PRODUCTION OPERATOR

Job Summary: 

The Production Operator provides general support to the department by cleaning, assembling and operating production machinery in accordance with company procedures. The Production operator also supports the department through weighing, handling, bagging, packing out, moving, and staging of raw materials and finished product. The individual also provides samples for quality control tests, assists in training employees, and maintains various documents which are critical to the effective operation of plant processes, as well as executing diverse departmental functions.

The Production Operator works with general supervision, meaning that duty assignments are performed after receiving general instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results; thus, reviewed upon completion. The position requires one to be experienced enough with production line operations to make reasonable judgments and decisions, organize time efficiently, and communicate effectively within own unit and other departments. Work also involves one to comprehend (oral/written) instructions, illustrate precision to detail, and maintain confidentiality. Accurate documentation and computation for records and logs are also important.

The scope of responsibilities encompasses maintaining and operating differing production equipment, and weighing, handling, and transporting materials according to SOPs in the production department. The individual also must support and follow company established safety policies and procedures, as well as properly maintain the housekeeping of entire work area(s). The individual is responsible for the support and facilitation of the Quality Policy and the Continuous Improvement Plan. Environment demands mobility to properly operate high technology machinery and equipment on all four levels. The position requires one to lift various types of tools, equipment, and raw materials, operate a forklift, and sometimes work overtime as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate production machinery (mixers, tumblers, super floater , extruders, etc.) according to procedural steps; ensure proper set up and function of equipment which may include duties such as loading/unloading materials into/from machinery, controlling machine panels, performing simple maintenance tasks , maintaining work area cleanliness, and making sure customer's specifications are attained while constantly aware of one's safety and the safety of those around him/her.
• Weigh and document pigment, additive, and raw materials according to instruction; ensure prompt gathering and returning materials to appropriate destinations.
• Transport raw materials, finished products, and other substances to assigned destinations in warehouse and production vicinity; ensure effective communication with warehouse, production, and quality control areas.
• Provide Quality Control Lab with samples from current production lines; ensure effective communication with Shift Lead, Shift Advisor, and Quality Control Technicians.
• Pack raw materials and finished products; properly perform package preparation procedures and transport to appropriate destination if necessary.
• Prepare and maintain differing reports, records, and logs accurately; ensure proper distribution to appropriate individuals.
• Maintain inventory for pigment and additive materials; ensure precise computation and effective communication with Materials Controller.
• Assist in training new employees; ensure effective communication with trainee.
• Measure departmental performance according to company standards on a regular basis to be proactive; ensure accurate documentation and effective administration.
• Know and understand company mission and values and implement in daily decisions and interaction.
• Support and cooperate in team environment and activities; participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow established department and company procedures and policies.
• Personnel responsible for conformity to product requirements shall have the authority to stop production to correct quality problems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Consider this job description the foundation of your responsibilities - not the boundaries. 

Job Requirements and Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma or GED  
• At least three (3) months of job-related experience to perform at this level.
• The individual must possess communication (oral/written) skills, basic computer skills, math skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and cooperation/teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of basic office machines (calculator, telephone, etc.), production operations, and metrics is important, as well as the ability to operate a forklift.
• He/she is accountable for continued learning, through on-the-job training, manuals, and outside training (as set forth by the supervisor) and performing all routine procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) of equipment and processes in the areas assigned.
• Individual must be able to pack out and load 55 lb. paper bags for extended periods of time as well as ascend/descend multiple flights of stairs over the course of eight (8) hours to operate equipment or load raw materials into the various holding bins.