Plant Operator - ReadyMix (Boone, NC / Blowing Rock, NC)

Job Description

Job Description

Plant Operator - Ready Mix

Department:

Concrete

Reports To:

Area Production Manager – Ready Mix

Location:

As Assigned

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime) — This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, meaning the incumbent is eligible to receive overtime pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 per week.

Schedule:

Full-time; specific shift and days as assigned by location

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position carries supervisory responsibility for drivers, operators, and other plant personnel, including monitoring performance, responding to employee concerns, and escalating disciplinary matters to the Area Production Manager as necessary.

Compensation Grade:

TBD — Pending Compensation Grade Structure

Position Summary

The Plant Operator is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the efficient, safe, and productive daily operations of an assigned concrete batch plant within Chaney Enterprises' Ready Mix division. This role serves as the senior operational presence at the plant site, coordinating scheduling and logistics with dispatch, managing plant personnel, and maintaining equipment, inventory, safety, and quality standards. The Plant Operator may be assigned to float between multiple plant locations based on operational needs. This position plays a critical role in sustaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction across plant operations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are considered essential functions of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assumes all operational responsibilities of the Yard Operator in that position's absence, ensuring continuity of plant functions without interruption.
• Oversees all plant operations on a daily basis, coordinating and monitoring workload distribution, production flow, and overall site cleanliness to maintain an organized and efficient work environment.
• Supervises all drivers, equipment operators, and plant personnel; responds to employee concerns and complaints in a timely manner and escalates disciplinary matters to the Area Production Manager as appropriate.
• Coordinates production scheduling with the Dispatch team and monitors driver activity to ensure customer delivery needs are met accurately and efficiently.
• Maintains adequate on-hand levels of all required materials and supplies, including fuel, cement, admixtures, fiber mesh, and aggregates; ensures stock piles remain adequately filled and notifies the Area Production Manager of impending shortages in advance and completes monthly inventories accurately and on time.
• Inspects the concrete batch plant and all related equipment on a regular basis to verify proper operation; performs or coordinates greasing, oil and fluid level checks, and general mechanical upkeep to minimize downtime and extend equipment service life.
• Ensures full compliance with all company safety regulations and environmental policies; immediately notifies appropriate personnel of any identified hazards, potential violations, or environmental risks, and takes corrective action to address excess materials or spills.
• Actively adheres to and promotes compliance with all company safety programs, policies, and regulatory requirements, serving as a conscientious participant in maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
• Wears all required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times in applicable work environments and follows established protocols for the safe handling of cement, chemical admixtures, fuel, and other hazardous materials.
• Collects concrete and environmental samples and performs required quality tests; completes all associated documentation and reports accurately and on schedule; communicates quality concerns or anomalies to Technical Services for resolution.
• Maintains plant and equipment cleanliness at all times, including washing exteriors, maintaining proper plant grounds, removing debris and trash from grounds, and ensuring all equipment is stored or positioned correctly after use.
• Operates company vehicles and plant equipment in a safe and responsible manner; completes all required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and submits daily inspection reports in accordance with company policy.
• Responds to all customer and internal complaints and concerns in a timely, professional manner, taking appropriate steps to resolve issues or escalate as needed.
• Performs miscellaneous operational and labor duties as directed by management, which may include but are not limited to sweeping, shoveling, moving materials, and retrieving equipment or supplies in support of plant operations.

Required Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills sufficient to coordinate with dispatch, personnel, and management.
• Basic mathematical skills, including the ability to compute material calculations accurately.
• Basic computer proficiency with the ability to learn and operate company dispatch systems, iPad applications, and related software platforms.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational problems and implement timely, effective solutions.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality with respect to personnel matters, customer information, and proprietary company data.
• State Certified Concrete Technician certification; candidates not currently certified must obtain certification within a reasonable timeframe of assuming the position.
• Batch Certification; candidates not currently certified must obtain certification within a reasonable timeframe of assuming the position.
• NRMCA Concrete Plant Manager Certification; candidates not currently certified must obtain certification within a reasonable timeframe of assuming the position.
• Ability to operate vehicles and equipment safely and in full compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating a front-end loader or other heavy equipment in a construction, production, or industrial environment.
• Relevant state certifications.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

Condition

✔

Indoor/Outdoor Split

Work time is divided between indoor office or control areas and outdoor plant and field environments.

✔

Dust and Airborne Particulates

Regular exposure to concrete dust and airborne particulates inherent to batch plant operations.

✔

Chemical Exposure

Regular exposure to chemicals including concrete, chemical admixtures, truck cleaning agents, grease, and oil.

✔

Moving Mechanical Parts

Frequent close proximity to moving mechanical parts associated with plant equipment and vehicles.

✔

Fumes and Odors

Potential exposure to fumes and offensive odors generated by plant materials and equipment.

Noise Level

Level

✔

Loud

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Physical Demand