Chemical Operator Trainee

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Job Description:

This position is an excellent opportunity for a Chemical Operator to work in our Chestertown, Maryland manufacturing plant. Employment as the Chemical Operator is described below. Individuals must successfully perform the trainee duties to be considered for advancement into one of our other positions in the plant.

 

This is a full-time position.

 

Summary

 

The Chemical Operator is responsible for operating reactors, vessels, pumps, filters, condensers, decanters, and related plant systems safely and efficiently while producing quality product in accordance with established procedures and production expectations. This position requires strong knowledge of process equipment, utility systems, material transfers, safety and emergency procedures, documentation requirements in SAP and LIMS, and the ability to follow batch instructions, troubleshoot basic operating issues, and maintain accurate records. Chemical Operators must be able to work independently, manage multiple tasks, support rotating shift operations, and contribute to a safe, clean, and well-organized production environment.

Job Responsibilities:

 

• This position, reporting to the Production Team Manager, is responsible for operating manufacturing equipment safely and efficiently to produce quality products.
• Operate reactors, vessels, tanks, pumps, filters, condensers, decanters, and related plant systems in support of daily production.
• Understand equipment capacities, material construction, agitation, heating, cooling, and transfer routes to move product safely and without contamination.
• Set up, monitor, and adjust process equipment for heating, cooling, venting, vacuum, nitrogen, and transfer operations.
• Perform product charging, batch processing, splitting, and transfer activities using manual controls and DeltaV as required.
• Operate filtration systems, decanters, receivers, and associated utility systems as part of normal production work.
• Record batch, sample, and production information accurately in batch sheets, SAP, and LIMS.
• Correct inventory and production discrepancies and report batch, yield, and accountability issues to supervision.
• Follow all safety, PPE, HMIS, SDS/MSDS, and emergency response procedures, including spill cleanup and hazardous waste handling.
• Use basic troubleshooting skills to identify equipment or process problems and take appropriate corrective action or escalate issues.
• Maintain strong awareness of plant systems such as steam, condensate, cooling water, hot oil, instrument air, and plant air.
• Work independently and with the production team to support daily operations, safety programs, and continuous improvement.
• Understand and use learning lab training expectations and complete required on-the-job training.
• Maintain a high standard of safety, quality, housekeeping, and professional conduct at all times.
• Communicate clearly and complete all assignments delegated by supervision.
• Be able to respond appropriately in emergency situations and follow plant emergency procedures.
• Support on-site and off-site training requirements such as tank entry, DOT, CPR/First Aid, and spill response.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple tasks and operate several pieces of equipment at one time.
• Follow procedure SS-8 and all other plant work instructions related to safe operation.
• Provide accurate documentation and proactively correct computer inventory errors as needed.

Job Expectations:

 

• Must follow all safety procedures.
• Must wear company-provided personal protective equipment such as safety shoes, safety glasses with side shields, and hard hats at all times in designated areas. Dust mask, rubber gloves, face shields, goggles and other protective equipment must be worn when required.
• Must have flexibility to work rotating shifts that could change with a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice. Overtime work is required as needed.
• Have a strong work ethic, demonstrating both initiative and a professional attitude.
• Basic computer skills required (ex: outlook for email, basic excel/word knowledge). Will need to be able to learn how to use delta v operating system, SAP and PI.
• Must have clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to apply mechanical fundamentals to properly operate and maintain the performance of the equipment within their area of responsibility.
• Must be able to perform the essential elements of the positions with or without reasonable accommodations. 
• Must be able  to work from heights utilizing a harness for personal protection.

Qualifications

 

• Industrial, construction, or military experience preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have valid driver's license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Education:

 

• High School Diploma/GED Required.
• General Chemistry knowledge preferred.

 

The starting rate for this position is $28.59 per hour. 

Compensation is determined according to a structured rate schedule and may be adjusted based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and relevant skills. 

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At Eastman, we are committed to transparency and integrity in our compensation practices. Eastman includes salary ranges in some job postings to provide clear compensation information and to be compliant with state laws that require disclosure. Not all postings display ranges due to factors like location, market conditions, or position specifics. Compensation is based on qualifications and experience. Candidates are encouraged to discuss their salary questions during the interview process.

 

Benefits

Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.

 

Compensation & Incentives
• Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

 

Health & Wellness
• Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage—paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
• A robust menu of voluntary benefits—including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more—so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
• Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.

 

Retirement & Financial Strategies 
• 401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.

 

Time Away
• Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.

 

Growth & Development
• Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.

 

At Eastman, we invest in the whole you—so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you’re proud of.

 

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

 

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.