What are the responsibilities and job description for the Potroom Operator (PCO) position at Alcoa and Careers?
Shape Your World
At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper, world-shaper.
This is your opportunity to shape your career through the skills and experience you bring to the role now and by training for the roles you may want in the future. Our success depends on great teams, where you can thrive and do your best work in a supportive environment.
About the Role
The Potroom Operator (PCO) is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the routine functions of electrolytic pots in the aluminum smelting process. This includes changing anodes, tapping pots, moving materials, and operating overhead cranes to ensure efficient and safe operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor pot operations using visual inspections, millivolt readings, and process control computer systems.
- Adjust pot voltage and current distribution to maintain optimal performance.
- Tap pots using siphon, vacuum crucible, and siphon lid.
- Operate overhead cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Replace anodes, clean bath from butts, and manage anode distribution.
- Distribute alumina and bath materials using charging buckets.
- Maintain and repair Potroom components including bridges, bus contacts, and deck plates.
- Assist with pot start-up and shutdown procedures.
- Maintain accurate records using VDT or SPC control charts.
- Perform limited painting and general housekeeping duties.
Working Conditions
- This position follows a rotating DuPont schedule, which includes a repeating 4-week cycle of 12-hour shifts (6:00 AM–6:00 PM or 6:00 PM–6:00 AM), alternating between day and night shifts, with a mix of on/off days, including weekends and holidays.
- Work is performed in a physically demanding industrial environment with exposure to high temperatures, noise, and airborne particulates.
- Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and operation of heavy machinery.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory to ensure safety in hazardous conditions.
Environmental Responsibilities
- Handle and process materials such as alumina, cryolite, molten aluminum, and dross in accordance with environmental regulations.
- Ensure proper disposal and containment of hazardous materials.
- Maintain clean and organized work areas to minimize environmental impact.
Safety Responsibilities
- Follow all safety protocols and procedures to protect self and others.
- Operate equipment safely and report any malfunctions or hazards.
- Participate in safety training and emergency response drills.
- Maintain clean and hazard-free work zones.
What you can bring to the role
Our values – act with integrity, operate with excellence, care for people, lead with courage – are at the foundation of everything we do. To be successful in this role and to play a part in our ongoing success we desire the following background:
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- 1 year of work experience
- Basic computer literacy for process monitoring.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in aluminum smelting or similar heavy industrial operations.
- Familiarity with process control systems and millivolt meters.
- Previous experience with anode changes and Potroom operations.
- Experience operating heavy equipment and overhead cranes.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
- Ability to interpret technical data and make real-time adjustments.
- Attention to detail and commitment to safety.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Physical stamina and resilience in demanding environments.
About the Location
Alcoa “Warrick” based in Newburgh, Indiana just outside of Evansville, IN has been present in the lives of many families in our community for over 60 years. We’ve grown and we’ve matured together. Now we are looking for our next generation of Alcoans to bring us into the future. You can be one of them! Join us and get ready to experience endless opportunities!
We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress. Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.
As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.
If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at
gssrecruiting@alcoa.com.
This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!
Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.