Plant Operator

Smart Sand Blair is a fully integrated sand supply and services company offering complete sand, logistics, storage, and management solutions. The company operates premium frac sand mines and processing facilities in Wisconsin and Illinois, with access to three Class I rail lines for nationwide delivery in the United States and Canada. The Plant Operator role is based at the Blair facility and reports to the Production Supervisor while also taking direction from other Smart Sand leaders.

Responsibilities

• Communicates processing instructions to the Grounds Crew to install, maintain, or repair hoses, pumps, filters, or screens.
• Maintains processing equipment using hand tools.
• Inspects machines for hazards, operating efficiencies, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
• Removes clogs, defects, or impurities from machines, tanks, conveyors, screens, or other processing equipment.
• Removes material from discharge outlets to prevent material buildup.
• Monitors material flow or instruments (e.g., pressure gauges, set points, indicators, or meters) to ensure optimal processing conditions.
• Sets up or adjusts machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow or pressure.
• Trains the Quality Assurance Program and test processes as required by the Quality Management System.
• Examines samples visually or by hand to verify quality (e.g., clarity, texture, or consistency).
• Operates small equipment including skid steers, telehandlers, and man lifts.
• Operates heavy equipment including haul trucks and loaders.
• Maintains logs of instrument readings, test results, and shift production; saves production information in a computer database.
• Uses hand‑held mobile radio units to coordinate tasks and resources.
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor.
• Demonstrates constant commitment to safety, professional behavior, and environmental considerations.
• Formulates, documents, and maintains quality‑assurance standards and ongoing quality‑control objectives.
• Communicates with loader operators to direct flow/pace of sand feed.
• Works cooperatively to comply with facility‑wide environmental and quality management systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• MSHA training and experience required.
• Knowledge and skill to operate basic heavy‑equipment pieces.
• Prior experience as a Plant Operator in both wet and dry plants.
• Previous leadership experience preferred.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Self‑starter able to work with minimal supervision.
• Good judgment and high safety standards for self and others.
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective team player with strong collaboration skills.
• Willingness to work any assigned shift, overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Basic mathematical skills and ability to read.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents (effective first day of the month following 30 days of employment).
• Health Savings Account and Health Reimbursement Arrangement with employer contributions.
• Employer‑paid short‑term disability, long‑term disability, life insurance, and AD&D coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off.
• 9 annual paid holidays.
• Dental insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Health insurance.
• Health savings account.
• Life insurance.
• Referral program.
• Relocation assistance.
• Retirement plan.
• Vision insurance.

Pay

$25.00 – $30.00 per hour, plus a $1.00 night‑shift differential.

Schedule

• 12‑hour shift.
• Night shift.
• Overtime as needed.
• Availability for any assigned shift, weekends, and holidays.