipment (e.g., skid steer loader, scissor lift, forklift) and assist with rail car movements
• Perform routine chemical analyses (bench tests, hydrometer use, titrations) including cooling tower water sampling
• Complete safety, quality, and ISO documentation; participate in production scheduling with the Production/Shipping Supervisor
• Tackle basic maintenance and equipment installations when the maintenance team isn’t available
• Conduct daily/weekly housekeeping and assigned safety inspections
• Promptly report process deficiencies and any condition affecting safety, efficiency, or product quality

What you bring

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be a Qualified Shift Operator
• Experience with heavy/mobile equipment (skid steer, scissor lift, forklift, Trackmobile) is a plus
• Hands-on chemical testing skills: bench tests, hydrometer readings, titrations
• Clear communication (written and verbal), strong interpersonal skills, and basic computer proficiency
• Self-starter who thrives with minimal supervision and collaborates well on a team
• Comfort working at heights and in outdoor conditions; able to climb stairs/ladders and lift within OSHA guidelines

Health and medical requirement

To support a safe workplace, you must successfully complete annual medical assessments, including a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), and be able to wear a respirator as a condition of employment.

Safety culture and working environment

• Embrace Chemtrade’s Environmental, Health, Safety & Security (EHS) policies and training
• Immediately report incidents (injuries, near misses, releases) and provide feedback for program improvement
• Participate in EHS meetings, job safety analyses, and training; contribute to meeting site performance metrics
• Follow life-critical procedures including lockout/tagout and issuing safe work permits

Pay and how it’s set

The U.S. hourly rate for this role starts at $31.61 plus benefits. Actual pay is influenced by role, level, work location, and job-related factors such as skills, experience, and relevant education/training. Some locations operate under Collective Bargaining Agreements, which may affect compensation terms. The posted amount reflects base hourly pay only and does not include benefits, pension contributions, overtime, or shift premiums.

Life at Chemtrade

We put people first—valuing safety, sustainability, and diverse perspectives. Employee Resource Groups help shape an inclusive culture where you can grow your career. We also provide family-friendly benefits and meaningful development opportunities so you can thrive at work and at home.

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