Production Operator

Position Summary

The Production Operator is responsible for safely setting up, operating, monitoring, and cleaning manufacturing equipment used to blend, mix, extrude, package, and transport liquid and dry chemical materials.

This position requires 3 years of manufacturing experience. Previous extrusion or machine operating experience is preferred. The Production Operator will help ensure products meet customer specifications, quality standards, production requirements, and delivery expectations while following company policies, procedures, ISO standards, and safety requirements.

Forklift experience or certification is preferred.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Set up, start, operate, and monitor production machinery in accordance with operating procedures, safety requirements, and ISO standards.
• Weigh and prepare ingredients according to recipe and batch specifications.
• Ensure the correct raw materials and pre-blended materials are delivered to and loaded into production equipment.
• Operate equipment used to blend, mix, extrude, discharge, package, and handle materials.
• Monitor equipment and production processes to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent operation.
• Identify and troubleshoot basic equipment and processing issues.
• Visually and physically inspect materials and finished products to ensure they meet established quality standards.
• Collect material samples and submit them to the laboratory for evaluation when required.
• Make batch adjustments based on approved instructions when necessary.
• Escalate equipment, quality, or production concerns to the Production Lead, Shift Supervisor, or Production Supervisor.
• Perform required equipment and machine cleaning.
• Complete required system entries and production transactions accurately and maintain data integrity.
• Maintain accurate production documentation, including logs, reports, procedures, and other required records.
• Participate in training, retraining, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, work rules, and regulations, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous extrusion, extruder, or machine operating experience preferred.
• Experience with manufacturing problem-solving techniques preferred.
• Forklift experience or certification is a plus.
• Ability to follow health and safety regulations and consistently use required protective equipment.
• Flexibility to work various shifts is a plus.
• Bilingual skills are a plus but are not required.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements listed below represent those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Ability to stand and walk for the duration of a 10-hour shift.
• Ability to frequently lift and move materials weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 200 pounds with the assistance of appropriate equipment.
• Ability to regularly stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb.
• Ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively while performing assigned duties.
• Vision sufficient to perform job duties, including approximately 20/40 vision.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and comprehend work instructions, safety procedures, production documents, and other job-related materials.