A professional who controls machines and equipment from instrumented control board to scrub, condition, float, classify, and convey phosphate rock for use in fertilizer and phosphoric acid. Respnsibilities include:

• Monitors recording instruments, gauges, panel lights, and other indicators, and listens for warning signal to verify conformance to plant standards.
• Turns screws and knobs on control board to adjust flow of reagents, airflow, phosphate-rock feed rate, and conveyor belts.
• Observes flotation tanks to determine amount of sand clinging to rock, cyclones to detect presence of solids, and classifiers to detect wobble in or uneven feed rate of screw.
• Reports belt weight, amount and evenness of feed rate, waterflow amount, and specific density of slurry to mine, using telephone.
• Weighs samples from scrubber and conditioner to determine that amount of reagents in tank meets specifications.
• Reviews laboratory test results and makes adjustments required on control board.
• Inspects machines and equipment for potential and actual hazards, wear, leaks, and mechanical malfunctions requiring maintenance.
• Collects samples at various stage of operation for laboratory analysis.
• Records instrument readings, process conditions, and other operating data in shift log.
• Manually regulates or shuts down equipment as directed by supervisor.
• May tag samples collected for laboratory analysis.
• May assist in making mechanical repairs to machines and equipment during shutdown.