Makers of Methanol: Isaac Dickey Shares His Journey from Intern to Operator

When Isaac Dickey walks through the gates of the Koch Methanol St. James (KMSJ) facility, he sees more than just a maze of pipes and towering equipment. He sees an opportunity to innovate, a team that feels like family and a standard of excellence he is proud to uphold. As a plant operator, Isaac plays a vital role in the 24/7 production of methanol. He and his team serve as the facility's eyes and ears, making sure operations run safely and efficiently.

How an internship launched a career in plant operations

Isaac’s career journey to the facility was unconventional. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he has a diverse range of experience, from stocking shelves in a sporting goods store to working as a funeral home assistant. Just before joining Koch, he spent two years working in residential construction, where he developed a strong mechanical aptitude and eventually led a renovation crew. This hands-on background gave him practical management experience and a familiarity with tools that would prove vital in an industrial setting.

Although he didn’t have the typical process technology degree, Koch saw potential in his mindset and proven leadership capabilities. They offered him a spot in their internship program, an opportunity Isaac saw as a chance to build a stable career with a high ceiling.

“They said, ‘Hey, look, we know you don't have a P-Tech degree, but we see your background, and we see your mind and the things that we think that you're capable of,’” Isaac recalled.

That internship was a turning point. It allowed him to learn the systems from the ground up, shadowing experienced operators and soaking in knowledge across different shifts. Today, nearly two years later, he is a full-time operator who takes pride in the facility’s culture of innovation.

Monitoring methanol production and water treatment

In his role, Isaac is responsible for monitoring the systems that turn natural gas into methanol. While the chemistry of methanol production is impressive, Isaac is equally fascinated by the science of the facility’s water treatment.

The facility draws water from the Mississippi River to generate steam that powers the turbines, pumps and production processes. However, before it can be converted to steam, the water must be thoroughly purified in a demineralization unit.

Inside this unit, large tanks are filled with resin beads that carry specific electrical charges. As the water flows through, these beads act as chemical magnets, swapping ions to strip away salts, acids and biological material. This leaves behind pure H2O, which is required for safe and efficient steam generation.

For Isaac, understanding and maintaining these systems — including a project where he helped clean the resin beads by hand — is a point of pride.

“We are cleaning the river water and taking out all the dirt, mud, algae and minerals that can affect it,” Isaac explained.

This hands-on work is critical. Operators like Isaac are constantly in the field, running samples and checking equipment to detect any changes before they become issues. Their vigilance keeps the facility safe and productive: a responsibility Isaac takes seriously.

Building a work family and supporting St. James Parish

Beyond the technical side, Isaac loves the team atmosphere at KMSJ. Working 12-hour shifts means spending a lot of time with his crew, building strong relationships that extend beyond the gates.

“The nature of our shifts creates a bond you just don't find in a typical 9-5 job,” Isaac explained. “You are really living life alongside your crew, and we become a work family, relying on each other inside and outside of the facility.”

That sense of togetherness spills over into the community as well. Isaac appreciates the company’s commitment to St. James Parish, whether through environmental stewardship or participation in local events. A highlight for him was representing Koch Methanol at a career fair at St. James High School, where he spoke to students about opportunities in their own backyard.

“It was special to meet the next generation and see exactly who we are working to support,” Isaac shared. “It reminds you of the ‘why’ behind what we do. We aren't just here to operate a facility; we are here to be good stewards and take care of our neighbors.”

Growing a career through curiosity and learning

For those considering a career in operations, Isaac’s advice is simple: be a sponge. He encourages new employees to learn everything they can, not just from their peers but from engineers and other departments.

“Don't just learn what's in front of you. Try to branch out and learn as much as you can,” he advised.

Isaac Dickey’s story is proof that a non-traditional path can lead to great success when matched with curiosity and a supportive culture. His dedication to his craft and his community makes him a standout Maker of Methanol.