Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
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Ross Houston

Dudley Park,WA

Summary

Dynamic Fixed Plant Controller with 13 years at Rio Tinto, recognized for optimizing plant throughput and enhancing safety protocols. Proven expertise in automated systems troubleshooting and effective decision-making. Adept at training teams and maintaining compliance, driving operational excellence while managing diverse shifts and sleep patterns.

Overview

44
44
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Fixed Plant Controller

Rio Tinto Operation Centre
Redcliffe, Western Australia
07.2012 - 06.2025
  • Controlled the iron plant remotely in the Pilbara using computer screens, radio headsets, CCTV, and telephone.
  • Made supervisory decisions and suggestions to the site fixed plant controller, and worked through what they wanted to achieve for the shift.
  • Optimized the plant throughput to enable maximum tons available while maintaining a safe place of work.
  • Worked as a team by being competent in six different sites to allow other members breaks to reduce/manage fatigue.
  • Worked 12.25-hour shifts on a rotating roster: 3 days, 3 nights, 6 days off for 13 years.
  • Won numerous awards and recognition for ideas and process changes that save time and money while promoting safety.

Fixed Plant Operator

Rio Tinto
Tom Price/Marandoo, Western Australia
11.2002 - 12.2010
  • Trained new employees on safe work practices within the plant environment as well as machine operation techniques.
  • Performed troubleshooting on automated systems to identify root causes of process issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Monitored production processes for compliance with safety regulations, environmental requirements, and operational standards.
  • Optimized process conditions to achieve target yields.
  • Reported on process performance metrics during team meetings.
  • Clean up the site using ancillary equipment, loaders, trucks, water trucks, and bobcats.
  • Worked 12- to 25-hour shifts: 3 days, 3 nights, 6 off.
  • Five years living in Tom Price, followed by four years of fly-in, fly-out work at the Marandoo mine site, but living in a camp in Tom Price.
  • On rostered days off I worked for the local earthmoving company operating concrete trucks, triple side tippers excavators and loaders

Farmer

Self employed
Jerramungup, Western Australia
12.1981 - 02.2001
  • Maintained farm machinery, trucks, tools, and buildings in good working order.
  • Operated tractors, trucks, and other agricultural equipment to cultivate fields or prepare land for the cultivation and harvesting of crops.
  • Family-owned and -operated in conjunction with a transport company that operates and maintains six trucks, carrying all types of freight. Ranging from livestock crates, bulk tippers, flat top trailers, and low loaders.
  • Keenly aware of operating within time frames and budgets across all types of enterprises.
  • Regularly conducted maintenance and rebuilds on all types of machinery.
  • Acquired all the required licenses and obtained permits for oversize loads throughout the state.

Education

High School Diploma -

Narragin Agriculture College
Narrogin, WA
12-1981

High School Diploma -

Jerramungup District High School
Jerramungup, WA
12-1979

Skills

  • working autonomously and by oneself and employees
  • Production monitoring
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Safety compliance
  • Automated systems troubleshooting
  • Decision making
  • Use to different shifts and adjustments of sleep patterns
  • Driving MC vehicles for 38 years, and operating other types of machinery for 45 years

Affiliations

  • Value family time
  • I like to catch up with friends when possible
  • Golfing and basketball

Certification

  • Held an MC license for 38 years
  • Had a high-risk license for forklift, dogging, work platform, and EWP expired March 2025
  • Construction white card

Languages

English
Professional

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Fixed Plant Controller

Rio Tinto Operation Centre
07.2012 - 06.2025

Fixed Plant Operator

Rio Tinto
11.2002 - 12.2010

Farmer

Self employed
12.1981 - 02.2001

High School Diploma -

Narragin Agriculture College

High School Diploma -

Jerramungup District High School
Ross Houston