Operations And Apprentice

Operations Helper

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 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.

The Operations Helper plays an important role in supporting safe site operations. A safety-first mindset is essential. This person assists Operations and Maintenance throughout the plant and the position is viewed as a stepping-stone to a future operator position, based on availability and individual performance. It is a day position, working primarily outdoors, with overtime as needed and reports to the Operations Team Manager. This position is entry-level and considered a stepping-stone to a position as plant operator or loader. Advancement to one of these positions will be based on successful performance and behaviors in the Operations Helper role. All candidates who apply must be able to complete online industry coursework. Relocation assistance is not provided for this role.

Primary duties include, but aren't limited, to the following:
• Regularly check process safety valves in production units
• Assist with all plant process safety valve campaigns
• Change out demineralizer water unit that is used to make chemical solutions
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment such as aerial lift (manlift) and forklift
• Move/load/unload/track inventory of material used in plant
• Fill/move chemical totes
• Empty all scrap metal bins as needed
• Ensure all tank dikes are properly pumped out as needed
• Assist Operations and Loading teams with shutdown activities
• Climb ladders and columns to access equipment and vessels
• Other misc. work identified by Operations group
• Completion of assigned coursework in chemical manufacturing operations

Education

High school diploma or GED required
Manufacturing-related degree or certification strongly preferred and will be considered first

Required Skills and Knowledge

2+ years' experience working in an industrial or manufacturing environment (not commercial or residential)
Must have a Zero Incident mindset
Have, or possess the ability to learn, a general knowledge of plant operations, safety and regulatory requirements, and become knowledgeable on a variety of software packages including corporate systems (i.e. Intranet, Microsoft Office products)
Basic computer skills are expected
Mechanical aptitude required
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to develop good working relationships
Must be able and willing to advance to an operator position including completion of assigned industry coursework to be completed primarily online
Ability to obtain forklift certification
Must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and be able to pass physical, drug screen and background check

Physical Requirements of the Position

Willing to work outdoors in all types of weather
Ability to work alone
Ability to climb ladders and work at heights above 100 ft. with appropriate safety equipment
Ability to squat, bend, and reach, and lift up to 50 pounds
Ability to wear respirator
Ability and willingness to be on plant Emergency Services Team

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 highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.