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 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Position Summary
Operator Apprentice undergoes structured training to learn how to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of chemical production processes at Eastman’s Longview manufacturing site. Under the guidance of qualified trainers and experienced operators, the Apprentice learns to monitor process equipment from both the control room and the field, collect samples, and perform routine inspections. This developmental role focuses heavily on completing ongoing training, mastering disciplined procedures, gaining situational awareness at the operator cockpit, and successfully building the technical capabilities required to eventually transition into independent operation.
Note: Completion of the 3-year apprentice program is required to transition to a fully certified Operator. The program includes classroom training (done outside of normal work schedule) on job learning and on-going satisfactory job performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Process Control Training: The Apprentice learns to operate, monitor, and control chemical production processes from the control room and field environment. Under direct supervision, the Apprentice assists with starting up, running, and shutting down process equipment including pumps, compressors, reactors, and distillation columns. The individual also trains on monitoring parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates, and learns to collect samples and record operational data.
- Safety & Compliance Integration: The Apprentice actively studies and champions site safety rules, environmental regulations, and company safety policies. Training focuses on leveraging operational disciplines to develop strong situational awareness and perform complete equipment monitoring rounds. The Apprentice maintains a clean work area, reports unsafe conditions, and learns process safety management standards under close mentorship.
- Troubleshooting & Problem Solving: The Apprentice develops the capability to recognize abnormal process conditions and works alongside experienced operators to troubleshoot root causes and determine appropriate corrective actions. The Apprentice learns the escalation pathway for complex issues to leadership, maintenance, or engineering teams. The individual also participates in daily shift exchanges to build communication and teamwork skills.
- Continuous Learning & Collaboration: The Apprentice works closely with mentors on rotating crews, area leadership, and support teams to absorb operational knowledge and understand best practices. This role focuses on active learning, participating in procedure reviews from a training perspective, and participating in team meetings to understand consistency across shifts.
- Daily Operations & Preparatory Tasks: The Apprentice learns to perform routine equipment inspections and operator-level maintenance under supervision. As technical competence increases, the individual trains on managing work permits, executing equipment isolation, and performing lockout/tagout procedures. The Apprentice also learns to maintain accurate shift records and document transitions to prepare for future independent assignments.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
- Operates in a chemical manufacturing environment with exposure to chemicals, noise, temperature extremes, and industrial equipment.
- Requires full PPE including hard hat, goggles, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, and respiratory protection when needed.
- Physical demands include standing and walking for extended periods, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching overhead, and lifting.
- Rotating 12-hour shift work, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Qualifications:
Required:
- High school diploma or GED
- Basic computer literacy with Microsoft Office
- Valid driver’s license
- At least 3 years of previous work experience OR an Associate's degree in Process Technology, Production Technology, Process Operations, Energy Systems Technology or a related program required.
Applicants must do the following:
- Complete WorkKeys assessments no later than 30 days after applying. See the minimum required scores below. Make your scores "public" to employers. The URL must include the words "test details” and can be posted in the WorkKeys section of the application.
- See further instructions provided in the link below. WorkKeys tests are currently offered at Kilgore College (must register several days in advance) and you can register online at https://www.kilgore.edu/admissions/testing-office/
Minimum WorkKeys scores of:
- Applied Math – Operator 5
- Graphic Literacy – Operator 4
- Workplace Documents – Operator 5
- Applied Technology - no minimum required, but scores are still a factor and reviewed by hiring managers
Note: WorkKeys test results - must be dated within the last 5 years to be valid
- Successful completion of Select Assessment ® for Manufacturing administered by Talogy (Qualified candidates will receive an email from Eastman with instructions on how to complete this upon submission of application)
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.
