Maintenance Technician

About Verdant Specialty Solutions Verdant Specialty Solutions is a global specialty chemical company. Its customers include world-leading personal care and home care brands, energy solutions providers, and industrial companies. Verdant’s vision is to be the go-to provider of batch specialty surfactant-based chemistry for applications in the consumer and industrial markets. Based in Houston, the company has nine locations in the US and Europe. Verdant’s international team of 280 employees are committed to safety, quality, and supply reliability. Why Join Verdant? Opportunities for growth Verdant is a fast-growing company that has the spirit of a small business. The company was formed in May 2021, so every employee plays an important role in the culture and performance. It offers a dynamic ‘start up’ atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth. Committed to safety Despite having the spirit of a small business, Verdant rivals against larger companies in its commitment to safety. Verdant prides itself on industry-leading environmental, safety, health, and quality standards. At Verdant, there is no priority higher than safety. About the position This position is responsible for maintaining mechanical and general maintenance of the facility process equipment and utilities at the Palestine site. Essential Job Responsibilities: General Test fabricated and installed equipment to ensure adequacy of repair and safe operation upon commissioning Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous Use a variety of tools and equipment such as a power bender, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment Lift and rig equipment and piping Work from ladders, scaffolds, and roofs to install, maintain, or repair equipment and fixtures Operate forklift to transport work or maneuver equipment as necessary Operate man lift, scissor lift, or ladder to safety position self at a height to complete a task Attend daily meetings to receive and discuss work orders that include dismantling, repair, or changing of pipes, valves, process equipment, structures, etc. Coordinate repairs with production to ensure the work site has been prepared to avoid interfering with the activities of other workers Verify that proper life-critical documentation is prepared prior to the start of work Inspect work site to determine the best possible placement and routing of equipment and pipelines to allow long-term maintainability Analyze problems to determine materials needed to complete the task and transport materials to the job site Remove product from dismantled equipment by washing surfaces prior to transport Perform housekeeping within areas of responsibility, both in the field and in the shop Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) according to specific job tasks Perform painting in the production areas and in the office areas as directed Operate company vehicles safely both within the plant perimeter and on the road Assist in maintaining correct MRO inventory control by signing out material used in jobs Perform demolition work on pipe and equipment that have been taken out of service Install, using all appropriate techniques, all types of equipment to the highest industry and Verdant standards Utility Proficient in the operations, general maintenance, and capable of maintaining controls within prescribed limits for plant utility equipment, including but not limited to: boilers/deaerators, air compressors, water softeners, Reverse Osmosis, cooling pond, cooling towers, Chlorine Dioxide system Monitor and maintain water treatment chemistry of the boiler feed water system, boilers, cooling pond, cooling towers, and Chlorine dioxide system within desired control ranges. Proactively monitor the condition of associated equipment to maintain the highest level of operational availability (reliability) Perform work to free blockages within closed systems, such as cooling water piping and waste lines Perform periodic inspections, including but not limited to: eye wash & safety showers inspections, Alarms and other alarms, emergency exit light and sign testing, and other miscellaneous safety inspections Perform routine preventative maintenance tasks, including but not limited to: pump lubrication, routine fluid checks, heat transfer equipment de-scaling (i.e. Ryd-Lyming), filter replacement, etc. Perform basic mechanical work, including but not limited to: strainer/filter cleaning, fuse replacement/resetting breakers, belt replacement, replacement of valves/piping/gaskets “in kind” following applicable standards, hose and hose reel repairs, resetting circuit breakers, etc. Perform related general facility maintenance, including but not limited to: landscaping, painting, air and water filter replacement, light bulb replacement, piping and equipment demolition, and other general work, including housekeeping activities and HVAC maintenance Observe and adhere to all safety policies and procedures and participate in plant safety processes.  Ensure appropriate permits and/or LOTO’s are completed prior to working on equipment. Support / adhere to all quality system requirements, including ISO 9001, European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI), Good Manufacturing Practices, and Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), consistent with Manufacturing Excellence and HSSE Management Systems as it relates to this position. Will be exposed to the elements (extreme temperatures), 70% or more of the workday. Perform other duties or projects as specified by the supervisor Mechanical Rebuild all types of equipment back to original condition, meeting all the original equipment manufacturers' standards and specifications Accurately align shafts to the accepted industry standards for excellence, using dial indicators and/or laser alignment equipment Accurately diagnose and correct equipment problems with minimal information Safely replace small (25 hp or less) 240/480VAC motors Assemble and install a variety of rotating and other equipment; may use big and small cranes, chain fall, or come-a-long to position work 40. Perform related metal working tasks as required to manufacture supports, shields, etc., needed for safe, reliable repairs and installation of rotating equipment Assemble and install a variety of pipe, tube, and equipment; may use big and small cranes, chain fall, or come-a-long to position work Assemble pipe using threaded, caulked, soldered, brazed, fused, or cemented joints and hand tools Secure pipe to structure using brackets, clamps, and hangers Cut pipe and steel using saw, pipe cutter, hammer and chisel, cutting torch, or pipe cutting/threading machine Bend and install instrumentation stainless steel tubing Follow applicable specifications, particularly piping and welding specifications, such that piping is installed to standard Preferred Perform some of the duties of a welder, such as arc welding, mig welding, and oxyacetylene cutting Weld carbon steel as well as 304L, 316L, and 2205 Duplex stainless steel pipe and plate together using both submerged metal arc welding (SMAW or “stick”) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW, TIG, or “heli-arc”) techniques Perform related metalworking tasks such as thermal cutting, plasma cutting, and grinding Position and clamp components of fabricated metal products in preparation for welding Requirements HS diploma or equivalent is required. Preferred minimum 3-year experience in a chemical facility. Trade school diploma in one of the following areas is highly desirable: welder, rotating equipment, or mechanic. Electrical or Instrument knowledge is a plus Solid multi-craft, general mechanical skills and experience – Millwright, Welding, Simple electrical. Ability to install/align pumps, connect simple 3-phase equipment, piping, and valve installation. Ability to operate machinery and technical equipment. Ability to read, understand, and document required changes for PIDs. Good communication skills, organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task and respond to changing priorities. Must be able to work in a team environment as well as function independently. Ability to manage time and meet specified deadlines. Good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with other departments. Benefits Competitive and comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits. Generous matching 401k plan Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Health Savings Account with employer contribution and yearly roll over (cannot be combined with FSA) Health advocacy and services Company paid life insurance Company paid short term disability insurance Paid Vacation and Holidays Employee Assistance Program Company discount programs available including discounts on gym membership and equipment, hotels, rental cars, etc. EOE AA M/F/Vets/Disabled Benefit Summary