Kiln Attendant

Lhoist•Calera, AL

11d

About The Position

The Kiln Attendant performs routine operational duties in support of the Kiln Systems Technician (KST) to help ensure the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of kiln and plant equipment. Working closely with the KST, the attendant monitors operating conditions, communicates equipment performance and process concerns, and responds appropriately to upset conditions and instrument malfunctions. Through visual inspections and equipment checks, the attendant identifies potential issues and assists with corrective actions under the KST’s direction. The role also collects process and product samples for Quality Control testing to help ensure product quality and compliance with established specifications. The position supports kiln, hydrator, ball mill, pollution control, and other plant systems; conducts equipment inspections and basic maintenance; assists with quality control; and performs housekeeping and other operational support duties. Work is primarily outdoors in an industrial environment and involves exposure to extreme weather, noise, dust, fumes, oils, and lime or mineral particles. The role requires working rotating shifts and may require overtime, weekends, holidays, or on-call availability. Physical demands include extended periods of standing, walking, bending, climbing, and other physically demanding work; accessing heights up to approximately 120 feet and confined spaces; occasional lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds; and pushing or pulling with a maximum force of 50 lbF. The required education is a High School Diploma or GED. Previous experience in heavy manufacturing, mining, or industrial plant operations is required. Technical training or an Associate’s degree in a related field, 1–2 years of relevant experience, heavy equipment operating experience, and familiarity with digital work systems are preferred.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Previous experience in heavy manufacturing, mining, or industrial plant operations.
Strong commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and housekeeping standards.
Ability to work safely in hot, dusty, noisy industrial environments.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to work effectively on a team and communicate professionally with coworkers, supervisors, and customers.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and multitask while meeting operational needs.
Willingness and ability to learn new tasks, procedures, and equipment.
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to safely use basic hand tools.
Dependability, consistent attendance, and punctuality.
Basic reading, math, and computer skills.
Ability to work rotating shifts and, as operational needs require, overtime, weekends, holidays, or on-call.
Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather and around high noise levels, dust, fumes, oils, lime, and mineral particles.
Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods, including standing, bending, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, balancing, and reaching.
Ability to access all areas of the plant, climb stairs and ladders, work at heights up to approximately 120 feet, and enter confined spaces and tunnels.
Ability to see, hear, communicate, and maintain situational awareness around moving equipment, conveyors, and mobile equipment, and respond to alarms, signals, and changing conditions.
Ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push or pull with a maximum force of 50 lbF.

Nice To Haves

Technical training or an Associate’s degree in a related field.
1–2 years of experience in heavy manufacturing, mining, or industrial plant operations.
Experience operating heavy equipment.
Basic ability to use digital systems for work orders, training, timekeeping, or operational reporting.

Responsibilities

Maintain compliance with company, MSHA, federal, state, and local safety regulations, policies, procedures, and environmental requirements.
Wear and properly use required personal protective equipment and follow applicable lockout/tagout, confined-space, hot-work, and work-at-heights procedures.
Report hazards, near misses, incidents, and unsafe conditions; participate in pre-shift meetings, safety training, inspections, and job safety analyses.
Complete shift reports, equipment inspections, downtime logs, and operational records accurately.
Support safe, efficient, and continuous operation of kiln, hydrator, ball mill, pollution control, and associated plant equipment.
Learn and follow operating procedures for hydrators, kiln systems, pollution control equipment, and related processes.
Monitor water pumps, piping, water flow, kiln bearings, cooling water systems, process control equipment, and material flow; report abnormalities or concerns.
Verify products are conveyed, stored, and loaded into designated bins and storage locations.
Inspect auxiliary engines and related equipment for proper fuel, oil, lubrication, and operating conditions.
Safely operate assigned mobile equipment, including front-end loaders, skid steers, and forklifts.
Inspect, monitor, and maintain spray compressors, N3 lances, baghouses, dust collectors, feed chutes, rams, elevators, conveyors, and other assigned equipment.
Identify equipment deficiencies, including dust collection and pollution control issues, and assist with corrective actions.
Monitor and maintain sump systems; maintain belt scales, rollers, coal mill discharge areas, and other assigned areas in clean and safe condition.
Collect product samples for quality testing and analysis; measure and document material inventories in feed, product, and storage bins as required.
Communicate quality and operational concerns to supervision and laboratory personnel as needed.
Perform housekeeping throughout the plant, including cleaning hoppers, bins, conveyors, catwalks, work platforms, and other assigned areas.
Remove material accumulations and respond to plug-ups to support safe and efficient operations.
Support production and operational activities and perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality, and work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, or on-call as operational needs require.