Lead Operator for the Ponds

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Operator for the ponds assists the Ponds Supervisor with the daily coordination, direction, and support of the pond department. This position helps assign work, guide pond employees, monitor field and pond operations, support brine distribution, and ensure safe and efficient completion of daily activities. The Leadman of the ponds department operates heavy equipment as needed, assists with pond repair and maintenance, supports production and summer maintenance schedules, and fills in for the Ponds Supervisor when the supervisor is absent. This role requires strong safety awareness, communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced outdoor environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Ponds Supervisor with daily department activities, crew coordination, work assignments, and shift coverage as needed.
• Fill in for the Ponds Supervisor when the supervisor is absent, including helping manage daily pond operations and communicating priorities to employees.
• Help coordinate brine distribution to ponds, field operations during production, and summer maintenance schedules and projects for the pond area.
• Operate dozer, front-end loader, scraper, grader, excavator, backhoe, forklift, harvester, crane and other heavy equipment as assigned.
• Perform pre-shift inspections to ensure equipment is operating safely and efficiently, and report safety hazards or equipment concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Perform pond repair and maintenance as needed, including routine maintenance, fluid checks, assigned lubrication, and minor maintenance tasks.
• Assist crews as necessary and help determine whether work areas are safe before work begins.
• Train, coach, and direct pond employees on assigned tasks, safe work practices, equipment operation, and department procedures.

• Observe operations for possible problems, equipment issues, safety hazards, and production concerns.
• Conduct or assist with daily toolbox meetings and communicate safety topics, job priorities, and department updates.
• Collaborate with coworkers, supervisors, maintenance, production, and other departments to ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Support safe and efficient production by monitoring job progress, helping resolve issues, and keeping work moving according to department priorities.
• Observe all OSHA and Intrepid safety rules, procedures, and policies at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Previous equipment operator, pond operations, field operations, or related industrial experience.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, crew guidance experience, or ability to support daily work direction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to model safe work practices for others.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced industrial environment.
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, callouts, schedule changes, and occasional relief coverage as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• OSHA 10-hour safety training.
• 5 years of experience operating dozer, grader, excavator, backhoe, forklift, front-end loader, scraper, harvester, crane or similar heavy equipment.
• Experience reading and interpreting GPS systems.
• Positive attitude when working and communicating with others.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to safely operate and control mobile and fixed equipment to complete pond and field operation tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret GPS, daily reports, computer monitors, equipment readings, and related operating information.
• Ability to input readings, results, and reports using a computer or other required reporting systems.
• Ability to prioritize work, support crew coordination, and help keep pond activities moving safely and efficiently.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate job activities, hazards, irregularities, and continuing needs to supervisors, employees, and other departments.
• Ability to learn processes quickly, remain calm in a stressful environment, and make sound decisions within assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to provide and follow instructions, support training needs, and promote teamwork within the department.
• Ability to proactively recognize and mitigate job hazards.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in a non-temperature-controlled industrial environment and may include extreme weather conditions, loud sounds, distracting noise levels, confined spaces, high places, uneven surfaces, and exposure to mobile and stationary equipment. The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee:

• Is regularly required to lift heavy objects, including 50 lbs. or more as required, and work in confined spaces.
• May be required to work at heights in a non-temperature-controlled environment and unpredictable weather conditions.
• Is regularly exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Is required to wear safety attire and personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times as required.
• Will frequently stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, make visual inspections, make precise hand and finger movements, twist, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach, and grasp.
• Must be able to climb stairs and/or ladders, work at heights on occasion, and perceive color differences.

SCHEDULE

• A 40-hour-a-week work schedule will be required with rotating shifts, callouts, and overtime as part of the job. Weekends, schedule changes, and relief coverage may be required based on business needs.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Medical plans with prescription drug coverage, dental insurance and vision insurance
• 401(K) with immediate vesting and generous employer match
• Work-life balance with family-friendly work schedules
• Opportunity to grow within position through Intrepid’s career path program

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DISCLOSURE

A pre-placement Physical, Drug Test, Background Check, and Mobility test will be required for anyone selected for this opportunity. Placement into the position will not be made until the results are received and cleared by Intrepid.

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.

Intrepid Potash Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.