Production Operator C

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

C – Level Operator

Arq Solutions (Red River) LLC

May 2026

Position Summary

The C-Level Production Operator supports the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Red River Activated Carbon Plant across production, utility, and environmental systems. The role is structured as a progressive three-tier development position designed to build operational knowledge, technical capability, and process ownership throughout the facility.

The progression structure consists of:

C Operator – Primarily responsible for product loadout operations, bulk material handling, shipping coordination, and GAC bagging systems while developing foundational operational knowledge and safe work practices. Operators at this level are expected to support additional plant assignments as needed to maintain safe and reliable operations.

C.1 Operator – Responsible for upstream production and finishing operations including Multi-Hearth Furnaces (MHFs), furnace feed and cooling systems, Roller Mills, Jet Mills, Grind and Coat systems, and associated production equipment. Operator C.1 personnel are also expected to provide operational support for Operator C-level responsibilities as plant conditions and operational priorities require.

C.2 Operator – Responsible for utilities, environmental systems, and flue gas treatment equipment including the Afterburner (Thermal Oxidizer), Waste Heat Recovery Boiler (WHRB), Spray Dryer Absorber (SDA), Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), process water treatment systems, chemical dosing systems, and related support utilities. Operator C.2 personnel are expected to demonstrate operational versatility and provide support across both C.1 and C-level assignments to ensure operational continuity and overall plant performance.

C-Level Operators work closely with Control Room Operators, maintenance personnel, environmental staff, and plant leadership to maintain safe and compliant operations. All Production Operators work rotating 12-hour shifts and may be assigned across operational areas based on qualifications and plant needs.

Position Description

Responsibilities

Safety, Environmental Compliance, and Operational Discipline

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and participate in all required medical surveillance and occupational health programs applicable to the position.
• Maintain exceptional housekeeping standards throughout all work areas.
• Consistently follow all environmental procedures related to secondary containment, spills, and waste handling.
• Perform daily environmental compliance round.
• Complete all required technical, safety, environmental, and compliance training and apply learning directly to daily operations.
• Adhere to all safety policies, procedures, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements, confined space procedures, and safe work practices.
• Identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and abnormal operating situations and communicate concerns via Near Hit/Incident reports in a timely manner.
• Support safe work execution by performing LOTOs, work area preparation, and operational readiness activities.

Load Out, Shipping, and Material Handling Operations

• Conduct equipment rounds (twice per shift, resolving and/or reporting all anomalies) to ensure that all coal unloading equipment is operating properly.
• Perform Operations PMs on Coal/Product Unloading Systems.
• Maintain condition of mobile equipment.
• Coordinate and oversee all activities related to coal deliveries to the plant, ensuring equipment involved in the process operates efficiently and supports uninterrupted operations.
• Conduct inspections of bulk trailers prior to loading to prevent product contamination, ensure compliance with specifications, and mitigate safety risks.
• Safely operate material handling equipment—including telehandlers, forklifts, skid steers, Capacity Trucks, and manlifts.
• Maintain accurate counts and documentation of on-site bulk trailers and shipping activities.
• Accurately document load-out operations for ARQ Logistics, Operations teams, and carrier partners.
• Identify and resolve operational issues involving load out and shipping systems, including dry additives, PAC-in-the-box systems, GAC bagging systems, coal handling, and ash handling systems.

Production Operations and Process Equipment

• Conduct rounds (twice per shift, resolving and/or reporting all anomalies) and support operation and monitoring of upstream production equipment including multi-Hearth Furnaces (MHFs), furnace feed systems, activation and cooling systems, Roller Mills, Jet Mills, Grind and Coat systems, and related finishing equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify abnormal operating conditions requiring corrective action or maintenance support.
• “Pour up” dry chemical additives as necessary to meet product specifications.
• Troubleshooting process upsets and equipment issues using operational knowledge, field observations, and Distributed Control System (DCS) information.
• Support process adjustments to maintain product quality, stable operations, and production throughput targets.
• Safely offload bulk chemicals (NaBr/Phosphoric Acid)
• Complete Operator Preventive Maintenance (PM) assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Safely use basic hand tools and support maintenance activities as required.

Environmental Systems, Utilities, and Emissions Control

• Conduct rounds (twice per shift, resolving and/or reporting all anomalies) and support operation and monitoring of environmental control systems including but not limited to the Afterburner (Thermal Oxidizer), Waste Heat Recovery Boiler (WHRB), Spray Dryer Absorber (SDA), Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), Slakers, Ash Handling System, burners, compressors, pumps, and utility systems throughout the facility.
• Change Rotary Atomizers as necessary to maintain acceptable levels of SO2 emissions.
• Conduct inspections and observations of environmental and utility systems to ensure compliance with plant procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Safely offload bulk chemicals (Urea/Lime)
• Complete Operator Preventive Maintenance (PM) assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Identify abnormal conditions involving emissions systems, utilities, or environmental equipment and communicate issues appropriately.

Communication, Teamwork, and Shift Continuity

• Actively participate in shift turnover meetings and communicate operational status, ongoing issues, and priorities clearly to oncoming personnel.
• Maintain accurate operational logs, inspection records, environmental observations, and production documentation.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, Logistics, and leadership teams to support plant objectives.
• Effectively communicate operational information verbally and in writing, including use of radios, email, and basic reporting systems.
• Demonstrate accountability, ownership, initiative, and willingness to support plant operational needs wherever required.
• Contribute positively as a high-performing team member by assisting peers and supporting overall operational success.
• Support training and knowledge-sharing activities with other operators as experience and qualifications progress.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Working knowledge of industrial plant operations, material handling systems, process equipment, utilities, and environmental control systems.
• Ability to safely operate and monitor production equipment including furnaces, mills, conveyors, pumps, compressors, and associated process systems.
• Understanding of basic industrial safety practices including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hazard recognition, PPE requirements, and safe work permitting.
• Ability to identify abnormal operating conditions, troubleshoot equipment and process issues, and communicate concerns effectively.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow standard operating procedures, work instructions, P&IDs, and safety procedures.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely use basic hand tools and support routine operational and maintenance activities.
• Ability to accurately complete operational logs, inspection forms, environmental documentation, and shift turnover communications.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, Logistics, and leadership teams.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills in a fast-paced industrial environment.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while maintaining a high level of accountability and operational discipline.
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and software including Microsoft Office applications, operational databases, DCS interfaces, email systems, and electronic reporting tools.
• Ability to learn and retain technical process knowledge and apply training to daily plant operations.

Education and experience

• HS diploma or equivalent is required
• Technical college degree, Process Technology certification, or equivalent industrial work experience preferred.
• Prior industrial plant, manufacturing, utility, chemical, carbon, refining, or power generation experience preferred.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, NetSuite, and plant operational software preferred.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Ability to frequently stand, walk, climb stairs, and move throughout the facility for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions including heat, cold, humidity, dust, and noise.
• Ability to climb ladders, work at elevated heights, and access elevated platforms safely while utilizing appropriate fall protection equipment.
• Ability to safely operate mobile equipment including forklifts, skid steers, telehandlers, manlifts, and other industrial vehicles as required.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and perform repetitive physical tasks during inspections, operations, and maintenance support activities.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, tools, hoses, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally and lighter items frequently.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, gloves, steel-toed boots, and chemical protective equipment.
• Ability to safely perform work in confined spaces and around moving mechanical equipment, hot surfaces, and industrial process systems.
• Ability to distinguish colors, read gauges and instrumentation, interpret alarms, and maintain visual awareness of operating conditions.
• Ability to hear verbal instructions, radio communications, alarms, and other auditory signals in a high-noise industrial environment.
• Ability to use computers, tablets, radios, and handheld devices for documentation, communication, and operational monitoring.
• Ability to respond effectively to emergency situations and perform physically demanding activities during upset or emergency plant conditions.

Arq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.