Production Operator II

At GAF, we cover more than just buildings. We cover each other. Under this roof, you will have the tools and resources you need to grow and develop in your career. You will experience our incredible culture and will be empowered to support your teammates, your customers, and especially your community. Under this roof, we define the future while leading the present through our deep well of experience and our responsibility to the future to drive improvements and innovation in our products. We are GAF. And under this roof, we protect what matters most. About GAF - Newton, Kansas Newton is a vibrant Kansas community founded in 1871 on a spirit of work, from its earliest days as a railroad, agriculture and cattle drive hub. With a population of about 20,000, Newton and neighboring North Newton features an active arts community, three National Historic Districts, a variety of museums, trails, restaurants, shops and attractions, Bethel College, award winning school districts, a championship golf course, first-class convention center and many other amenities. This collaborative region is close to dynamic Wichita and may be the next best place for you to call home, in GAF’s newest “Field of Dreams!” New Plant, New Opportunities If you haven’t been part of a greenfield startup, now is your chance. GAF is the North American leader in residential roofing materials. We are honored to be constructing our newest shingle manufacturing facility in Newton KS and hiring is underway as we build our initial plant leadership team. Due to our investment in training and the development of employees, you will have the opportunity to travel to our other locations, engage with peers, support the hiring of plant staff and participate in the design and construction of the facility. Expect your first years to be rewarding and challenging with an amazing team fully supporting you. You will wear many hats during the construction and commissioning phases of the project, and ease into your steady role over time. Job Summary The Operator II is responsible for performing mid-level operational tasks that ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role bridges the gap between entry-level operators and the more advanced Operator III, focusing on intermediate troubleshooting, standard machine setups, and quality checks. The Operator II supports continuous improvement initiatives, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and provides guidance to the Operator I while working under the supervision of higher-level operators or supervisors. Essential Duties Independently operate machinery and optimize parameters within defined ranges. Make decisions to adjust equipment settings to maintain production flow. Perform advanced machine operations, including monitoring multiple parameters and optimizing equipment performance. Perform scheduled and unscheduled product changes and ensure proper machine settings. Execute setups and changeovers, including line clearances and equipment adjustments. Ensure proper documentation and adherence to changeover procedures. Conduct minor repairs and assist in troubleshooting using basic root-cause tools. Inspect products to ensure compliance with quality standards. Coordinate defect containment and rework activities. Actively participate in safety activities, including near-miss reporting and 5S audits. Cross-train across multiple stations and support effective shift handoffs with clear documentation. Assist with jams, threading, and sheet breaks independently. Own accurate and timely production data capture, including scrap, downtime codes, and throughput metrics. Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to support process improvements. Mentor Level I operators and provide guidance during training sessions. Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications Required H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) 2+ years in a safety sensitive position within a fast-paced industrial, distribution or manufacturing environment General Knowledge, Skills and Abilities A demonstrated commitment to safety Excellent interpersonal skills Strong attention to detail Ability to work as a team player Identifies and reports issues to supervisors for resolution Strong communication skills Adaptability to changes in production schedules or processes to maintain workflow A willingness to learn and improve processes within the production role Ability to follow instructions and make basic decisions within the scope of the role Ability to identify problems and resolve conflicts within a collaborative, team-driven environment Excellent organization skills Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Intermediate proficiency in G suite/Microsoft and various operating platforms and production applications Adherence to health and safety policies, including the use of personal protective equipment. Understanding product safety regulations and handling instructions for hazardous substances Intermediate understanding of the operation and maintenance of production machinery and associated processes Familiarity with machine settings and making adjustments as needed to ensure smooth operation Intermediate ability to identify and resolve issues and adjust settings to maintain production quality Awareness of production logistics, including handling and testing of pallets and materials. Intermediate familiarity with quality assurance protocols, such as knowledge of trial procedures, collecting samples for testing and verifying production targets. Qualifications Preferred 2+ years experience in high-volume manufacturing, distribution or logistics Strong Communication and Organizational skills Physical Demands Stationary Position - Frequently Move/Traverse - Stationary Position/Seated - Frequently Transport/Lifting - Frequently Transport/Carrying - Frequently Exerting Force/Pushing - Exerting Force/Pulling - Frequently Ascend/Descend - Frequently Balancing - Frequently Position Self/Stooping - Frequently Position Self/Kneeling - Frequently Position Self/Crouching - Frequently Position Self/Crawling - Frequently Reaching - Constantly Handling - Constantly Grasping - Frequently Feeling - Occasionally Communicate/Talking - Frequently Communicate/Hearing - Frequently Repetitive Motions - Frequently Coordination - Frequently Working Conditions Extreme cold - Frequently Extreme heat - Frequently Humid - Frequently Wet - Frequently Noise - Frequently Hazards - Frequently Temperature Change - Frequently Vibration - Frequently Travel Requirements: May require occasional travel in connection with job duties as it relates to conferences, site visits, professional development or learning opportunities, etc. in which advance notice of travel expectations/events will be provided Base salary and/or rate of pay ranges listed are exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses. Individual compensation offers will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to geographic location, relevant candidate experience and skill, education, and/or qualifications. Base Hourly Rate: $28.00 How We Protect What Matters Most: 1. We offer a wide range of health insurance options that include medical, dental, and vision for you and your family. 2. Our Family-Building benefits support the many different journeys to fertility and parenthood. 3. Our robust 401K plan includes an employer match contribution with your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions. 4. Other exciting programs and perks are available to help employees achieve work-life balance, including (but not limited to) a wellness program, free financial coaching, a referral program, and product rebates when purchased for an employee’s primary residence. 5. Professional growth and development are very important to us! We offer internal training programs and courses, as well as a generous tuition reimbursement program. 6. We're committed to fostering a culture that reflects our values to connect, empower, evolve, and inspire. We offer many opportunities for employees to connect with one another, including through our Employee Resource Groups who focus on education and allyship for all of our employees. GAF complies with federal, state, and local disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR Services at 833-HR-XPERT. We believe our employees are our greatest resource. We offer competitive salary, benefits, 401k, and vacation packages for all full time permanent positions. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity on the basis of each candidate's qualifications, experience, and merit, without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. If applying for positions in the U.S., must be eligible to work in the U.S. without need for employer sponsored visa (work permit).