Plant Operator

Fertilizer Plant Operations

Safely and effectively performs one or more operations function(s) as assigned at a SSC fertilizer plant. Demonstrates the ability to learn and develop operations skill sets and utilize specialized industrial equipment. Performs work under direct supervision.

Essential Job Functions

• For one or more of the operations identified, develop and maintain effective working knowledge of production procedures and assume full responsibility for operational requirements, including: communication, documentation, efficiency, scheduling, and maintenance. Safely utilize the proper tools and equipment to complete assignments.

Bag Hanging Operations: Prepare empty fertilizer merchandising bags for filling, sealing, and shipment.

• Keep supply of empty fertilizer bags clean and organized in designated storage location.
• Place empty bags on the filling station and fill with fertilizer according to plant procedures.
• Empty damaged bags back to processing.
• Regularly clean machinery according to housekeeping requirements.

Bag Dropping & Folding Operations: Drop and fold bags on production line.

• Place empty fertilizer bags under chute and hold bag until it is full.
• Lift and drop bags onto production line.
• Fold bags as they go down the production line.
• Assist in the chemical warehouse as needed.

Tagging Operations: Perform fertilizer bag tagging and facility maintenance.

• Obtain proper fertilizer analysis tags and place tags in empty bags.
• Empty damaged bags back to processing.
• Monitor bagging area for fertilizer spills. Perform clean-up procedures and return fertilizer to processing.
• Demonstrate initiative to develop new operations skills. Participate in training opportunities offered by SSC to increase familiarity with facility and learn procedures for performing additional plant operations.
• Comply with requirements of the SSC Quality Control (QC) Program in each operation performed. Immediately notify plant leadership of any suspected problem with product quality. Review and comply with QC updates relative to assigned operations.
• Maintain clean and orderly work area by keeping tools and equipment in proper places and all materials off the floor. Perform all related cleaning and sanitizing of equipment. Properly dispose of waste material. Be proactive with cleaning efforts. Follow all facility housekeeping requirements and related procedures.
• Work safely as to not cause harm to yourself, co-workers, equipment, or inventory. Comply with OSHA regulations, Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, work rules and policies.
• Perform all other job functions as assigned.

Education: Requires a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)

Experience: Prefer prior experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment operating production equipment. Previous SSC work experience a plus.

Requirements

• Able to learn and understand operations procedures, quality requirements, and related policies governing the fertilizer production program
• Able to learn and safely operate specialized production equipment, controls, and systems as determined by location
• Able to work in a fast paced team environment where job assignments may vary based on production and business need
• Able to meet production goals and deadlines as determined by seasonal demand
• Able to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
• Able to apply logic and understanding to carry out instructions given in written, oral and diagram form
• Able to complete paperwork, reports, and/or documentation, in a legible, organized, and timely manner
• Attention to detail
• Able to speak, read, write the English language in a proficient manner
• Overtime, alternate shift, schedule, or weekend may be required as determined by business need
• Able to report to work in adverse weather conditions is required

Work Environment

Primarily performs essential job functions in an indoor environment that is not climate controlled and experiences temperature and humidity swings. Occasionally performs essential functions outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions. May require use of stairs. May work on ladders or scaffolding.

Frequently exposed to hazards including:

• Dust, odors, fumes, and chemicals associated with the production, packaging, warehousing, and distribution of fertilizer products
• Moving mechanical parts, equipment, and vehicles
• Electrical current, vibrations, lubricants and wet surfaces
• Noise levels where hearing protection may be required per PPE Plan

Physical Activities & Requirements -- will vary based on assigned operations. Below is a general summary:

• Continuously balance and bend; stand and walk on concrete; reach with arms and hands, use hands in repetitive motion; manual dexterity (fingers), grasp and handle fertilizer bags, containers, and equipment controls; utilize eye/hand coordination; turn and twist head/neck and waist/back. Pull, push, lift, carry up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Frequently crouch, kneel, stack, stoop, sweep. Pull, push, lift, carry 50-80 pounds, may be assisted.
• Occasionally shovel. Pull, push, lift, carry 80- 100 pounds, may be assisted.

Must be able to hear equipment sounds, plant pages, co-workers and radio. Must be able to speak to co-workers regarding production and safety. Must be able to utilize sense of smell to identify ingredients and products, and detect quality issues. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Tools & Equipment

Hard hat, steel toed shoes, and all other PPE as required by operation assignments. Specialized fertilizer production and bagging equipment. Ladder, scale, computer, printer, copier, calculator, manuals and forms, writing instrument, telephone, intercom, and other location specific equipment as necessary.

Southern States Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws, or regulations.