Pellet Operator (Extrusion)

Purpose

The purpose of the Pellet Operator is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a pellet production line. This involves setting up, monitoring, and maintaining machinery, as well as ensuring quality control and troubleshooting any issues that arise.

Areas of Responsibility / Tasks  

Pellet Operators are responsible for maintaining flake hopper levels, reading them hourly, and performing preventative maintenance (PM). Handle tasks such as replacing melt filter screens, managing purge materials, and adhering to Starlinger procedures. Ensure spills, filters, heat exchangers, and equipment are cleaned and emptied, complete shift reports, sample materials, and collaborate with maintenance teams. 

Essential Functions

1. Maintains levels in flake feeding hoppers by loading flake bags into hoppers.
2. Performs hourly readings.
3. Performs daily, weekly, and monthly PMs when assigned.
4. Completes Melt Filter screen changes when necessary.
5. Removes Melt Filter purge, breaks purge, bags purge pieces and straps bag.
6. Signs off on all Starlinger procedures, and able to carry out all tasks without assistance.
7. Signs off on all EREMA procedures, and able to carry out all tasks without assistance.
8. Fills in for EREMA operators when shorthanded.
9. Cleans all pellet, oil, toner, water, and flake spills.
10. Changes all filters when necessary.
11. Cleans all heat exchangers in the Starlinger department.
12. Cleans top, bottom, and inside all equipment, including HAD, PDU, Dryer Centrifuge, PCU, SSP Reactor, and ERKs.
13. Empties HAD, PDU, PCU, and Reactor using a shovel when necessary.
14. Empties pellet from water basin.
15. Samples Classifier, PCU, and SSP when necessary or advised.
16. Completes end of shift report.
17. Works with maintenance to troubleshoot and test equipment.
18. Opens and closes HAD, PDU, PCU, and SSP manholes when necessary.
19. General housekeeping of all work areas.
20. Performs other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications/ Education / Experience / Certifications

1. Education:

a. High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)

2. Experience:

a. 1-2 years manufacturing experience.

b. 1-2 years sit-down forklift experience.

3. Licences / Certifications:

a. N/A

4. Language:

a. Proficiency in English required

b. Bi-Lingual – Spanish is a plus

Hours:

3:45am - 4:00pm

Shift:

Week #1: Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat

Week #2: Sun, Wed, Thurs