Plant Operator

Job description

Job Summary

The Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and smooth daily operation of processing machinery used to produce crushed stone, gravel, sand, and asphalt/concrete raw materials. This position involves operating computerized control systems, monitoring crushing and screening processes, performing routine maintenance, and running heavy equipment to ensure production goals and quality standards are met safely.

Plant Operations & Control

• Control and monitor crushing, screening, washing, and conveying equipment via automated/computerized control systems or manual panels.
• Regulate flow rates, size sorting, and feed rates to optimize throughput and output quality.Perform regular inspections during operations to identify potential mechanical issues, blockages, or belt misalignments.

Maintenance & Repair

• Perform daily pre-shift inspections and preventative maintenance on plant machinery (greasing bearings, inspecting conveyor belts, changing screen decks, checking fluid levels).
• Assist in mechanical repairs, component replacements, basic fabrication, or cutting/welding as necessary.
• Keep work areas, walkovers, and control spaces clean and clear of spilled material.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Adhere strictly to MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) or OSHA regulations, local environmental policies, and company safety programs.
• Participate in daily/weekly safety meetings and complete required safety documentation.

Quality Control & Reporting

• Coordinate with Quality Control (QC) personnel to monitor product gradation and consistency.
• Log daily production stats, downtime events, maintenance records, and operational reports accurately.
• Other duties as assigned. Critical Competencies

Communication

• Ability to clearly and effectively convey information, ideas, and messages to others in both written and verbal formats; can express one's thoughts clearly but also demonstrate active listening, understands the needs of the audience, and adapts the message to ensure it is understood.

Team Player

• Actively contributes to the success of a team by working collaboratively with others, sharing responsibilities, and supporting team goals. Possess the ability to effectively communicate, listen, work harmoniously with others to achieve common objectives. Willing to help others with the ability to create a cohesive and productive work environment.
• Safety Awareness- Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments.
• Work Ethic- Demonstrates commitment and dedication toward completing tasks with high standards of quality, responsibility, and diligence; demonstrates reliability, professionalism, and a strong sense of personal responsibility in fulfilling job duties.

Responsibilities

Education

• High School Diploma/GED or an equivalent combination of training and work experience.

Experience

• Minimum two years experience in the construction/mining industry preferred
• Experience with automated processing equipment preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Must have strong working knowledge of industrial processing equipment such as screens, crushers and conveyor systems.
• Must be observant and alert to the movement and condition of equipment within assigned responsibility area.
• Identify and resolve any issues with the equipment, such as mechanical failures, electrical problems, or software glitches.
• Perform routine maintenance and inspections on the equipment
• Ensure that the plant is operating at peak efficiency, and take steps to optimize production
• Must have basic computer skills.

Other Requirements

• Performs housekeeping – maintain a clean and safe working station.
• Performs record-keeping requirements.
• Complies with all Safety, Health, Environmental and other Company policies, procedures and requirements
• Must be able to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; grip, climb, reach, shovel, squat, crawl, or pull, push, as well as, bend and lift up to 45 pounds.
• The employee is outdoors and exposed to varying and/or extreme weather conditions (i.e., heat, wet, cold, etc)
• Must be able to work required overtime and flexible work schedule.
• Must be able to speak, read, and have a working knowledge of the English language. JD Disclaimer Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.