Plant Operator I

JOB SUMMARY

A Plant Operator is needed in the GKT plant to receive, handle, and package dry bulk products. The Plant Operator will be responsible for unloading railcars and vessels and preparing offloaded product for bulk shipment or packaging. This position may be required to work flexible shifts during the receipt of vessel cargo. The qualified candidate should have general labor and equipment operation experience.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate bagging equipment to package kaolin clay into one-metric-ton bags.
• Stack bags in the warehouse and load bags into containers using a forklift.
• Strap metric-ton bags to forklift racks for transport to containers.
• Set up terminal equipment to fill storage silos from vessels or railcars.
• Perform rail receiving duties, including opening and closing railcar discharge doors using hydraulic openers.
• Pull product samples from railcars or vessels for quality control.
• Operate terminal ship and railcar unloading equipment.
• Help monitor and maintain terminal equipment to ensure it remains in good working order.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to support safe working conditions.
• Work in warehouse and outdoor environments.
• Safely operate small equipment, including skid-steer loaders and floor sweepers.
• Safely operate heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, backhoes, and farm tractors.
• Maintain required paperwork when unloading railcars and loading vessels.
• Clean equipment after products have been received or shipped.
• Recognize errors and anticipate potential problems before they occur.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Must be able to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Forklift experience or related experience operating similar equipment is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Must follow all safety protocols and procedures.
• Good communication skills.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must be able to work overtime and weekends when required.
• Ability to work flexible shifts as needed during vessel operations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Must be able to frequently bend, stoop, reach, push, and pull while performing job duties.
• Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, and access equipment as required.
• Must be able to safely operate forklifts, skid-steer loaders, front-end loaders, backhoes, tractors, and other equipment required for the position.
• Must be able to work in warehouse and outdoor environments, including exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Must be able to work around dust, noise, moving equipment, railcars, vessels, and other conditions associated with an industrial terminal environment.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and perform duties safely for the duration of the shift.