Operations Assistant

US Aggregates; Cloverdale (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

US Aggregates is seeking an Operations Assistant in Indiana to support plant operations, safety compliance, and maintenance across multiple sites. The role develops leadership capabilities toward Plant Manager positions through hands-on exposure and mentoring.

The position reports to the Area Manager and collaborates with Plant Managers and HR on staffing, training, and performance metrics within a four-to-six site territory.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of supervisory or lead experience in the aggregate industry.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and coaching abilities.
• Knowledge of MSHA and environmental rules applicable to aggregate operations.
• Welding/maintenance skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist Plant Managers in planning, scheduling, and directing daily operations to meet forecasts.
• Support preventive maintenance programs and track equipment inspections.
• Coach and mentor plant employees, collaborating with HR on staffing and discipline.
• Monitor KPIs like tons per hour, uptime, and energy usage to improve efficiency.
• Participate in safety meetings and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Verbal & written comms

MSHA knowledge

Office suite

Mechanical understanding

Welding

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Job description

Build your career at US Aggregates!The Operations Assistant is an entry-level management role designed to identify, develop, and train future Plant Managers for U.S. Aggregates. This position reports directly to the Area Manager and works closely with Plant Managers and Assistant Plant Managers across multiple aggregate operations within an assigned geographic territory. Through hands-on exposure, the role builds experience in plant operations, production, maintenance, quality, safety, environmental compliance, aggregate processing, drilling, blasting, and quarry operations, while developing the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities needed to advance into plant management.Essential FunctionsPromotes and supports Safety & Environmental compliance with all State, Federal, Company, and MSHA rules and regulations, participating in weekly safety meetings, workplace examinations, and incident reviews, and model safe job planning and proceduresAssisting Plant Managers in planning, scheduling, and directing daily operations, including crushing, screening, washing, equipment operations, and material handling processes, to maintain production and aggregate processing efficiency and meet established sales forecastsAssists in scheduling and monitoring preventive maintenance programs for fixed and mobile equipment, reviewing daily equipment inspection reports, and ensuring proper replacement and repair parts are on hand to minimize downtime and maximize productionSupports quality control activities in coordination with the Quality Manager, including sampling and testing of aggregate products to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory specifications, and assisting with identifying and resolving product quality issuesDevelops working knowledge of drilling and blasting operations, including shot planning, coordination with blasting contractors, safety and regulatory requirements, and the cost impact on downstream productionProvides coaching, mentoring, and direction to plant employees, partnering with Plant Managers and the HR Business Partners on training, staffing, and personnel matters, including steps in the progressive discipline policyAssist the Plant manager with tracking and reporting key performance indicators such as tons per operating hour, uptime, delays, fuel and electrical consumption, and drilling and blasting cost, as well as maintaining production and inventory data and supporting budget targetsUses plant production data to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and optimize overall plant performanceFills in for Plant Managers, Assistant Plant Managers, and other plant positions as needed to support coverage across assigned territoryParticipates in monthly production and planning meetings and communicates openly with Area Managers and senior leadership on plant goals, progress, and developmentAdditional duties and responsibilities as assigned, including but not limited to continuously growing in alignment with the Company’s core values, competencies, and skillsEducation QualificationsHigh School Diploma or equivalent requiredBachelor's Degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of training and work experienceExperience Qualifications3+ years of supervisory or lead experience within the aggregate industry requiredExposure to preventive maintenance, aggregate processing, quality control, and drilling and blasting preferredSkills and AbilitiesStrong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical and operational information clearly to employees, peers, and management in both formal and informal settingsDemonstrated ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate across multiple plant sites with diverse teams, plant managers, and functional partnersDemonstrated ability to set goals, stay self-motivated, and maintain a consistent commitment to professional growth, continuous learning, and career advancement within aggregate operationsWorking knowledge of MSHA and environmental rules and regulations applicable to aggregate operations, with awareness of site hazards and a commitment to safety and complianceWorking knowledge of mechanical components, plant equipment, and procedures applicable to aggregate production and maintenance environmentsStrong skill in organization, planning, time management, and problem-solving, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectivelyProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook and Excel, and other software tools relevant to plant operations, reporting, and performance trackingAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, adapting quickly to shifting priorities and evolving operational needsSkilled in welding, torching, and maintenance processes preferredLicenses and CertificationsValid driver's license and a clean driving record requiredCurrent MSHA Part 46 training preferredWorking Conditions/Physical DemandsAbility to lift, push, pull, or carry at least 50 poundsAbility to continuously stand or walk on level or uneven ground for extended periodsAbility to ascend and descend ladders, stairways, and incline catwalks and work safely at elevated heights as requiredAbility to bend, crouch, and/or kneel at the waist or kneesAbility to safely operate a motor vehicle, including pickup trucks, within plant sites, on public roads, and between multiple locations dailyWork is performed in both office and outdoor environments, including quarries and plants, around moving machinery, at various heights, and in varying weather conditionsMust wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all site safety standards at all timesPosition requires regular travel among 4 to 6 sites within the assigned territory, with flexibility to work long hours and weekends as business needs requireAbout US AggregatesUS Aggregates is a privately held, family-owned business headquartered in Indianapolis. With over 20 operations across Indiana, US Aggregates has been a customer-focused, innovative provider of high-quality essential stone, sand and gravel used in road construction, site prep and utilities, agriculture and erosion control. The company also specializes in industrial minerals like dolomitic and high-calcium products. Since 1967, US Aggregates has built a reputation for prioritizing safety, quality and community. US Aggregates is a part of The Heritage Group's family of companies. Learn more at https://www.usagg.com.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.#USAGG