Production Technician Apprentice | Freeport, TX

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At BASF, we create chemistry through the power of connected minds. By balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, we are building a more sustainable future through chemistry. As the world’s leading chemical company, we help our customers in nearly every industry meet the current and future needs of society through science and innovation.

We provide a challenging and rewarding work environment and are always working to form the best team—especially from within, through an emphasis on lifelong learning and development.

We are constantly striving to become an even better place to work. BASF has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Best Employers in 2019. Come join us on our journey to create solutions for a sustainable future!

Where the Chemistry Happens…

Production Technician Apprentice (Contractor)

We proudly provided apprenticeship opportunities to candidates looking to advance their career in the chemical manufacturing industry. BASF’s North American Apprenticeship Development Program (NAADP) is strongly committed to attracting talented candidates like YOU to join our manufacturing contractor workforce, where you will have the opportunity to grow your career through great work experiences further enhanced through on the job training and skills development. Those contractor apprentices that successfully complete the BASF NAADP will be strongly considered for full time employment as a Production Technician Apprentice.

As a contractor in BASF’s North American Apprenticeship Development Program (NAADP), apprentices participate in a 16-month program offering hands-on work experience in BASF’s chemical manufacturing plants while attending community college to earn a company paid advance certificate in process technology. While participating in the NAADP, contractor apprentices will be offered paid tuition, wages, and access to benefits. After the successful completion of the NAADP, contractor apprentices will have earned an advanced certificate in process technology and received on the job training directly related to the BASF Production Technician roles.

BASF is recognized for its commitment to leading edge talent development as evidenced by consistent ranking in Diversity Inc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity seven years in a row! BASF highly encourages females and traditionally underrepresented cultural groups, including but not limited to African American, Asian, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent to apply.  Potential start date is June 7^th of 2021.

Apprentices will be hired as contract employees and report to the Operations Manager who, along with the assigned sites’ manufacturing staff, will support the Apprentice throughout the NAADP.   

The Production Technician Apprentice is responsible for conducting daily activities related to plant operations. This could include distillation, liquid / liquid extraction, fixed and fluid bed reactors, boilers, incinerators, compressors, turbines, and other related processes and equipment. During the NAADP, Apprentices will gain skills related to and knowledge of, but not limited to:

• Operating compressors, pumps, reactors, heat exchangers, steam boilers, valves, tanks, pressure vessels, instrument control systems, forklifts, hoists, flare systems, scales, lab testing equipment, computers, and other associated manufacturing equipment.
• Operations of the plant includes controlling flows, pressures, reactions, temperatures, makeup of solutions from batch sheets and formula cards, transfer of solutions/batches, loading/unloading chemicals to and from tanks, trucks, and rail cars.
• Handling of various hazardous chemicals.
• Identifying and wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Thorough understanding of the operation and capabilities of the equipment in their area.
• Cross training in additional production areas and supporting other members of the team in achieving a task or solving a problem.
• Disassembling and cleaning plant equipment, piping and pressure vessels.
• Technicians must recognize and eliminate safety hazards.
• Accept and demonstrate personal accountability for EHS performance.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment by adhering to EHS requirements while planning and executing a job. Support and continually apply all Quality Improvement, Safety, Ecology policies and procedures.
• Recognizing and eliminating safety hazards. Accept and demonstrate personal accountability for EHS performance. Demonstrate sound judgment by adhering to EHS requirements while planning and executing a job.
• Supporting and continually applying all Quality Improvement, Safety, Ecology, and Legal Compliance, policies and procedures.
• Performing all necessary production/testing to ensure that product meets product specifications and tolerances for in-process product and release specifications for shipment of the product.
• Effectively work with minimal supervision.
• Operating and managing (troubleshoot) their respective areas and making safe, prompt, and effective decisions.
• Occasionally handle drums and drum dollies.
• Additional duties are designated by the respective areas.

Ingredients for Success: What We Look for in You…

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Enrolled in or willingness to enroll in a Process Technology or similar post-secondary technical program.
• Possess a valid Driver's License.
• Ability to pass the BASF’s Pre-Employment tests.
• Possess intermediate computer skills (Use computerized process system, internet, email, etc.).
• Ability to work 12-hour rotating (day/night) shifts (including weekends and holidays) in an indoor/outdoor environment.
• *Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• *Ability to climb ladders/stairs and work at heights.
• *Ability to work in tight or closed-in spaces.
• Must demonstrate ability to be self-directed.
• An understanding and awareness of chemicals and their nature, hazards, safety and health issues etc. (MSDS's, use of PPE etc.) is beneficial.
• Experience in a chemical plant or manufacturing environment is a plus though not required.
• For many of our roles, it may be required to obtain (if not already possessed) and maintain a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Card) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (at sites requiring TWIC).

Note: *Apprentices are required to be able to perform these activities with or without reasonable accommodation.

BASF recognizes Institutions of Higher Education that are accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or equivalent.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

BASF Corporation is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") and to compliance with all federal, state and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other protected classifications.