Plant Operator I Dry

U.S. Silica; Montpelier (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Silica in Montpelier, VA seeks a Night Shift Dry Process Operator to operate equipment, adjust feeds and supervise safety/compliance during production. You will coordinate with grinders, loaders, and lab staff to maintain quality and meet production targets.

The role requires attention to detail, strong safety practices, and the ability to work outdoors in varying conditions. Prior MSHA knowledge or forklift experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must maintain high safety and quality standards.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work outdoors in all seasons and climb stairs/ladders.
• Experience with hand tools required.
• MSHA knowledge and forklift/computer software experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate dry plant equipment and adjust process parameters.
• Inspect area for safety and environmental concerns.
• Maintain clean, orderly, spill-free work area.
• Record readings, logs, and silo measurements.
• Cooperate with other operators to ensure workflow during shifts.

Skills

Safety awareness

Detail-oriented

Problem solving

Autonomy

Multi-tasking

Outdoor work

Elevated work

Hand tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MSHA Knowledge

Forklift experience

Computer software

Warehouse experience

Job description

Operates specific dry plant equipment, making process adjustments, and performing routine maintenance. Requires moderate supervision and supports safe, consistent production of quality material.

Responsibilities

• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy.
• Must have strong attention to detail.
• Must possess an excellent operation and safety record.
• Must be able to consistently report to work and on time; meet schedules and deadlines on time.
• Ability to gather and analyze information skillfully and with alternate solutions in mind when necessary.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to adapt to changes in the work environment.
• Must have up to date knowledge of laws and compliance regulations.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Inspect and document work area for safety/environmental concerns.
• Cooperate with other Dry Process Operators and Utility workers to ensure seamless transition of workflow during breaks, lunches, shift changes, illnesses and vacations.
• Cooperate with the Grinding Process Operator and Wet Section Loader Operator to maintain sufficient quantity and quality to meet dry process production needs.
• Cooperate with supervision and lab personnel taking samples to maintain sufficient quality of final product.
• Will keep the dry processing area clean and free of spillage, used maintenance items and trash.
• Will wear required personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, hi-vis, and hearing protection) in designated areas, and adhere to all local, state, federal and U.S. Silica health and safety standards
• Operations:
• Start up and shut down the section.
• Adjust feed rate, burners, and dampers.
• Obtain silo measurements and maintain silo levels.
• Obtain and record all necessary values for equipment, i.e. dust collector readings, exhaust stack vacuum, etc.
• Identify each piece of equipment in the section.
• Operation and inspection of reject pump and discharge.
• Operation and inspection of dust collector.
• Obtain and enter the correct information into the operations spreadsheet
• Operating Maintenance:
• Clean strainers in dry section.
• Lubricate all equipment in the section.
• Reset exterior electrical disconnects for all equipment in the section.
• Repair holes to reduce or eliminate spillage.
• Quality:
• Check Sweco screen product for oversize.
• Test Fe2O3 using the PortaSpec.
• Adjust magnetic controls to control Fe2O3.
• Test and standardize the PortaSpec.
• Clean the PortaSpec.
• Obtain representative in-process samples.
• Obtain representative truck samples (when necessary).
• Perform proper truck bed inspection to ensure no contamination (when necessary).
• Log truck shipments and direct trucks to the proper silo.
• Additional duties as assigned

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

Job Info

• Job Identification 668
• Job Category Operations
• Posting Date 10/21/2026, 03:35 PM
• Degree Level High School Diploma or GED
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Shift Night
• Locations Route 677, Montpelier, VA, 23192, US (On-site)