Production Operator

At Lhoist North America, our core values or 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.

The production operator is responsible for the overall control and operation of the plant process. The role includes manual labor as needed to clean up and keep equipment in good running condition. Mechanical knowledge of equipment and process is needed to troubleshoot and make quick educated decisions for the well‑being of the plant and production. This role supports Quality Control by taking routine samples of product streams and inputting results into the database.

Support Safe Feed Safe Food (SFSF) and Quality Systems certifications.

• Production: Full understanding of plant operation, equipment capacity and load capabilities of dryer related material handling equipment on stone, dust, milling, and material handling systems. Responsible for continuously monitoring equipment and flow and removing blockages in mineral process related equipment in a safe and effective manner as needed. Resolve production issues, troubleshooting, and adapt to changing conditions. Perform miscellaneous tasks as needed including reporting, cleaning, greasing and maintaining equipment.
  
  Work in an isolated environment with minimal supervision. Perform maintenance functions on process equipment which could include manual labor. Assist with training of new employees and/or equipment. Cross train in other production and maintenance areas as needed. All other responsibilities as assigned.
• Inventory Management: Silo inventory measurements. Ensure that different product types are distributed into the appropriate bins.
• Maintenance: Clean bins, conveyers, spills, and help clean out material from under conveyers and catwalks, and other cleaning duties as needed. Perform pre‑start maintenance on dryer, plant processes and mills.
• Environmental, Health & Safety: Follow all safety policies and procedures & attend scheduled safety meetings. Maintain a clean and safe work environment. Promote safety among co‑workers utilizing Behavioral Based Safety (BBS). Perform all work assigned in a neat and orderly manner adhering to company and governmental safety rules and regulations and procedures. All personnel will be responsible for the facilities’ Safe Food initiative, Safe Qualify Feed (SQF), based on FSMA and Current Good Manufacturing Practices.
  
  Ensure that truck drivers conduct business in a safe manner. Provide general upkeep of the scale house. Report any operational or safety problems to management. Perform daily workplace exams (WPE) including fall protection equipment, loading equipment, and all of shipping work space to MSHA standard.
• General Duties: Ability to troubleshoot production/mechanical equipment. Ability to make small repairs including holes in chutes, flashing, cleaning out equipment independently before maintenance arrives, and taking initiative to set maintenance up for success on call‑outs/work orders. Monitor production process and inventory decisions. Serve as a BBS leader with safety committee experience. Take full ownership of plant operations/processes and constantly leave team members set up for success.
  
  Operate water truck and utility loader as needed. Ability to read a meter and troubleshoot motors/shorts. Understand sampling and quality process including the importance of retained sample and documentation. Learn SAP preventative maintenance program and input notifications. Complete correct WPE and know what to look for daily. Assist with all other duties…