Slurry Plant - Assistant Plant Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $29 per hour, depending on experience

Job Title: Assistant Plant Operator

Compensation: $29.00 per hour

Location: Hendersonville / Asheville, North Carolina
Reports to:Superintendent
Employment Status:Full-time (Non-exempt)

About Diamond Surface, Inc.

Diamond Surface, Inc. is a Minnesota-based heavy-highway contractor with more than 35 years of experience specializing in concrete grinding, grooving, repair, and sealing. We are proud to be recognized as a Best Contractor in Construction and are known nationwide for setting the standard for quality, innovation, and professionalism in our field. We are a rapidly growing, team-oriented organization that believes our success starts with hiring and supporting exceptional people. In 2024, we became an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company meaning every eligible employee has an ownership stake in the business. As an ESOP, we are deeply committed to creating long-term financial benefits for our team, strengthening our culture of collaboration, and ensuring that the hard work of our employees directly contributes to their own financial future.

Role Purpose

The Assistant Plant Operator supports the daily operation, maintenance, and production activities of the slurry plant. This position works closely with the Plant Operator and plant management to ensure safe, efficient, and productive operations. Responsibilities include plant housekeeping, equipment support, truck loading and unloading assistance, traffic direction, and general labor activities necessary to maintain production and site safety.

The ideal candidate is safety-minded, mechanically inclined, and willing to perform a variety of physical tasks in a fast-paced construction and manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operations Support

• Assist with the setup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown of plant equipment as directed.
• Support production activities to help ensure efficient and uninterrupted plant operations.
• Assist in identifying operational issues and communicating concerns to plant management.
• Help maintain inventory and organization of materials, tools, and supplies.

Site Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Perform general cleaning and housekeeping duties throughout the plant and surrounding grounds.
• Chip, clean, sweep, and remove material buildup from plant equipment and work areas.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment.
• Assist with routine maintenance activities and minor repairs as assigned.

Material Handling & Equipment Support

• Load, unload, identify, and organize construction materials, equipment, and tools.
• Wash out dump trucks and other equipment as required.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and other equipment safely and effectively.
• Assist equipment operators and plant personnel with daily operational needs.

Traffic Control & Safety

• Direct vehicle traffic and communicate with truck drivers entering and exiting the facility.
• Signal equipment operators and assist with safe movement of materials and equipment.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and site-specific safety requirements.
• Participate in safety meetings, inspections, and training activities.

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate effectively with plant operators, truck drivers, laborers, mechanics, and management.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to assist wherever needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support overall plant operations.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Previous construction, industrial, manufacturing, or plant labor experience.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work safely in a physically demanding environment.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Preferred

• Heavy highway construction experience.
• Experience working around crushing, asphalt, concrete, aggregate, or industrial processing plants.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic equipment maintenance experience.
• OSHA or other construction safety training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and plant structures safely.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, reach, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Ability to enter and work in confined spaces when necessary and properly trained.
• Ability to work around moving equipment and machinery.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, heat, cold, and changing weather conditions.
• Frequent work around heavy equipment, moving machinery, and construction materials.
• Fast-paced industrial and construction environment requiring constant attention to safety.
• Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required based on production demands.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
• Health insurance (multiple plan options)
• Dental insurance (100% employer paid)
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Company apparel
• Paid employee referral program
• Year-end bonus opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our company is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with the Minnesota Human Rights Act and federal law regarding employment discrimination and provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants needing accommodations in the application or hiring process should contact us.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties may change at any time with or without notice based on project or operational needs.