Production Operator

Primary Function

The Utility position continuously supports the Production Department by completing daily tasks as directed by the Production Foreman - tasks will vary based on operation demands but primarily will be quality and housekeeping focused.

Basic Requirements

Safety
• Must be able to perform the essential physical requirements for each position to be considered trained.
• Must know, understand, and follow all applicable model programs plus general plant, department, and job specific safety rules.
• Must be able to protect your own personal safety and the safety of others who may be in your work area.
• Must adhere to applicable responsibilities within the plant's emergency response program [First-aid, fire, evacuation, etc.)
• Must actively participate in safety program components such as Safety huddles, USG stretching program, BBS, Take 5's, incident investigations, inspections, and submission of safety improvement ideas.
• Must be able to maintain be proactive to improve good housekeeping practices.
• Must be able to prevent damage to company equipment and materials in areas of assigned responsibility and report damages, incidents, and injuries immediately, when they occur.
• Complete LEAD training as required and all applicable advanced training courses.
• Collaborate with direct supervisors and department leadership as well as Safety Team representatives.
• Must be able to perform this job safely and actively participate in all safety programs. Understand your surroundings and the potential dangers within your work areas.

Continuous Improvement Expectations
• Understand the (4) four categories of standard work and identify existing standards when supporting an area.

o Process Adherence
• 5S, Visual Job Aids, Targets & Setpoints, Alignment Markers, Gauge Markers, Job Plans, Out of Compliance Response Plans (Andone Response Plans), Operator Basic Care (OBC's), and Preventative Maintenance (PM's)

o Reference
• Bulletin Specifications, Engineering Drawings, and Manufacturing Manuals

o Training
• VWI's, Job Breakdown Sheets, Training Videos, and Training Plans

o Leader
• Gemba Walks, Coaching, and Reflection Meetings
• Complete 5S LEAD training and support housekeeping initiatives using 5S principles: Sort, Set-in-Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.

Operations
• Perform duties as assigned by Production Foreman / Lead Supervisor / Area Supervisor.
• Production employees will occasionally have to work overtime. As with all positions at the plant, overtime is mandatory and regular and predictable attendance is an essential factor.
• The job procedures and requirements are applicable for the continuous operation of the Mill organization. The operator must remain on the job until the end of the shift and be relieved by the incoming position (applies to the coverage positions).

Job Procedures and Requirements
• Support the Wet End Supervisor and Dry End Supervisor in efforts to eliminate upset conditions due to chemical additive changes or adverse quality trends.
• Be able to log into MDIS and accurately record sets, delay times, production runs.
• Support the use and operation of the Technidyne, Thwing Albert, and Expansion Tester.
• Assist in performing the following tests using the proper testing equipment / method: Tensile Test, Ply Bond, Porosity Test, Cobb on Filler & Liner, Saturation, Expansion, Color testing, formation, and smoothness. Help identify and communicate out-of-range results to machine supervisors.
• Support safe operation the sample cutter at the reel and while following proper PPE requirements.
• Assist in cutting samples according to the test and help differentiate between Machine Direction and Cross Direction, as well as Liner and Filler sides (especially on Newsline).
• Support understanding of different finished paper grades, set widths, and adherence to the machine schedule.
• Support work with the crew on shutdown days to assist with completing assigned duties as assigned by Production Foreman.
• Assist with performing quality test as needed and as directed by Wet End/Dry End Supervisors.
• Support evaluation of smoothness and appearance on a manila sheet.
• Assist in assessing finished paper quality based on dry end tests.
• Provide timely support and assist with duties during a paper break, including but not limited to at the direction of Area Supervisor:
• Assisting with blowing dryers out with air hose
• Supporting cleanup of loose hay in aisleway
• Helping with wash-up on the wet end
• Supporting operation of the tail cutter/tail transfer controls on the dry end
• Assisting with monitoring the press pit/couch pit during machine breaks
• Helping with tailing up the dryers
• Support review of SOC and VWIs for assigned tasks.
• Contribute to improvement of workplace organization, such as 5S and Project Home.
• Assist with and support improvement of housekeeping efforts throughout the mill.

Other Job Procedures & Training
• Familiar with safe practices to perform normal wash-ups tasks.
• Fire watch rounds, general clean-up, screen inspections, clothing changes, etc.
• Familiar with all pertinent lockout procedures and support all production in lockouts.
• Support in reviewing Visual Work Instructions (VWI) in their respective area and complete SOC.

Qualifications
• Be able to perform the essential physical requirements necessary for this position.
• Familiar with safe practices of operation of a Fork Truck, Squeeze Truck, Clamp Truck, and Bobcat. A valid driver's license is required.
• Promotes, maintains, and enforces safety to promote an accident-free operation.
• Incorporates a safe-minded approach to all aspects of the department, including the process improvement initiatives.
• Self-starter and the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.
• Business-minded, people and results oriented, with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.
• No significant performance/ attendance infractions within the last 6 months.

Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage. The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period.

Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan. Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few. USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity. USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.

Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements. USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values - innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety - have helped us become the company we are today.

EOE including disability/veteran