Minerals Plant Operator

About this role

At Lhoist North America, our core values of Respect, Courage, and Integrity are more than words. We respect people, encourage courageous innovation, and uphold integrity in everything we do. If these principles resonate with you, you may find your next great opportunity with us. We believe our people make the difference. That’s why we invest in talent by offering meaningful opportunities to grow your skills, expand your knowledge, and pursue your interests. Our work environment prioritizes safety, fosters collaboration across teams, and embraces inclusion. Here, you’ll be challenged to grow, and you’ll be supported throughout your career journey. Join us and help shape the future of Lhoist North America.

POSITION SUMMARY:  This position is responsible for learning and operating the minerals plants/processes. The operator is responsible for operating multi-million dollars’ worth of machinery that if improperly operated could result in equipment damage, safety incidents, and environmental compliance issues.  Some of the processing equipment is operated through a Human Machine Interface (HMI), i.e., computer screens and visuals.  This position is responsible for operating the minerals plants to maintain quality, efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance.   

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS: • Must comply with all company, state, federal, and governmental regulations, policies, and procedures relating to environmental, health, and safety.

• Ensure adequate feed rate of stone into the minerals plants.

• Control and monitor adequate fuel consumptions to meet production demands by the most efficient means while maintaining environmental compliance.

• The operator must be able to monitor trends on multiple parameters for multiple pieces of equipment and ensure the equipment is operated within specified parameters.

• Trend analysis and interpretation will be required for problem solving and efficient operation of the minerals plants.

• The operator will coordinate and communicate with multiple people in the production department or around the facility while simultaneously monitoring computer screens.

• The minerals plant operator will manage the plant systems by monitoring and adjusting crushers/mills, feeders, gates, screens, and conveyors to maximize efficient operation and reduce downtime.

• Maintain quality policy by verifying field samples are processed correctly. • The operator will also be required to pull quality samples and run tests to ensure quality.

• Make quality adjustments as needed or directed. 

• Maintain daily operational reports on logs (soft and hard) with feed rate, amount of fuel, temperature, amperage, etc. which is listed each hour and given to the supervisor and the next operator at the end of each shift.

• The operator will remain on duty until the next scheduled operator arrives or a trained replacement is found.

• During shift changes, operators will provide each other with a brief recap of their shift relating to production, equipment issues, safety concerns, and any other necessary topics as they relate to production and safety.

• Report any potential operational or safety issue to a supervisor or manager immediately.

• Keep the control rooms and plant areas around clean and clear of any safety hazards.

• Must be able to recognize potential or future operational issues with equipment and react as appropriate.

• May need to participate in clean up duties including but not limited to shoveling.

• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned.

Safe Quality Food (SQF) / Internal Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001) • Ensure a SQF workplace and in regulatory compliance with Federal FDA – Food Modernization Safety Act (CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Part 507)

• Support the SQF and ISO initiatives and awareness programs.

• Understand and operate following the SQF and ISO policies.

• Actively participate in ISO and SQF audits for regulatory compliance.

ATTRIBUTES: • Must be capable of multi-tasking by focusing on multiple trends, maintaining equipment and data sets simultaneously to anticipate operational issues and make timely adjustments to maintain operating targets / parameters.

• Must be able to read, write, and perform basic mathematical operations (ratios, percentages) effectively and accurately.

• Must be capable of working rotating days, shift work, nights, or overtime.

• Must possess basic troubleshooting skills and ability to communicate the issues.

• Must be detail oriented while being able to have flexibility to balance ambiguous situations.

• Have basic computer skills i.e., email, trend analysis, and Microsoft Office.

• Must communicate effectively and clearly with all team members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: • Must be capable of performing the essential job duties required of this job and be physically able to perform work assigned.

• Must be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to handle ambiguous and high-pressure situations.

• Must be physically capable of accessing all plant locations within a site which could include heights of 150 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.

• Climbing ladders is an integral part of the job.

• Working in confined spaces and working at heights is also a requirement for this position.

• Will be working at times in covered environment but mainly in a lime/mineral environment.

• The employee will be exposed to the following working conditions: Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Lime/Mineral Particles.

• The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, listening, and sitting.

• Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds.

Hourly Rate: $34.30

Required Experience:   One (1) to three (3) years of industrial plant experience operating processing

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