Kiln Systems Technician at Lhoist North America in Calera, Alabama

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY: Performs duties of managing the material handling system by monitoring and adjusting hoppers, screens, conveyors, etc. to minimize downtime due to blockage on equipment by rock, mud and other material; monitoring and adjusting the control parameters of pyro-processing unit operations to meet quality, safety, and environment targets, along with performing continuous root cause analysis and directing the activities of hourly employees to impact the automated manufacturing facility system.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

• Must comply with all company, state and governmental environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies and procedures at all times.


• Ensures effective employee / team relations. Provides employee coaching and development. Makes employment decisions, Resolves employee issues through problem resolution.


• Communicates effectively, honestly and timely with team to ensure everyone has the information they need to perform at an optimal level.


• Enforces the Company's plant and safety rules and policies and issues fair and consistent discipline. Receives, evaluates and responds to first-step grievances as required, consulting with the Production Supervisor, Production Manager and/or Plant Manager as required.


• Works with Continuous Improvement personnel to identify, document, communicate, and implement process improvements.


• Monitor the automated system to ensure that adequate feed of stone into kiln for maximum production is being performed accurately.


• Controls and monitor the fuel consumption levels, by analyzing the gas or solid fuel levels for even distribution of heat through kiln


• Perform periodical quality control tests to ensure quality level of product produced meets the Company standards and customer specs.


• Capable of understanding and performing the kiln attendant duties as needed in order to direct and instruct others on the task.


• Maintains and manage daily reporting of kiln feed rate, fuel rate, temperature, amperage, quality, shipping, and other operational parameters by tracking and logging each hour to constantly measure performance and report to other management members on a daily basis.


• Maintain a clean, unclogged, and orderly work area at all times to include control room, kiln grates, laboratory, and other areas as required.


• Assist team members with unplugging/maintaining material handling and pyro-processing equipment when necessary.


• Consistently ensuring that no plug-ups form in satellite cooler in the pyro-processing unit.


• Monitors all kiln and plant screens and cameras to ensure the unit operations are working efficiently along with the ability to troubleshoot the problem if needed.


• Directs and assigns the kiln attendant(s) shipping/loading personnel, laborers and others to perform duties and tasks to ensure product is stored in the proper bin.


• Controls and monitors the operation of the fuel preparation and shipping/loading process unit in the control room.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Must be capable of working any shift, on-call, overtime, or seven days a week, if needed.


• Proven ability to direct and lead others in a team oriented environment.

• Leadership: a demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others.

• Ability to plan and direct the work of assigned personnel and to train and develop an effective workforce and administrate corrective action is a plus


• Must be willing to be hands-on and not afraid to perform other work assigned to help the team be successful.


• Excellent knowledge of material handling and mineral processing control systems with the ability to troubleshoot units/operation.


• Good analytical and problem solving skills. Must have a good understanding of the 5-Why activities.


• Strong sense of urgency in meeting customer needs.


• Must have the ability to work independently in order to meet all required deadlines, with strong organizational and communication skills.


• Excellent computer skills including MS Word, Excel, and SAP are highly desired.

Physical Demands include, but are not limited to:

• Must be physically able to perform work assigned.


• Must be physically capable of accessing all plant locations.


• Tolerate working outside in severe weather conditions as well as exposure to industrial high temperature, noise and dust.


• Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 120 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.


• Will be working in both an office environment and in a mineral processing environment.


• The employee will be exposed to the following working conditions: Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Metallic Particles.


• The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing and sitting.


• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Required Experience:

1-3 years of previous kiln system technician experience in a fast pace heavy manufacturing, construction, and/or mining environment is desired. Previous leadership experience directing and leading others. Quality assurance experience with test samples or related laboratory field. Previous material handling and automated facility.

Required Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Technical training or AA degree in technical related field or equivalent proven work experience in the field is desired.

Lhoist North America offers a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K, and vacation. LNA also supports employee work-life balance with telecommuting and compressed workweek options for many positions.

Lhoist North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.