Minerals Plant Operator

Lhoist Group; Natividad (CA); On-site; USD 46,838 - 57,859; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer 4

Paid vacation & sick time

Job summary

Lhoist North America is seeking a Mineral Plant Operator to run multi-million-dollar equipment while ensuring quality, safety, and environmental compliance. You will monitor crushers, mills, conveyors, and related systems, keeping logs and adjusting operations as needed.

This role requires 1–3 years of industrial plant experience and a High School Diploma or GED. You will work rotating shifts and be part of a safety‑driven team with opportunities for growth and training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years of industrial plant experience operating processing equipment.
• Preferred 5–8 years of industrial plant experience.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Ensure adequate feed rate of stone into the minerals plants.
• Control fuel consumption to meet production while maintaining environmental compliance.
• Monitor equipment trends and operate within parameters.
• Maintain daily operation logs with feed rate, fuel, temperature, amperage.
• Remain on duty until replacement arrives.
• Report safety or operational issues to supervision.
• Keep control rooms and plant areas clean.
• Participate in SQF and ISO audits.

Skills

Multitasking

Reading & Math

Communication

Computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

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

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

• 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.
• Monitor trends on multiple parameters for multiple pieces of equipment and ensure the equipment is operated within specified parameters.
• Use trend analysis and interpretation for problem solving and efficient operation of the minerals plants.
• Coordinate and communicate with multiple people in the production department or around the facility while simultaneously monitoring computer screens.
• 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.
• 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. listed each hour and given to the supervisor and the next operator at the end of each shift.
• Remain on duty until the next scheduled operator arrives or a trained replacement is found.
• During shift changes, provide each other with a brief recap of production, equipment issues, safety concerns, and any other necessary topics relating to production and safety.
• Report any potential operational or safety issue to a supervisor or manager immediately.
• Keep the control rooms and plant areas clean and clear of safety hazards.
• Recognize potential or future operational issues with equipment and react appropriately.
• Participate in clean‑up duties including, but not limited to, shoveling.
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned.
• Support SQF and ISO initiatives and awareness programs; understand and operate following SQF and ISO policies; actively participate in SQF and ISO audits for regulatory compliance.

ATTRIBUTES

• Capable of multi‑tasking by focusing on multiple trends, maintaining equipment and data sets simultaneously to anticipate operational issues and make timely adjustments.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and basic mathematical operations (ratios, percentages) effectively and accurately.
• Capable of working rotating days, shift work, nights, or overtime.
• Possess basic troubleshooting skills and ability to communicate issues.
• Detail oriented with flexibility to balance ambiguous situations.
• Basic computer skills (email, trend analysis, Microsoft Office).
• Effective and clear communication with all team members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to handle ambiguous and high‑pressure situations. Must be capable of accessing all plant locations within a site, which could include heights of up to 150feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels. Working in confined spaces and at heights is also a requirement. Will work mainly in a lime/mineral environment and may be exposed to extreme heat and cold, noise, vibration, oils, dust, fumes, and lime/mineral particles. Required actions include standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, listening, and sitting. Ability to lift/carry up to 50pounds.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

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

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

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

REQUIRED EDUCATION

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

PREFERRED EDUCATION

Post‑secondary education or related manufacturing or mining training.

COMPENSATION

Hourly Rate: $34.30.

BENEFITS

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid vacation and sick time; attractive 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous employer match and supplemental contribution based on years of service; educational assistance for continued learning and professional development.

EEO STATEMENT

Lhoist North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a workplace that values inclusion, respect, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.