Operator

U.S. Silica; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Silica is hiring an on-site Operator in West Columbia, SC. You will monitor multiple production units, perform inspections, and ensure safety and quality standards are met across bulk loading, wet processing, and milling operations.

The role requires the ability to troubleshoot basic process issues under limited supervision and to work safely in all outdoor conditions, including multi-level work and the handling of spillage cleanup.

Qualifications

• High level of safety and quality.
• Ability to multi-task in fast-paced, outdoor conditions.
• Mine Safety and Health (MSHA) knowledge is preferred.
• Forklift experience preferred.
• Computer software knowledge preferred.
• Warehouse experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections and record results.
• Conduct quality checks and adjust equipment to meet specs.
• Operate as bulk loader: inspect trucks/railcars, load product and document data.
• Operate as Wet Process Helper: perform checks, tests, collect samples, clean spills.
• Operate as Millman: inspect/malfunctions, run in-process tests, collect samples.

Skills

Safety awareness

Multi-tasking

Problem-solving

MSHA knowledge

Forklift experience

Computer software

Warehouse experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

West Columbia, SC, United States (On-site)

Trending

Job Description

The Operator operates multiple production units, monitor control systems, and troubleshoots basic process issues with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Safety Responsibilities:
  • Conduct pre-shift and post-shift inspection on all production equipment during your shift daily and record on daily confirmation sheets.
  • Complete pre-operation equipment inspection sheets on any equipment used during your shift daily.
  • Follow all company safety and health policies.
  • MSHA, US Silica, Columbia Plant and all Task Training to be completed prior to the performance of your daily job responsibilities.
• Keep all high traffic areas clean and clear of any trash, debris, tools, hoses, or other miscellaneous items (use proper cleaning procedures for oil and other lubricants leaks and spills).
• Follow and maintain all applicable standards related to Environmental Compliance.
• Quality Responsibilities:
  • Perform quality checks while operating equipment on a scheduled basis to maintain quality specifications.
  • Make adjustments to equipment accordingly.
• Operator:
  • As bulk loader:
    • Inspect all incoming trucks and railcars and determine if cleaning is required. Wash out trucks or railcars if determined it is needed.
    • Load all incoming trucks and railcars with correct product. For any railcar loaded, fill out the Data.
    • Collection Card with loading information.
    • Clean any spills on or around trucks and railcars as well as the loading area.
  • As Wet Process Helper:
    • Perform all duties in Wet Process Machine Patrol checklist (including pump checks, reagent checks, etc.).
    • Clear any machinery malfunctions and restart as needed.
    • Conduct all in process control tests in wet process.
    • Collect all in process and finished product samples in wet process.
    • Clean any spills and wash down wet process as needed.
  • As Millman:
    • Perform all duties in Milling Machine Patrol checklist (including mill and separator checks, greasing, and lubing of equipment, etc.).
    • Clear any machinery malfunctions and restart as needed.
    • Conduct all in process control tests in milling.
    • Collect all in process and finished product samples in milling.
    • Clean any spills and wash down milling as needed.
  • Working Relationships:
    • Maintain strong working relationships within the Plant.
    • Maintain supportive and respectful working relationships with all U.S. Silica employees and departments.
    • Maintain professional relationship with all contractors, vendors, truck drivers and site visitors.

Qualifications

• High level of safety and quality.
• Ability to multi-task at a fast-pace (at times), work in outside conditions during all seasons, climb multi-levels by stairs & ladders, work from elevated platforms, use hand tools (shovel, hammer, wrenches, etc.).
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Mine Safety and Health (MSHA) Knowledge - Preferred.
• Forklift experience - Preferred.
• Computer Software - Preferred.
• Warehouse experience - Preferred.

About Us

U.S. Silica is a leading producer of industrial minerals essential to modern life. With $1B+ in annual revenue, 26 production facilities, and industry-leading last-mile logistics for the oil & gas sector, we supply high-quality silica, diatomaceous earth, clay, and other materials to industries ranging from energy and construction to food & beverage.

As a portfolio company of Apollo Global Management, we are positioned for strategic growth in both our Oil & Gas and Industrial segments. For more than 100 years, our products and innovations have helped make the world cleaner, safer, and more energy-efficient.

U.S. Silica is a leading producer of industrial minerals essential to modern life. With $1B+ in annual revenue, 26 production facilities, and industry-leading last-mile logistics for the oil & gas sector, we supply high-quality silica, diatomaceous earth, clay, and other materials to industries ranging from energy and construction to food & beverage.

As a portfolio company of Apollo Global Management, we are positioned for strategic growth in both our Oil & Gas and Industrial segments. For more than 100 years, our products and innovations have helped make the world cleaner, safer, and more energy-efficient.

U.S. Silica is an equal opportunity employer for all without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. U.S. Silica is a smoke- and drug-free workplace.

Job Info

• Job Identification 586
• Job Category Operations
• Posting Date 08/04/2026, 05:05 PM
• Degree Level High School Diploma or GED
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Highway 302 South, West Columbia, SC, 29170, US (On-site)