Plant Operator

RESPECT to people, COURAGE to be pioneers and raise the bar, and always demonstrating INTEGRITY and authenticity. Do these core values align with yours? If so, Lhoist North America may be the place for you! We are a company that believes our people make it happen and rewards talent by offering opportunities to further develop your knowledge and interests. Within our organization, we offer safety first environments, collaboration across teams, diverse and inclusive workspaces all while challenging each other to grow.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Production Operator is responsible for learning and operating the Lowell granular plant, drying and milling control room systems. This position is responsible for operating the Lowell minerals plants to maintain quality, efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance through the management of plant systems by monitoring and adjusting crushers/mills, feeders, gates, screens, and conveyors to maximize efficient operation, reduce downtime, and minimize issues that could occur from break downs and plug ups. Some of the processing equipment is operated through a Human Machine Interface (HMI), i.e., computer screens and visuals.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

Production Support:

• Ensure adequate feed rate of stone into the crushing, milling, and drying process.
• Control and monitor adequate fuel consumption (natural gas) to meet production demands by the most efficient means while maintaining environmental compliance.
• Monitor trends on various parameters for multiple pieces of equipment to ensure the equipment is operated within specified parameters.
• Interpret charts and graphs and perform trend analysis for problem solving and efficient operation of the drying and milling systems.
• Coordinate and communicate with various team members and departments.
• 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 lead or manager, and the next operator at the end of each shift.
• During shift changes, provide team members 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.
• Effectively document, interpret and communicate analysis to maintain product quality.
• Support investigations on customer complaints to find root causes and document findings.
• Operate heavy mobile equipment as needed (skid steer, front-end loader and forklift).
• Keep the control rooms and plant areas clean and clear of any safety hazards.
• Must be trained to load bulk customer trucks as needed.
• Perform light maintenance duties and troubleshooting as directed.
• Remain on duty until the next scheduled operator arrives or a trained replacement is found.
• Assist with tasks in other departments as needed.

Quality Control:

• Pull quality samples and run tests to ensure quality.
• Interpret in-process quality data and make system adjustments in the process as needed.
• Report quality non-conformances to the Lead and Production Manager.
• Effectively communicate quality findings with hourly workforce.
• Identify and lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Implement and sustain 5S in the laboratory. Train new employees as needed.

Safety

• Attend scheduled safety meetings.
• Participate in Behavior Based Safety program.
• Comply with company, state, and governmental health and safety regulations.
• Comply with company General Conduct and Safety Rules.
• Tell the Maintenance Manager or Quarry Manager of safety hazards, repairs, or help that is needed to operate the plant in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform and document pre-shift inspections.
• Report any unsafe condition found during pre-shift inspections.

Safe Quality Food (SQF)

• Ensure a SQF workplace and follow regulatory compliance with Federal FDA - Food Modernization Safety Act (CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Part 507).
• Support Environmental Health and Safety, as well as SQF initiatives and awareness programs.
• Be a leader and promoter of employee safety and SQF culture.
• Following completion of SQF training, demonstrate understanding of expected safety, SQF performance and Food Safety Culture.
• Complete periodic SQF training(s).
• Each site location will ensure training is conducted for new employees and continued for existing employees.
• Employees will actively participate in audits for regulatory, safety, SQF and environmental compliance at the site.

Other duties as assigned

ATTRIBUTES:

• Interacts and behaves professionally, following Lhoist corporate core principles of Courage, Respect, and Integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to closely follow testing protocols and quality procedures and reporting results in a useful manner.
• Familiarity with Quality Management systems and understanding of its application to manufacturing processes.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Good numerical skills in order to report results.
• Self-motivated and must be able to work independently.
• Demonstrated skills entering, retrieving, and manipulating data in a Quality Management System and Microsoft based computer system.
• Knowledgeable of manufacturing and mining processes in a related mineral industry.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

* Must be physically able to perform work assigned.

* Must be physically capable of accessing all plant locations.

* Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 120 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.

* Will be working at times in covered environment but mainly in a mining 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, hearing, and sitting.

* Ability to lift/carry up to 20 pounds.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

PREFFERED EDUCATION:

• Technical training or AA degree in technical related field is desired.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Three to five (3-5) years previous heavy manufacturing and/or mining experience working in a control room.

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE:

• Five to eight (5-8-5) years previous heavy manufacturing and/or mining experience and with control room experience.

Lhoist North America offers a very competitive salary package that includes but is not limited to comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, vacation, and disability insurance. You can plan for your future with Lhoist North America 401K retirement savings options, which include an employer match. Lhoist North America also recognizes the importance of continuing education by offering Educational Assistance to our employees to encourage continued personal development and professional growth.

Here at Lhoist North America, we are an equal opportunity employer and value inclusion in our workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all individuals and strongly support an inclusive workplace. We strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone, and we are committed to treating everyone with respect at all times. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.