ASPHALT PLANT OPERATOR – Bango Trading (Pty) Ltd

VACANCY 

Bango Trading (Pty) Ltd is engaged in the construction and general maintenance of bitumen paved roads including new construction and surfacing works with its headquarters in Phakalane. The company urgently requires the services of the following personnel at their Belabela Asphalt Plant.

Job Summary

The Asphalt Plant Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the automated operations of our asphalt production facility. This role is pivotal for ensuring that the production process meets quality standards and in compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. The ideal candidate must have a strong background in asphalt production, is experienced with PLC systems, and possesses the skills necessary to troubleshoot and adjust both automated and mechanical machinery in an asphalt production.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the asphalt plant, ensuring that the automated systems driven by PLC’s run smoothly.

• Monitor the asphalt production process, including mixers, conveyors, dryers, and other equipment, making real-time adjustments using automated controls (120 TPH Ammann Apollo Drum Mix Plant).

• Start up and shut down operations, following strict procedures to guarantee optimal performance and equipment longevity.

• Utilize and adjust PLC systems to regulate production parameters such as temperature, mixing time, and material flow rates to ensure the asphalt mix meets quality specifications.

• Troubleshoot PLC programming and hardware issues to minimize downtime and perform routine system diagnostics and calibration.

• Collaborate with the maintenance and engineering teams for complex repairs and upgrades.

• Conduct regular inspections and tests of the production process to verify that all quality standards are adhered to.

• Analyse production data, identify trends or potential issues, and recommend process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

• Ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations, addressing any deviations immediately.

• Maintain a safe working environment by performing daily safety checks on equipment and adhering to established protocols.

• Keep detailed records of production, maintenance activities, inventory levels, and any incidents, and report these to the plant manager or project supervisor.

Qualifications

• Diploma or equivalent is required.

• Technical training or certification in electrical engineering, industrial automation, or a related field is a plus.

• Familiarity with industrial PLCs and process control systems.

Experience

• Proven 5 years experience operating asphalt production plants within the road construction industry.

• Prior experience working with PLC-based control systems in industrial settings is essential.

• Demonstrated ability to perform routine troubleshooting and perform minor repairs on automated machinery.

COMPETENCIES

• Must be attentive to both visual and auditory cues from plant machinery operating within a high-noise environment.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

• Strong communication skills and the capacity to work in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with a proactive approach to maintenance and process improvement.

• This position may require early starts, shift work, overtime, and occasional weekend work to meet production deadlines.

• Execute any other moral and reasonable instructions by management to meet the exigencies of service.