Control room operator

About the role

As a Control Room Operator, you will use HMI tools to monitor all incoming fiber, manage the drying processes and production of pellets, and oversee the movement of pellets into railcars. You will also monitor and communicate any safety-related concerns to plant employees or the Plant Leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Drax’s high standards of housekeeping within the department with the participation of all team members.
• Utilize SDS for all chemicals used in production and ensure all employees are adequately trained on their use.
• Complete all safety-related Plant Operator Development Program training requirements as required by each level.
• Participate and communicate on company radios following Drax’s Radio Usage Procedure.
• Maintain radio communication that is brief, clear, and contains only essential instructions and information.
• Actively participate in the Drax OH&S Committee.
• Communicate and provide leadership to all employees through the pellet manufacturing process, promoting compliance with safety, production, quality, and operating policies.
• Maintain composure while leading and directing plant employees during upset conditions, including unsafe conditions or emergency evacuations.
• Troubleshoot both minor and major upset conditions and provide direction to plant employees.
• Provide technical training support and mentorship to peers and operators in the Plant Operator Development Program.
• Participate in and provide leadership for training on mobile equipment, confined space, hazard identification, etc.
• Participate in incident and accident investigations as required.
• Coordinate holiday planning to ensure continual coverage of necessary positions within the plant.
• Liaise with other Drax management, including HR, Safety, Training, and Senior Executives.
• Provide leadership and direction to all plant employees in the safe operation of equipment used in pellet production, including monitoring moistures, pelleter temperatures, in-feed speed, bulk densities, dryer temperatures, scrubber operations, motor amps, and related processes.
• Operate the plant starting at the scale, tippers, and in-feed pads where raw fiber is delivered by truck.
• Troubleshoot and adjust in-feed mixes, directing loader operators based on fiber type and moisture levels.
• Continually monitor and analyze the HMI system.
• Review notes with the cross-shift operator at the beginning and end of each shift, communicating fiber mixes, equipment efficiencies, expected delays, or upset conditions.
• Manage and communicate fiber needs, coordinating with loader operators and production team leads to ensure sufficient fiber for production.
• Communicate housekeeping needs to utility staff to maintain a clean pellet mill and mitigate dust accumulation.
• Conduct testing and complete necessary reports on moisture content.
• Direct and communicate with all employees on shift regarding fiber mixes and rail car loading schedules.

Requirements

• Able to operate mobile equipment safely and efficiently.
• Can complete forms and basic checklists associated with cleanup and rail car loading.
• Adaptable to changes in work schedules or work tasks.
• Must be a team player with excellent interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in heavy industry operations is an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Good mechanical aptitude.
• Valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage with opportunities for advancement.
• Great benefits starting on day one.
• 401K matching plan starting from day one.
• Company bonus plan rewarding overall Drax performance, safety, and scorecard achievement.
• Supportive team environment focused on continuous learning and growth.