Wet Side Operator

PCC Wet Side Operator

Company: Specialty Minerals Inc., a Minerals Technologies company, is the largest supplier and global leader in providing Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) and Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC) specially designed for customers' application needs.

Location: Adams, Massachusetts

Pay Rate: $34.19/hr

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay, commensurate with experience
• Health/Dental/Vision plans
• 401k company match
• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
• Educational Assistance
• Employee Assistance Plan

This is considered a safety sensitive position therefore will be subject to random drug testing as required.

Responsibilities

The PCC Wet Side Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating carbonating, slaking, screening, drying, and heat-aging systems used in the production of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) products. This position monitors automated process controls, performs quality assurance testing, maintains production records, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards.

Production Operations:

• Operate slaking, carbonating, screening, drying, and heat-aging systems to produce PCC products in accordance with established production schedules, quality standards, and operating procedures.
• Utilize automated process control systems to monitor and adjust production processes.
• Operate Ultra-Pflex heat-aging circuits.
• Operate #4 and #5 Albacar drying circuits.
• Continuously monitor production equipment, instrumentation, and system performance to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Observe and evaluate product characteristics to verify compliance with quality specifications.
• Perform product changeovers, including flushing lines, adjusting valves, and ensuring proper product routing to designated storage tanks.
• Perform utility and support functions as assigned in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Rotate into Outside Operator responsibilities, including sampling work-in-process (WIP) materials on both Wet Side and Dry Side operations.
• Maintain accurate production records and enter production data, quality results, and work orders into company computer systems.

Quality Control:

• Conduct and interpret quality control tests to ensure adherence to product specifications.
• Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to evaluate production performance and quality trends.
• Identify process deviations and take appropriate corrective actions in accordance with established procedures.

Housekeeping and Equipment Care:

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Clean PCC production areas according to established SOPs, including work performed at elevated heights and the operation of high-pressure water and vacuum systems.
• Assist maintenance personnel with equipment repairs, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance activities as needed.

Communication and Teamwork:

• Accurately record and communicate production, labor, equipment, and operational information at shift turnover.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, packaging, and quality personnel to support operational objectives.
• Train and mentor employees as assigned.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence:

• Actively participate in Operational Excellence (OE) and Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including:
• 5S Workplace Organization
• Kaizen Events
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Daily Management Systems
• Standard Work
• Root Cause Problem Solving
• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost effectiveness.

Qualifications

Required:

• Basic understanding of mathematics and the English language.
• Ability to safely operate and monitor industrial production equipment and processes.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately complete production documentation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Preferred:

• Experience with manufacturing, chemical processing, industrial equipment, mechanical systems, electrical systems, quality control testing, and process automation.
• Experience using statistical process control (SPC) methods.
• Experience operating mobile equipment and industrial vehicles.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently stand, walk, climb, bend, squat, twist, reach, push, and pull throughout the work shift.
• Lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Operate mobile equipment and various hand tools.
• Perform visual inspections of equipment, processes, and products.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding equipment and operational hazards.
• React quickly and appropriately to changing process conditions and equipment issues.
• Work both independently and in close coordination with team members.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Initiative and self-motivation
• Dependability and accountability
• Integrity and professionalism
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Time management and organization
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Attention to detail
• Continuous learning and development

Education: High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Previous manufacturing, production, chemical processing, or industrial experience preferred.
• Entry-level candidates with the ability to learn and successfully complete required training will be considered.

Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license required.
• Additional licenses, certifications, or endorsements may be required based on assigned duties and equipment operation.
• Must meet all applicable federal, state, and company requirements for equipment operation.

Work Schedule: Must be able to work assigned shifts, including overtime, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as operational needs require.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an industrial manufacturing environment and may include exposure to:
• Extreme temperatures
• Outdoor weather conditions
• Dust and airborne particles
• High noise levels
• Bright or low-light environments
• Hazardous materials and chemicals
• Elevated work areas
• Moving machinery and process equipment
• Employees may work independently or in close proximity to coworkers and production equipment.

Safety Requirements:

• Employees must comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) may include:
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) lock
• ANSI-approved hard hat
• Safety glasses with side shields
• Steel-toe safety footwear
• Hearing protection
• Additional job-specific PPE as required
• All employees must successfully complete required safety training, job-specific training, and any refresher training required by the company or applicable regulatory agencies, including MSHA. Training may include, but is not