Utility Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary : The Utility Operator will assist in overall plant operations, with rotating responsibilities including support for Control Room Operator, clay handling, bagging and shipping, screener room and plant clean-up.

Key Roles / Responsibilities :

• Assist Control Room Operator with fluidizer nozzle/orifice changes, lance removal. Clean final filters. Check reclaimer. Get samples. Make green screen adjustments. Clear plugging. Repair boots. Check, set-up and adjust clay reclaiming system. Wash heat exchanger if plugged. Handle green over/under-size and re-fire. Clean from Niro fans to Section IV. Clean from floor to roof. Clean all spills, whether green product or slurry. Assist Utility Kiln Operator with shooting into kilns; kiln back-spills, movement of hoppers, etc. Assist with bagging finished product. Assist Maintenance when needed.
• Load clay into building, per QC’s blend sheet. Receive clay and keep clay pushed up. Sample incoming clay. Clean and check loader daily. Clean truck-dump area, bypass chutes, shredder, and all belts and conveyors. Assist with bagging finished product. Assist Maintenance when needed.
• Bag, label, palletize and shrink-wrap finished product. Insure cleanliness of bulk trucks and rail cars prior to loading. Load trucks and railcars. Sample product. Complete truck or rail car loading sheets. Handle kiln back spills for re-fire and for re-screen. Clean back spill area. Clean silo and bagging area, scale house by silos, and pad by silos. Empty dust collector drums by silo and in QC area. Handle finished product overs/unders and re-screens. Unload deliveries at the dock. Assist Maintenance when needed.
• Make screener adjustments and change wet screens. Clean in-feed chutes and all clay belt chutes. Make PVA solution. Handle waste clay. Wash down screener room. Clean blunging area belts, floor, Denver, and all walkways. Clean behind plant pad, hoppers and used screens.
• Assist with bagging finished product. Assist Maintenance when needed.
• Continuous clean-up per sweeper schedule. Cover sickness/vacations of other Utility Operators when possible.

Required Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Prior experience working as a general laborer – required
• Ability to read and write
• Ability to comprehend oral and written instructions

Working Conditions :

• Bending, lifting, climbing, pushing, pulling, kneeling, sitting stand, walk, kneel, stoop, squat, pull, push, climb, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, and see and standing (occasionally) for long periods of time.
• The essential duties of this position require moderate to heavy lifting and carrying.
• Prolonged periods of sitting on a forklift or other warehouse equipment.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels, vibrations, and bright lights; and exposure to dust, fumes, and gases; and all climate types including hot and cold temperatures, humidity, rain, snow, etc.
• Able to wear common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, breathing protection, and hard hats when needed.
• Able to work under stressful conditions at times.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Must be able to move and lift to 40-pound wooden skid or pallet.
• Ability to travel throughout facility as required to conduct safety inspections.
• Must be able to comprehend and follow written and oral instructions.
• Must be able to complete tasks even with frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to use discretion and independent judgment as needed.
• Must be able to speak clearly on the phone and to fellow workers.