Utility Operator – Potroom (Durban, South Africa)

About the role

The Utility Operator supports the Assistant Cell Operator and Cell Technician in the potroom of an aluminium smelting plant. The role is focused on on‑the‑job training to reach the required skill level for operating the Pot Line safely and efficiently.

Key responsibilities

• Assist the PTM operator in changing anodes safely, including removing and replacing back‑pot shields, transferring anode reference marks, monitoring pot voltage and activating/deactivating anode set logic.
• Perform pot beam raising operations according to procedure and safety standards.
• Prepare tapping holes, skim crucibles to remove dross, and conduct metal and bath sampling for quality and chemistry control.
• Support miscellaneous cell activities such as housekeeping, bath tapping/pouring, material addition, pot skimming and redressing.
• Clean crucibles, siphon tips, pot breaker tips, deck plates and bumper plates as directed.
• Maintain 5S standards, ensure proper placement of pot shields and doors to reduce HF emissions, and report hazards to achieve zero lost‑time incidents.

Required profile

• Secondary School Certificate.
• Preferably at least one year of experience in heavy industry.
• Physical fitness and ability to work shift schedules in a potroom environment.
• Basic English communication skills.

Required skills

• Operating Pot Tending Machines (PTM).
• Operating Anode Beam Raising Equipment.
• Metal and bath sampling for quality and chemistry control.
• Basic understanding of the aluminium smelting process.