Kiln Operator - Minerals Technologies

Summary:

As part of our long range plan for the plant, over the next few years we will be combining the Kiln and Screen Plant Control Room operations.  Individuals entering the department will participate in the department training program to become proficient in both the Kiln and Screen Plant Operations, progressing through the pay grade levels established as skills are gained.

The basic purpose of this position is to operate the Fluo Solids Kilns and related equipment as the final step in the process of transforming calcium carbonate into calcium oxide.

Position: Kiln Operator

Location: USA | Adams, Massachusetts

Pay rate: $31.11-$41.99/hour

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct and document Pre-shift Inspections along with actions taken to correct issues identified
• Observes and controls the transfer of limestone from storage to kiln feed tanks
• Continually observes instrument panels indicating kiln operation (i.e., feed, bed level, transfers, temperature, oil flow, air flow and discharge rate); makes adjustments to the process as required
• Monitors and reports on emission compliance instrumentation
• Controls the screening, transfer and distribution of lime to various storage tanks
• Visually inspects kilns and related equipment for mechanical breakdowns and reports defects to supervisor
• Makes periodic record of kiln performance
• Performs routine physical tests to determine quality of finished lime
• Cleans control room in accordance with established schedule
• Puts kiln gas into atmosphere or into the pit by use of appropriate valves
• Enters production data and work orders into established company computer systems
• Operates and monitors #1 & #4 and #2 & #3 dust pumping systems

OE/Lean

• Actively participates in the implementation of sustainable improvement processes, such as 5S, Kaizen, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Daily Management Control, Standard Work and Problem Solving.

Miscellaneous

• Records pertinent labor and/or production information from work shift
• Conduct 5S activities and standard work activities as required
• Communicates issues/status with next shift and with other production/maintenance/packaging personnel
• Assists maintenance staff with repairs of equipment as needed
• Performs Site Lead Duties as required
• Trains other employees as required
• Performs minor maintenance tasks including greasing, cleaning air filters, etc.
• Performs area housekeeping
• Performs other duties as assigned

Note: Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The requirements listed in the sections that follow are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions (primary duties) of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Knowledge of basic math, and the English language are required.  Prior knowledge of mechanical/electrical applications, clerical procedures, manufacturing/production processes, shipping/receiving, computers, commercial motor vehicles, and hazardous materials is preferred.

While performing the duties of this job, an employee is typically required to have the ability to exert physical strength during the work shift, coordinate movements, lift materials weighing up to and including 50 pounds, sit, stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, twist, lift, climb, push and pull during a work shift, have the ability to operate mobile equipment, select and use appropriate equipment/tools to accomplish job duties, read, write, listen, speak and understand English, follow all instructions and other oral/written information, visually inspect equipment/work area/product, complete paperwork and other documentation accurately, use judgment to identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and solve equipment/work area/product issues, communicate effectively with others, record labor distribution and/or production information from the work shift in writing and on a personal computer, perform basic mathematical calculations, be aware of oneself in relation to surrounding equipment, work independently and as a team with others, use, monitor and adjust equipment and related processes, keep pace with equipment/machinery, and react quickly to equipment/product issues.  The ability to effectively instruct/transfer job information/knowledge to others as needed is preferred.

Being under general supervision, the employee is expected to be self-directed and take initiative when appropriate to accomplish necessary duties and keep busy without prompting from the supervisor.  Additionally, the employee is expected to be adaptable/flexible to changing work assignments, perform multiple tasks at once, have a high level of integrity, dependability and self control to maintain composure, learn and memorize procedures, prioritize work and be persistent as needed, manage time effectively and efficiently, meet established deadlines, display a cooperative attitude, read, understand and follow all company, job specific and safety policies/procedures, and attend/use all required training.

Education:High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: Prior experience is not required.  However, it is preferred.

Licensing: Current valid Driver’s License. Other endorsements may be required, depending upon the nature of the vehicle being operated.  Incumbent must meet applicable Federal and/or State regulations/requirements regarding qualifications of drivers. 

Work Hours:Must have ability to work the shift/number of hours in which duties need to be accomplished, including overtime, holidays and weekends, as necessary.

Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, an employee is typically exposed to very hot temperatures, outside weather conditions, dust, loud noise, very low and/or bright light and hazardous materials.  Works alone and as part of a team working in close proximity to others, and works in close proximity with equipment. At times, employee may be exposed to high places.

Safety Equipment: Safety equipment typically required while performing the duties of this job includes a personal lockout/tagout lock, ANSI approved hardhat and safety glasses with sideshields, safety shoes/boots with steel toe protection.  Additional safety equipment required includes hearing protection while performing duties.  Additional safety equipment is available for use if a situation arises where it becomes required or if it is simply desired by the employee.

Safety Training: A new employee hired to perform the duties of this position is to be provided New Employee Training by a qualified individual, which consists of classroom and on the job training.  It will include, but is not limited to, the following: forklift/mobile equipment operation and certification/licensing, hazard communication, hearing conservation, respiratory protection, electrical safety, lock out/tag out, personal protective equipment, bloodborne pathogens, fire fighting/extinguishers, machine safety, confined spaces, reporting of hazardous conditions, accidents, injuries, near-miss and property damage incidents, evacuation/emergency procedures, first aid, back injury prevention, and job/work area procedures. 

Upon transferring to perform the duties of this position for the first time an employee is to be provided New Task Training by a qualified individual until the employee adequately understands the contents of the training, which include job/work area procedures and related topics.  Additionally, an employee must be provided further training if a job duty/task has changes that will affect the health and safety aspects of that employee’s position.

Additional refresher safety training will be required as management deems appropriate or as dictated by MSHA/OSHA regulations.

Company overview: 

MTI focuses on two major segments – Consumer & Specialties and Engineered Solutions. 

Our Consumer & Specialities segment offers technologically enhanced products to consumer-driven end markets plus specialty additives that become functional components in a variety of consumer and industrial goods. This segment includes our Household & Personal Care and Specialty Additives product lines. The Household & Personal Care product line provides mineral-to-market products that serve consumer-oriented end markets including Pet Care, Personal Care, Fabric Care, Edible Oil, and Renewable Fuel Purification. Our Specialty Additives product line provides mineral-based technologies serving Paper, Packaging, Sealants & Adhesives, Paint & Coatings, Ceramics, Plastics, Food & Pharmaceutical markets.

Our Engineered Solutions segment offers advanced process technologies and solutions that are designed to improve our customers’ manufacturing processes and projects. This segment includes our High-Temperature Technologies and Environmental & Infrastructure product lines. Our High-Temperature Technologies product line offers specially-formulated blends and technologies primarily for Foundry and Steelmaking industries. Our Environmental & Infrastructure product line provides waterproofing, water purification, remediation and other fluid management technologies for critical projects for Remediation, Water Purification, and Infrastructure.

MTI provides a business environment and promotes a culture that encourages all employees to contribute to our success. We have long been committed to the recruitment and advancement of the most talented and qualified people. We recognize that MTI’s ability to provide the highest caliber of products and services is enhanced by a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities and countries in which we work.

EOE | mineralstech.com