Kiln Attendant

Lhoist; Calera (AL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life and disb

401(k) retirement savings with match

Educational assistance

Paid vacation and sick time

Job summary

Lhoist North America is seeking a Kiln Attendant to support kiln systems and related plant equipment. You will monitor operating conditions, perform inspections, and contribute to quality control while adhering to safety standards in an industrial setting.

The role requires physical capability for extended shifts, the ability to work outdoors, and familiarity with PPE and safe work practices. Join our team and support continuous plant operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Previous experience in heavy manufacturing, mining, or industrial plant operations.
• 1–2 years of experience in heavy manufacturing, mining, or industrial plant operations.
• Experience operating heavy equipment.
• Basic ability to use digital systems for work orders, training, timekeeping, or operational reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and environmental compliance.
• Operate kiln-related equipment and monitor plant processes.
• Inspect and maintain plant equipment and respond to alarm signals.
• Collect samples and assist in quality control.
• Perform housekeeping and support production activities.
• Assist in maintenance and reliability tasks.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Reading & math

Ability to follow instructions

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical training or Associate’s degree

Tools

Forklifts

Bobcats / skid steers

Job description

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: The Kiln Attendant performs routine operational duties in support of the Kiln Systems Technician (KST) to help ensure the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of kiln and plant equipment. Working closely with the KST, the Kiln Attendant monitors operating conditions, communicates equipment performance and process concerns, and responds appropriately to upset conditions and instrument malfunctions. Through frequent visual inspections and equipment checks, the Kiln Attendant identifies potential issues and assists in corrective actions under the direction of the KST. The Kiln Attendant also collects process and product samples for Quality Control testing to help ensure product quality and compliance with established specifications.

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Safety & Compliance
• Maintain compliance with all company, MSHA, federal, state, and local safety regulations, policies, procedures and environmental requirements at all times.
• Consistently wear and properly use all required PPE, including but not limited to hard hat, safety goggles, hearing protection, steel-toe/metatarsal boots, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and respiratory protection as required.
• Follow all safety procedures related to lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hot work, and working at heights.
• Immediately report safety hazards, near misses, incidents, or unsafe conditions to supervision.
• Participate in pre-shift meetings, safety training, inspections, and job safety analyses (JSAs).
• Complete all required shift reports, equipment inspections, downtime logs, and operational records accurately and in accordance with company standards.
• Equipment Operation & Process Monitoring
• Support the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of kiln, hydrator, ball mill, and associated plant equipment.
• Learn, understand, and follow established operating procedures for hydrators, kiln systems, pollution control equipment, and related processes.
• Monitor and inspect water pumps, piping systems, and water flow to ensure proper operation.
• Inspect kiln bearings and cooling water systems and report any abnormalities.
• Monitor process control equipment to maintain proper material flow and production rates.
• Verify that products are conveyed, stored, and loaded into the appropriate designated bins and storage locations.
• Inspect auxiliary engines and related equipment to ensure proper fuel, oil, lubrication, and operating conditions.
• Safely and efficiently operate mobile equipment, including front-end loaders, skid steers (Bobcats), forklifts, and other assigned equipment.
• Equipment Inspection, Maintenance & Reliability
• Inspect, monitor, and maintain spray compressors, N3 lances, baghouses, dust collectors, feed chutes, rams, elevators, conveyors, and other assigned equipment.
• Identify equipment deficiencies, including dust collection and pollution control issues, and assist with corrective actions as needed.
• Monitor and maintain sump systems to ensure proper drainage and prevent operational disruptions.
• Maintain cleanliness and proper operation of belt scales, rollers, and related equipment.
• Maintain coal mill discharge areas and other assigned process areas in a clean and safe condition.
• Quality Control Support
• Obtain product samples as required for quality testing and analysis.
• Measure and document material inventories in feed, product, and storage bins as required.
• Communicate quality or operational concerns to supervision and laboratory personnel as needed.
• Housekeeping & Operational Support
• Perform housekeeping duties throughout the plant, including cleaning hoppers, bins, conveyors, catwalks, work platforms, and other assigned areas.
• Remove material accumulations and respond to plug-ups to support safe and efficient plant operations.
• Support production and operational activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support safe and efficient plant operations.

Required Attributes

• Strong commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and housekeeping standards.
• Ability to work safely in hot, dusty, noisy industrial environments.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment and communicate professionally with coworkers, supervisors, and customers.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to multitask and maintain a sense of urgency while meeting operational needs.
• Willingness and ability to learn new tasks, procedures, and equipment.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to safely use basic hand tools.
• Dependable with consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Basic reading, math, and computer skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality; work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, or be on-call to support operational needs.
• Work primarily outdoors in an industrial environment with exposure to extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation and high noise levels, dust, fumes, oils and lime/mineral particles.
• Perform physically demanding work for extended periods, including standing, bending, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, balancing, and reaching.
• Access all areas of the plant, including climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights up to approximately 120 feet, entering confined spaces and accessing tunnels.
• Ability to see, hear, communicate, and maintain situational awareness in an industrial environment around moving equipment, conveyors, and mobile equipment, including responding appropriately to alarms, signals, and changing conditions.
• Occasionally lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Pushing and pulling a maximum force of 50 lbF.

The essential functions and physical demands described above are representative of those required to successfully perform this role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Required Education

• High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education

• Technical training or Associate’s degree in related field.

Required Experience

• Previous experience in heavy manufacturing, mining, or industrial plant operations.

Preferred Experience

• 1–2 years of experience in heavy manufacturing, mining, or industrial plant operations.
• Experience operating heavy equipment.
• Basic ability to use digital systems for work orders, training, timekeeping, or operational reporting.

Lhoist North America is proud to offer a highly competitive compensation package designed to support your well-being and future.

Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with paid vacation and sick time. We also offer an attractive 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a generous Employer Match as well as a Supplemental Contribution based on your Years of Service to help you plan confidently for the future. We recognize that growth doesn’t stop at the workplace. That’s why we provide educational assistance to encourage continued learning and professional development, empowering our employees to reach their