Kiln Operative - Desford

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our Desford team in the position of Kiln Operative.

The purpose of this role is to run and monitor all kilns/dryers at the designated brickworks ensuring that they operate consistently, safely to deliver products to the required level of process and quality conformity. Also, to optimise the kiln and dryers through the completion of process checks, identifying and resolving issues within scope area of influence. The role-holder will be responsible for escalating issues in accordance with the site process’ that directly impact the performance of the dryer and kiln and carry out comprehensive quality checks on site.

Your duties would include but not limited to the following;

All duties listed must be carried out safely and effectively, work and adhere to Forterra health & safety zero harm policy.

• Run and monitor all kilns and the brick firing process (look after the day-to-day operation).
• Run and monitor the brick drying process, ensuring that the dryer is functioning correctly, and moisture readings are taken as required.
• Carry out dimensional checks to ensure bricks are inside dimensional tolerances and report any deviation to the Production Manager and the rest of the management team.
• Carry out energy readings every shift and complete excel reports for environmental permit, local council permit, and operational needs.
• Complete weekly and monthly energy usage reports including gas, electricity, and water data.
• Act as an out-of-hours contact for the site for any emergency calls or out-of-hours assistance that is required.
• Facilitate kiln and dryer calibration with on-site electricians supporting or with external bodies.
• Under no circumstances should machinery be operated if any defects are found with either machinery or safety systems. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

In addition to the key accountabilities listed above, the following job dimensions exist:

• Assist with maintenance of the kilns, alongside maintenance staff, and maintain records.
• Maintain burners, sand seal, etc. on the kilns, with assistance where required, and maintain records.
• Carry out brick moisture checks for drying process, as required.
• Assist with improvement projects to optimise kiln speeds & efficiency, modifying kiln or drying curves where required. Any changes must be authorised and logged.
• Assist with data collection on the kiln and drying bays such as filling out check sheets or excel data sheets.
• Produce daily drying information for brickworks shift managers to help them plan the shift based on brick availability.
• Act as responsible person if the brickworks shift manager is called away or off-site at short notice.
• Ensure that any maintenance breakdowns or defects in equipment are highlighted at the earliest opportunity and report to the site maintenance team and management as soon as possible.
• Ensure that the offices are locked and secured in the evenings once all office staff have left site.
• Maintain radio contact with brickworks shift manager at all times to ensure own safety but also to support with production and operational needs.
• Ensure kiln cars go in and out of the kilns & dryers on time in the brickworks and any alarms are dealt with in a timely manner.
• Ensure preventative maintenance tasks are carried out on a weekly basis such as greasing of kiln cars and maintaining records.
• Ensure that water checks are carried out, and any alarms or readings outside normal range are reported to the shift manager.
• Carry out bulk storage tank checks & silo checks for environmental compliance.
• Monitor out-of-hours site security and reporting of trespassing.

About You;

• Ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Confident & outgoing personality
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and MS teams

What We Can Offer You;

• Competitive salary
• Company Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme