Minerals Feed 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.

Application Deadline for this role will be 1/17/2025.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for learning and operating the minerals feed plant. 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 scrubber and screening process.
• 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 feed plant.
• The operator will coordinate and communicate with multiple people in the production department or around the facility while simultaneously monitoring computer screens.
• The minerals feed plant operator will manage the plant systems by monitoring and adjusting crushers, 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)

• 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.
  
  

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 55 pounds.
  
  

Required Education

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  
  

Preffered Education

• Post-secondary education or related manufacturing or mining training.
  
  

Required Experience

• One (1) to three (3) years of industrial plant experience operating processing equipment or plant control rooms with emphasis on safety.
  
  

Preffered Experience

• Five to eight (5-8) years of industrial plant experience operating processing equipment or plant control rooms with emphasis on safety.
  
  

Hourly Rate: $33.22

Lhoist North America offers a very competitive total rewards 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 includes 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 diversity 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 diversity in our workplace. We strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone, and we are committed to treating everyone in a fair and equitable manner. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.