Plant Operator I Wet

U.S. Silica; Virginia; Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Silica in Montpelier, VA seeks a Mobile Equipment Operator to operate and monitor wet plant equipment under supervision, supporting process control and safety practices.

Responsibilities include on-the-job training, safety/environmental inspections, and collaboration with plant teams to ensure steady production. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and hands-on operation across processes.

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

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor wet plant equipment, assisting with process control under close supervision.
• Attend safety, quality, and environmental trainings as required.
• Inspect and document work area for safety/environmental concerns.
• Cooperate with Mine/Plant Mobile Equipment Operators and Utility workers to ensure seamless workflow during breaks and shift changes.
• Collaborate with Grinding/ Dry Process Operators to maintain quality feed for processes.
• Keep mobile equipment cabs clean and maintain the mine shop area.
• Wear required PPE and follow health and safety standards.
• Understand top and bottom cutting and wet section quality triggers.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Safety focus

Multi-tasking

Problem solving

MSHA knowledge

Warehouse experience

Forklift experience

Computer software

Education

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience

Tools

Forklift experience

Computer Software

Job description

Operates and monitors wet plant equipment, assisting with process control, and ensuring safe and efficient operation under close supervision.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge
• On the job training will be provided.
• Safety training.
• Quality System training.
• Front end loader operator training.
• On the job training will be provided.
• Computer
• On the job training will be provided.
• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Inspect and document work area for safety/environmental concerns.
• Cooperate with other Mine/Plant Mobile Equipment Operators and Utility workers to ensure seamless transition of workflow during breaks, lunches, shift changes, illnesses, and vacations.
• Cooperate with the Grinding Process Operator to produce sufficient quantity and quality to meet Dry Process needs.
• Cooperate with the Dry Process Operator to maintain sufficient quantity and quality feed to the dry section.
• Cooperate with supervision and lab personnel taking samples to maintain sufficient in-process quality.
• Will keep the mobile equipment cabs clean and free of trash and keep the mine shop area where greasing/refilling fluids takes place clean.
• 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.
• Understand the importance of Top and Bottom cutting.
• Understand wet section quality triggers (Coarse Sand, Iron, Phosphorus) 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 610
• Job Category Operations
• Posting Date 09/01/2026, 02:54 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Route 677, Montpelier, VA, 23192, US (On-site)