Portabatch Operator

At Lhoist North America, our core values of Respect, Courage, and Integrity are more than words. We respect people, encourage courageous innovation, and uphold integrity in everything we do. If these principles resonate with you, you may find your next great opportunity with us.

We believe our people make the difference. That’s why we invest in talent by offering meaningful opportunities to grow your skills, expand your knowledge, and pursue your interests. Our work environment prioritizes safety, fosters collaboration across teams, and embraces inclusion. Here, you’ll be challenged to grow, and you’ll be supported throughout your career journey. Join us and help shape the future of Lhoist North America.

POSITION SUMMARY: The PortaBatch Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of portable lime slaking equipment at customer locations and terminal operations at the Port Allen Terminal. This position requires frequent travel (approximately 75-80% of the time), primarily throughout Louisiana, including overnight stays, to support customer-site operations. Primary responsibilities include operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and performing routine maintenance on lime slaker vessels; loading lime slurry into customer trailers; and ensuring product quality and safe operating practices at customer sites. When not assigned to field operations, the PortaBatch Operator performs Terminal Operator duties, including unloading railcars into conveying systems and bulk storage, loading customer trucks, weighing and ticketing shipments, monitoring inventory levels, reconciling daily scale tickets, and accurately entering operational data. The position also performs routine and preventive maintenance on equipment, conducts safety inspections to identify and correct hazards or equipment defects, and maintains a clean, safe, and organized work environment through daily housekeeping activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain lime slaker vessels and associated systems at customer locations; load lime slurry into slurry trailers in accordance with operating and safety procedures.
• Frequent travel (approximately 75-80% of the time), primarily throughout Louisiana, including overnight stays, to support customer-site operations.
• Unload, transfer, and process lime slurry through screening systems, storage tanks, and loading systems to ensure product quality and customer specifications are met.
• Perform the safe and efficient unloading of railcars and loading of pneumatic trailers and dump trucks.
• Secure barges to the T-dock upon arrival using mooring cables and assist with the safe unloading and movement of barge-delivered materials.
• Operate mobile and stationary equipment, including skid steers, forklifts, excavators, and other equipment as assigned, in accordance with established safety and operating procedures.
• Understand and monitor material flow throughout the terminal, including conveying, feeding, storage, and dust collection systems.
• Measure and monitor inventory levels, including obtaining bin measurements from elevated work areas, and reconcile inventory with shipments and production records.
• Perform housekeeping and cleanup activities around conveying and feeding equipment, slurry systems, material storage areas, the scale house, and office facilities.
• Complete administrative activities, including weighing and ticketing trucks, reconciling daily shipments, and entering operating, inventory, and scale data into company systems.
• Conduct routine inspections of assigned areas and equipment to identify safety hazards, equipment deficiencies, and maintenance needs; accurately document findings and take corrective action as appropriate.
• Read and interpret equipment manuals, technical specifications, and operating procedures; assist with identifying, specifying, and ordering replacement parts as needed.
• Perform routine, preventive, and minor corrective maintenance on terminal and PortaBatch equipment to ensure reliable operation.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety by complying with all company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform all assigned duties in a safe, timely, and efficient manner while maintaining high standards of quality, productivity, and housekeeping.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support customer-site and terminal operations.

REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong commitment to safety, personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance, and housekeeping standards.
• Ability to work safely in hot, cold, dusty, noisy, and physically demanding industrial environments.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, use sound judgment, and adapt to changing operational needs and priorities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, customers, and contractors.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Willingness and ability to learn new procedures, equipment, technology, and operational processes.
• Dependable with a strong work ethic, consistent attendance, and punctuality.
• Basic reading, math, mechanical aptitude, and computer skills.
• Ability to identify and report safety hazards, equipment issues, and operational concerns.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational accuracy and product quality.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required site-specific training, certifications, and qualifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality; work varying schedules, including overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments as required.
• Travel approximately 75-80% of the time to customer locations, primarily within Louisiana, including overnight stays and extended workdays as required to support operational needs.
• Perform physically demanding work for extended periods, including standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, balancing, climbing, reaching, and working in outdoor weather conditions.
• Access all areas of customer sites and terminal facilities, including climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights of up to approximately 120 feet, and entering confined spaces while following applicable safety procedures.
• Travel to and work at customer locations and other company facilities as required to support operational needs.
• Regularly work on dock facilities and access barges by boat as operationally required, while utilizing life vests and adhering to all marine safety procedures.
• Work safely around moving machinery, conveyors, mobile equipment, railcars, barges, and other industrial equipment.
• Tolerate exposure to heat, cold, humidity, noise, vibration, dust, fumes, lime products, and other mineral particles.
• Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, as required by the job and applicable safety standards.
• Ability to see, hear, communicate effectively, and maintain situational awareness within an active industrial environment.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, pull, and move materials, tools, equipment, and components in the performance of assigned duties.
• Operate company vehicles safely while traveling to and from customer locations and other company facilities.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 56 pounds.
• Occasionally push with forces up to 82 lbF.
• Occasionally pull with forces up to 38 lbF.
• Possess sufficient manual dexterity to operate tools, equipment controls, mobile equipment, computer systems, and related devices required to perform job duties safely and effectively.

The essential functions and physical demands described above are representative of those required to successfully perform this role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with company policy and insurance requirements.
• Ability to travel approximately 75-80% of the time, primarily throughout Louisiana, including overnight stays.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

• Technical training or associate degree in a technical or industrial field.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: 

• Prior experience in terminal operations, manufacturing, mining, industrial processing, logistics, or bulk material handling environments.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Experience operating lime slaker systems or similar processing equipment.
• Previous heavy equipment operation experience.

Lhoist North America is proud to offer a highly competitive compensation package designed to support your well-being and future.

Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with paid vacation and sick time. We also offer an attractive 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a generous Employer Match as well as a Supplemental Contribution based on your Years of Service to help you plan confidently for the future. We recognize that growth doesn’t stop at the workplace. That’s why we provide educational assistance to encourage continued learning and professional development, empowering our employees to reach their full potential.

At Lhoist North America, your success is our investment.

Lhoist North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to fostering a workplace that values inclusion, respect, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment strengthens our teams and drives innovation. That’s why we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and strive to ensure every employee feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

At Lhoist North America, inclusion isn’t just a policy, it’s a core part of who we are.

If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.