Dry Plant Operator

Rotary Dryer Operator / Foreman

Arepet Industries is seeking a dependable, safety-focused, and mechanically inclined Rotary Dryer Operator / Foreman to oversee the safe and efficient operation of the rotary dryer system at our MSHA-regulated frac sand processing facility in Von Ormy, Texas. This position combines hands-on equipment operation with front-line leadership responsibilities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations. The Dryer Operator / Foreman is responsible for leading the assigned shift, maintaining production goals, ensuring product quality, promoting a strong safety culture, and ensuring compliance with all MSHA regulations, company policies, and standard operating procedures. Because this position directly affects the safety of employees, contractors, equipment, and the public, it has been designated as a Safety-Sensitive Position.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the rotary dryer system to maintain safe, efficient, and continuous production.
• Monitor feed rates, burner performance, temperatures, airflow, material moisture, and overall plant performance.
• Adjust operating parameters to maximize efficiency while maintaining product quality specifications.
• Coordinate daily operations with load-out personnel, plant operators, maintenance, and management.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Maintain production records and communicate shift performance to management.
• Serve as Shift Foreman by directing, coaching, and supervising assigned plant employees.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct pre-shift safety meetings and communicate production goals and daily priorities.
• Ensure employees follow all company policies, MSHA regulations, and safe work practices.
• Train new employees on equipment operation, safe work procedures, and plant processes.
• Report employee performance concerns, safety violations, and operational issues to management.
• Lead by example in maintaining a strong safety-first culture.
• Ensure compliance with all MSHA regulations, company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe operating practices.
• Perform and document required workplace inspections.
• Identify hazards and take immediate corrective action to eliminate unsafe conditions.
• Ensure proper housekeeping throughout the assigned work area.
• Participate in incident investigations, safety meetings, and ongoing safety improvement initiatives.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, equipment damage, and near misses.
• Perform daily inspections of the rotary dryer, conveyors, burners, fans, motors, gearboxes, bearings, and associated processing equipment.
• Identify abnormal equipment conditions before failures occur.
• Coordinate repairs with maintenance personnel.
• Assist with preventive maintenance activities and planned shutdowns.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and proper lubrication as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience operating rotary dryers, aggregate processing equipment, asphalt plants, industrial dryers, or similar processing equipment preferred.
• Experience in mining, frac sand, aggregate, cement, or other MSHA-regulated environments strongly preferred.
• Previous leadership or foreman experience in an industrial or mining operation preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to safely operate industrial equipment in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to read gauges, monitors, and production data to make operational adjustments.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Reliable attendance and dependable transportation required.
• Must successfully complete all required MSHA training and company safety training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to frequently walk, stand, climb stairs and ladders, bend, kneel, crouch, and work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work around moving machinery, conveyors, elevated platforms, high temperatures, dust, vibration, and noise.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when required.

Safety-Sensitive Position

This position has been designated as Safety-Sensitive because the employee is responsible for operating and supervising heavy industrial processing equipment that could result in serious injury, property damage, or environmental harm if performed improperly. The position requires constant attention, sound judgment, quick decision-making, and the ability to safely perform essential job duties while working around heavy machinery, rotating equipment, high temperatures, moving conveyors, industrial burners, mobile equipment, and other hazardous conditions. As a condition of employment, employees in this position may be required to successfully pass pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, follow-up, and other drug and alcohol testing as permitted by applicable law and company policy.

Why Join Arepet Industries?

• Competitive compensation
• Stable 12-hour rotating schedule with extended days off
• Opportunity for advancement into plant leadership positions
• Work in a growing frac sand operation where safety and teamwork are top priorities
• Ongoing training and professional development

Equal Employment Opportunity

Arepet Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Compensation: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Company Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness & Short-term Disability Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays