Chemical Operator: Stills

Job Purpose

Responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining ammonia and acid distillation (stills) processes to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations. The role ensures compliance with environmental, safety, and operational standards while optimizing process performance and product quality.

Key Responsibilities

1. Stills Operations & Chemical Handling

• Operate ammonia and acid stills, including start-up, shutdown, and normal operations.
• Monitor and control distillation processes to ensure correct separation and product quality.
• Handle and transfer ammonia, acids, and related chemicals safely and in line with procedures.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals according to safety and environmental regulations.

2. Process Monitoring & Control

• Monitor key process parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow, levels, and pH.
• Adjust process conditions to maintain optimal distillation performance and efficiency.
• Identify process deviations and take corrective action or escalate to the supervisor.
• Support process optimization to improve yield, efficiency, and reduce losses.

3. Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Perform routine checks and basic maintenance on stills, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and pipelines.
• Report equipment faults and assist maintenance teams during repairs.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards in the plant area.
• Assist with cleaning, flushing, and preparation of stills and associated equipment.

4. Safety, Health, and Environmental Compliance

• Follow all safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals such as ammonia and acids.
• Always wear and maintain required PPE.
• Participate in safety training, risk assessments, and emergency drills.
• Respond to leaks, spills, or process upsets in accordance with emergency procedures.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.

5. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate logs of process parameters, production data, and chemical usage.
• Record downtime, deviations, and maintenance activities.
• Prepare reports for operational performance and audits.
• Assist in incident investigations and root cause analysis when required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric (Grade 12) or N3 with Mathematics and Science.
• NQF Level 3 or 4 in Chemical Operations (advantageous).
• Level 3: Ability to operate at least 2 plants.
• Level 4: Ability to operate at least 3 plants.
• Minimum 6 months to 1 year experience (Level 3/4); 2–3 years in chemical, industrial, or manufacturing environments preferred.
• Basic understanding of mechanical and instrumentation systems.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of chemical processes.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work under pressure in a continuous plant environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• High level of safety awareness.
• Ability to monitor and control process equipment effectively.

AECI respects your right to privacy. Please review our privacy policy at https://investor.aeciworld.com/governance.