Production Operator

U.S. Silica Holdings Inc. is a global performance materials company and is a member of the Russell 2000. The company is a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry and in a wide range of industrial applications. Over its 123-year history, U.S. Silica has developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver more than 800 diversified products to customers across our end markets. 

U.S. Silica's wholly-owned subsidiaries include EP Minerals and SandBox Logistics™. EP Minerals is an industry leader in the production of products derived from diatomaceous earth, perlite, engineered clays and non-activated clays. SandBox Logistics™ is a state-of-the-art leader in proppant storage, handling and well-site delivery, and is dedicated to making proppant logistics cleaner, safer and more efficient. The company has 26 operating mines and processing facilities and two additional exploration stage properties across the United States and is headquartered in Katy, Texas.

The production operator fills one of three roles during a shift: Wet Plant operator – run the wet plant; takes samples / measurements, ensures proper functioning of wet plant/ dryer/ frac equipment; operate mobile equipment ; Loader operator – run the front end loader; takes samples / measurements ; Load Out operator – transfers sand as directed, loads trucks and rail cars, takes samples; operate mobile equipment.

The current schedule is M-F; day shift 7 AM – 3 PM; Afternoon Shift 3 PM – 11 PM; Midnight shift 11 PM – 7 AM. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

All Areas:

• Perform and document pre-shift inspections on mobile equipment
• Inspect and document work area for safety/environmental concerns
• Perform housekeeping in immediate work area and other areas as instructed.
• Communicate with Production Operators and Supervision to insure continuity of operations
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Assist Production Operators as needed

Area 1 – Bulk Loading:

• Inspect bulk loading screens for defects-replace as necessary
• Convey finished products to and from assigned silos to load out tanks
• Transport loaded and unloaded rail cars to designated tracks
• Inspect and clean magnets
• Inspect and clean the inside of the rail cars prior to loading - document
• Inspect the inside of bulk trucks for cleanliness - re-route as necessary
• Load rail cars and trucks to specified weights – complete documentation
• Collect samples as required by the quality lab

Area 2 – Reclaim Loading:

• Provide the wet plant with stockpiled ore using the front end bucket loader
• Adjust the reclaim hopper slide gate to control sand flow as necessary
• Inspect, clean and adjust plant process equipment as needed

Area 3 – Process Control:

• Monitor, control and document the wet and dry plant processes
• Perform and document process monitoring checks as required
• Monitor and record reagent additions
• Maintain shift documentation
• Inspect, clean and adjust all plant process equipment as needed

Area 4 – Sampling & Inventory:

• Collect and deliver required samples and documents to the quality lab
• Monitor and document silo levels
• Direct finished material to appropriate silos
• Inspect and replace worn production process screens

AUTHORITY:

• To accept or reject a truck or rail car based on the pre-loading inspection
• To document the contents of rail cars- both product loaded and tonnage
• Monitor wet and dry processes using WonderWare Screens
• Control the wet and dry processes using WonderWare inputs and set points
• Perform quality testing as required
• Adjust reagents to control the processes
• Fulfill the role of Leadman as required – Make operations decisions and direct the workforce when a supervisor is not available

U.S. Silica is an equal opportunity employer for all without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. U.S. Silica is a smoke- and drug-free workplace.  The above description is intended to capture the essential functions of the job, nature and level of work as of the preparation date.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be required of the position.  This job description may be modified at any time with or without notice. U.S. Silica is an equal opportunity employer for all without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. U.S. Silica is a smoke- and drug-free workplace.  The above description is intended to capture the essential functions of the job, nature and level of work as of the preparation date.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be required of the position.  This job description may be modified at any time with or without notice.