Utility Operator I

Covia responsibly provides minerals solutions for a better tomorrow. As a leading provider of diversified minerals, our products support a variety of industrial markets, including glass, ceramics, coatings, metals, foundry, polymers, construction, water filtration, and sports and recreation. Long-standing relationships with a broad customer base enable Covia’s market-inspired approach to innovation to enhance solutions and customer benefits. Underpinning these strengths is an unwavering commitment to safety and to sustainable development, further enhancing the value that Covia delivers to all its stakeholders.

Covia is looking for a dynamic Utility Operator who will have a positive impact on the Operations team at its Fort Smith, AR location. The Utility Operator is accountable to ensure the safe and productive operation of the plant equipment to produce quality product. This position works on rotating shifts and is a Safety Sensitive Position/Job.

The successful candidate will have the following Key Accountabilities:

Safety:

- Comply with applicable MSHA regulations as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and procedures applying to the worker or person that are part of a safety and health management system for the facility.

- If the worker has information that other persons need to know to fulfil their obligations or duties under the CFR, or to protect themselves from the risk of injury or illness, to give the information to the other persons.

- Accept personal responsibility for your own safety by working to maintain a safe work environment and evaluating all tasks utilizing the Covia SLAM (Stop, Look, Analyze, Manage) risk protocol. Report all near miss incidents, unsafe acts, or situations and injuries immediately.

- Administer all facets of the safety and health policies while adhering to the SLAM risk method within the sphere of all tasks.

- Work at the operation only if the worker is in a fit condition to carry out the work without affecting the safety and health of others.

- Not do anything willfully or recklessly that might adversely affect the health and safety of fellow employees or visitors at the operation.

Operations:

- Adhere to site procedures and instructions given by supervisor or team lead.

- Operate equipment in a safe manner, which is most efficient and reduces damage, downtime, and maintains product quality.

- Physical manual labor including shoveling, sweeping, carrying material, as well as the climbing of ladders will be part of the daily required work.

- Operate equipment including, but not limited to, bucket elevators, ball mill, belt and pneumatic conveyors, dust collectors, kiln, screens, and so forth.

- Monitor all equipment in the plant, such as temperature, pressures, amperes, etc. and interpret data, charts, and instruments to make process adjustments as needed.

- Complete required paperwork in an orderly, accurate, and professional fashion.

- Assist with any continuous improvement projects as necessary.

- Perform pre-shift and routine equipment and area inspections; maintain safe work environments in the facility. Communicate findings of daily shift inspections to Production Supervisor and Kiln Operators as to allow for a consistent and full understanding of production line conditions.

- Ensure material flows through process to product bins and tanks.

- Collect and process raw material and product samples, record and report results, and change operating parameters as required or directed.

- Safely move, switch, offload, and load rail cars via Track Mobile.

- Safely move, offload, and load trucks. Trucks being loaded will be loaded on the truck scale requiring accurate weighing and bill of lading preparation for transport.

- Safely operate forklifts.

- Maintain housekeeping in assigned areas by using a handheld shovel and broom.

- Perform all other duties as needed or assigned.

The successful candidate will have the following Minimum Qualifications:

- High School diploma or GED required.

- Kiln or ball mill operations experience will be given preference.

- Experience in heavy industry, mineral processing, or manufacturing will be given preference.

- Demonstrated experience contributing within a production/operations team to deliver against set targets.

- Demonstrated commitment to safety and health with previous experience in identifying and managing risks.

- Ability to operate computer programs as required.

Commitment to Our Culture:

Our core values - Safety, Team, Customers, Growth, and Courage—guide our work every day and will help us achieve our vision: Covia is the leading minerals solutions provider, and through the passion and commitment of our people, we enable customer success—ensuring a sustainable future for our company.

All Covia Team Members are expected to:

- Live the Life-Saving Rules

- Build high-performing work teams

- Focus on customers

- Demonstrate a growth mindset

- Do the right thing, always

At Covia, we strive for and support a diverse workforce as we firmly believe this lays the foundation of our success. Our compelling culture supports inclusion, individuality, and respect within the workplace. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to the most qualified candidate based on work-related factors and without regard to non-work-related factors including race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or military service or reserve or veteran status.

The organization offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities, and a full range of benefits.

Benefits:

- Excellent Healthcare Benefits – medical, vision, dental

- 401K with company matching

- Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays

- Disability plans and Life / AD&D

- Employee Assistance Program

An Equal Opportunity Employer

IND2

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.