Description

The Production Operator plays a critical role in daily manufacturing operations, supporting ambient milling, extrusion, blending, and shipping processes. This position is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment, performing rate and quality checks, ensuring safety compliance, and supporting on-time shipment of finished products.

The ideal candidate is safety-driven, mechanically inclined, dependable, and capable of multitasking in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Essential Functions: The following duties are considered essential job functions which the employee must be able to perform. Operate and monitor ambient mills, extruders, blenders, grinders, and related production equipment in compliance with SOPs
Set up, adjust, and troubleshoot machinery to meet production, quality, and rate requirements
Perform rate checks, monitor throughput, and adjust operations to meet production targets
Weigh, mix, stage, and load raw materials according to batch instructions and formulas
Conduct product quality checks, take samples, and perform visual inspections and standard QC tests
Install or change screens, dies, and sizing components using hand tools
Handle finished goods including filling bags/drums, silos, cartons, supersacks, repacks labeling, palletizing, and staging for shipment
Load and unload materials using forklifts or pallet jacks as required
Accurately complete production, quality, inventory, and shipping documentation using computer systems
Perform 10-point pre-operation safety checks and follow all standard work instructions
Participate fully in pre-shift huddles; arrive prepared, engaged, and on time
Follow lockout/tagout procedures and all environmental, safety, and PPE requirements
Support preventive maintenance (PMs), basic troubleshooting, and housekeeping activities
Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas in accordance with 5S and GMP standards
Ability to stand and work on feet for multiple hours per shift
Effectively communicate equipment issues, material needs, or quality concerns to supervisors
Assist with cross-training and continuous improvement initiatives
Ability to lift, push, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
Comfortable working at heights and on elevated platforms
Ability to work in varying environmental conditions (noise, dust, temperature fluctuations)
Must wear required PPE including steel-toed boots, hard hats, hearing protection, and respiratory protection
This position requires strict adherence to all safety regulations

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Minimum of 1–3 years of manufacturing, production, or industrial experience preferred
Experience operating extrusion, milling, blending, grinding, or similar processing equipment preferred
Forklift certification or ability to become forklift certified required
Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely operate, adjust, and troubleshoot production equipment
Ability to read and follow batch sheets, work instructions, SOPs, and safety procedures
Basic computer skills required for production reporting, inventory tracking, and documentation entry
Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality and accuracy
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously
Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and compliance with all OSHA and company safety standards
Ability to work overtime, weekends, or rotating shifts as business needs require
Must be dependable with strong attendance and punctuality record
Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug screening, and any required physical evaluation
Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout the shift
Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods of time
Comfortable working in industrial environments with exposure to dust, noise, vibration, and varying temperatures
Ability to wear all required PPE including respirators, hearing protection, hard hats, gloves, and steel-toed boots
Ability to work safely at elevated heights and around moving mechanical equipment
Must demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and flexibility to support operational needs and cross-training initiatives

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