Sr. Lead Utility Operator

Job description

Senior Lead Utility Operator

• Reports to: Operations Manager
• Directs: Utility Operators on assigned shift
• Pay: $23–$25 per hour
• Classification: Non-exempt hourly
• Schedule: Rotating shifts supporting 24/7 operations

Position summary

The Senior Lead Utility Operator is the hands-on leader of the utility crew on shift. This role directs and trains Utility Operators, coordinates material handling and housekeeping with production, and serves as the first point of contact for safety, equipment, and quality issues in the plant. The Senior Lead works the floor alongside the crew and steps in for the Shift Supervisor when needed.

Key responsibilities

Crew leadership and coordination

• Assign daily work to Utility Operators based on production priorities, staffing, and equipment availability.
• Lead pre-shift safety huddles and conduct shift handoffs with the incoming lead and Shift Supervisor.
• Train, coach, and sign off new and existing Utility Operators on equipment, housekeeping standards, and safety procedures.
• Give input on crew performance reviews, attendance issues, and readiness for advancement.
• Act as Shift Supervisor in their absence when designated.

Plant operations and material handling

• Plan and direct raw material feed to the plant by front-end loader or excavator to keep mills and crushers supplied.
• Coordinate bulk loading and unloading of railcars and trucks, including scheduling, staging, and load verification.
• Operate and serve as the crew's expert on forklifts, skid steers, front-end loaders, and excavators.
• Monitor mills, crushers, screens, and conveyors; diagnose basic deviations and escalate issues to maintenance and the Shift Supervisor with clear details.
• Track inventory of raw material stockpiles, finished product, and packaging supplies, and flag shortages early.

Housekeeping and environmental compliance

• Set and enforce housekeeping standards across production floors, warehouses, and yards, with emphasis on dust control.
• Oversee industrial vacuum systems and dust collection equipment; verify they run correctly and report filter or bag issues.
• Ensure waste and process by-products are handled and disposed of per company policy and environmental permits.
• Conduct area inspections and keep housekeeping and environmental checklists complete.

Safety and quality

• Enforce OSHA regulations and company safety policies; stop work when conditions are unsafe.
• Lead pre-shift equipment and workplace examinations and verify they are documented.
• Champion Hazard Recognition: identify hazards, correct them on the spot where possible, and report the rest.
• Take part in incident investigations, near-miss reporting, and corrective action follow-up.
• Ensure quality checks and mineral samples are collected and delivered to Quality Control on schedule and to procedure.

Maintenance support and continuous improvement

• Coordinate and perform basic preventive maintenance: lubrication, belt and idler checks, and mobile equipment fluid checks.
• Write clear work orders and help maintenance with lockout/tagout and equipment access.
• Recommend improvements to reduce spillage, dust, downtime, and rework.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3 years in industrial manufacturing, mining, or mineral processing, including at least 1 year as a utility or equipment operator.
• Proficient operation of forklifts, skid steers, and front-end loaders; current or obtainable certification.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements.
• Ability to read work instructions and complete logs, checklists, and work orders accurately.

Preferred

• Prior lead, trainer, or crew-coordination experience.
• Experience in calcium carbonate, limestone, or aggregate processing.
• Excavator operation; railcar loading experience.
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry card or willingness to obtain.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Basic computer skills (email, spreadsheets, maintenance or production systems).

Physical requirements and working conditions

• Lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. regularly.
• Stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, and bend for extended periods during 8–12 hour shifts.
• Work in a heavy industrial setting with dust, noise, heat, and outdoor weather exposure.
• Wear required PPE, including steel-toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, and respirators.
• Work overtime, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts as operations require.

Core competencies

• Safety leadership: Models safe behavior and holds the crew to the standard.
• Leading people: Gives clear direction, trains patiently, and addresses problems directly.
• Communication: Keeps supervisors, maintenance, QC, and the next shift informed.
• Problem solving: Spots equipment and process issues early and acts on them.
• Reliability: Dependable attendance and punctuality; sets the example for the crew.
• Mechanical aptitude: Uses hand tools and understands how plant and mobile equipment work.

Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 – 45.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position pays $23–$25 per hour. Is that within your expected range?
• This role works rotating 10–12 hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Can you work this schedule?
• Can you perform the essential duties, including lifting 50 lbs, climbing stairs and ladders, and standing for a full shift, with or without reasonable accommodation?
• Are you willing to work in a dusty, noisy, hot plant environment while wearing a respirator and other PPE?
• Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
• Can you reliably commute to Theodore, AL?
• Have you led a crew, assigned work, or trained other workers?
• How many years have you worked in manufacturing, mining, or another heavy industrial setting?
• Which of these have you operated on the job: forklift, skid steer, front-end loader, excavator?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $25