Chief Chemist - Seattle, WA at Ash Grove Cement Company in Seattle, Washington

Job Description:

 

 

Job ID:  360834

 

Ash Grove Cement, a CRH company, provides portland and masonry cements to help build the foundation and infrastructure for the world around us.  We ship millions of tons of cement from our plants and network of terminals located across the Midwest, Texas and Western United States. When you work for Ash Grove, you are connecting to something bigger. Join our team and help Ash Grove build America.

Position Overview

Supervises and administers all plant laboratory activities including quality control and the proportioning of materials used in the cement manufacturing process. Responsible for the efficient operation of plant laboratory facility. Uses independent judgment in performing daily responsibilities. Works under general policies and objectives. Refers to manager when clarification or interpretation of organizational policy is needed. Exercises direct supervision over all laboratory personnel at the plant. Provides indirect supervision over plant personnel involved in and affecting production quality or control of production processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for the plant's quality control procedures.  Monitors quality control and collaborates with plant management regarding current quality control status and actions needed for improving product quality.


• Establishes, communicates and assigns job responsibilities for plant laboratory employees.


• Supervises and evaluates the job performance of laboratory personnel as needed.


• Establishes in conjunction with the plant manager, technical director and sales department the cement quality control parameters needed to be competitive in the market place.


• Reviews and interprets cement and other raw material research data stored in the lab computer; utilizes computer system to generate various reports pertaining to any or all areas of responsibility as assigned.


• Calculates and reviews daily production activities and results (where applicable).


• Supervises and ensures that test procedures are conducted according to established standards and guidelines.


• Maintains continual awareness of changes in the production process and evaluates their impact on the quality of the product.  Recommends processing changes when needed.


• Generates instructions for setting and adjusting equipment to make raw meal and cement in order to obtain a desired uniform quality (where applicable).


• Confers regularly with other department managers regarding quality control issues pertaining to such activities as the harvesting of raw material to obtain the desired mix, optimum utilization of raw material, production scheduling, and/or mill grinding.


• Assumes responsibility for overall safety of plant lab and conducts safety meetings for lab personnel on a regular basis as specified by management.


• Establishes laboratory quality control parameters for slurry, clinker and cement.


• Monitors daily inventory of cement, process additives and chemicals, and other raw materials as assigned by management.


• Orders lab equipment and ensures that proper repairs, maintenance and calibration of existing lab equipment are performed (where applicable).  Meets with vendors as needed.


• Attends various plant meetings and training sessions to interact and consult with other department managers regarding plant operations.


• Investigates alternate raw material sources, fuels and/or alternate suppliers of grinding aid.


• Remains available on a 24-hour basis to provide assistance for lab and processing problems.


• Attends professional education workshops and seminars to remain updated in cement research and chemistry.  Through publications, memos, and professional organization, maintains knowledge of changes in ASTM and AASHTO specifications.


• Assumes and performs the responsibilities of Radiation Safety Officer (where applicable).


• Participates in air quality inspections and associated air permit responsibilities (where applicable).


• Responsible to maintain ASSHTO accreditation, which includes quarterly, biannual, and yearly file audits as well as an internal audit process of testing methods executed in the lab. 

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated problem solving skills


• Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision making skills


• Ability to lead/manage others


• Proficient in English written and verbal communication skills


• Extensive knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics and geology. Working knowledge of the cement manufacturing process, ASTM standards, AASHTO standards, and quality control procedures taken in production operations.


• Ability to use a computer to store data and generate reports.

Experience

• 3 or more experience as an Assistant Chief Chemist or similar position in a cement manufacturing or related industry preferred.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related degree.

About CRH Americas

CRH Americas has a long and proud heritage as one of North America’s largest corporations. We are a proud reflection of the hundreds of family businesses, local and regional companies and mid to large sized enterprises that together form the CRH Americas family. CRH Americas operates with a decentralized, diversified structure, letting you work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large enterprise.

CRH Americas is a great place to grow! If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our career site. Please complete your online profile which will be sent directly to the appropriate Hiring Manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest in the CRH Americas family!

Ash Grove Cement is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability--If you want to know more, please click on this link. 

 

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