Machine Operator

Machine Operator

Location: Palestine, TX

Salary Range: $19.75 per hour

Job Title: Furnace Operator - Operations Tech II

Location: Palestine

3:00pm-11:30pm or 11:00pm-7:30am

We are seeking an Operations Technician II. This operator sets-up, prepares and monitors manufacturing machines/equipment pertaining to the furnace and/or grinding operation for the plant. Performs safety checks and troubleshoots equipment. They also perform additional duties assigned as required/tasked.

Job Details:

• Operates all processes in a safe manner and with HSE rules and regulations.
• Ability to perform all duties of an Operations Technician I.
• Must understand the equipment and process flow to include the impact of gas rates, draft and T-Air fans and have the ability to troubleshoot problems as they occur.
• Safely performs start-up and shutdown of furnaces and related equipment.
• Operates Furnace area equipment - furnaces, elevators, baghouses, screws, splitters etc.
• Assists maintenance and other personnel as needed.
• Routinely monitors environmental conditions in the plant and takes appropriate investigative & corrective actions as needed.
• Has significant responsibility in ensuring compliance to environmental permits and Good Neighbor principles by monitoring baghouse emissions and other potential leak sources.
• Completes daily dust collector emission inspections and records.
• Communicates daily metrics such as lbs/thm and output rates to lead operator and management as needed.
• Change Drippings trays on furnaces.
• Monitor incoming grains to furnaces.
• Performs and records in process checks, interprets data, and makes necessary adjustments as needed.
• Monitor furnace air transport systems to ensure beads are properly placed in Packaging Dept.
• Ensure proper operation of the plant over-run system from Packaging Dept is operating properly.
• Operate furnaces to desired rounds, gas and feed rates as required.
• Assists the grinder operator in sifter screen change outs.
• Is responsible for maintaining accurate logs and electronically documenting furnace related data.
• Assist maintenance on maintenance activities in the Furnace Dept.
• Troubleshoot or diagnose equipment issues in the Furnace Dept.
• Monitor tank levels of incoming grains and finished beads.
• Replace feed hoses on furnaces as necessary.
• Inspect furnaces for proper feed, stickers and hot spots.
• Performs appropriate shift change communication to ensure the operation continuously operates safe and efficiently.
• Perform Gas Safety Checks on the furnaces.
• Performs inspections inside furnaces, baghouses, and heat exchangers as needed.
• Supports reliability initiatives and accurately reports any downtime.
• Communicates with grinding operator to ensure sufficient grain tank levels.
• Communicates with management and production to ensure correct material is produced for packaging needs.
• Participates in plant-wide HSE, quality and productivity initiatives.
• Participates in HSE activities (i.e., Toolbox meetings, monthly plant audits, accident investigations, Hazard IDs, etc.); Operates in compliance with all health, safety and environmental rules and regulations.
• Understands that safe work practices is a condition of employment and is actively engaged in activities such as hazard ID's and assisting in updating work procedures.
• Participates on the Safety Committee on a voluntary rotating basis.
• Performs other duties assigned by their manager as needed.

Job Qualifications / Requirements:

• Education: Minimum Requirements: High School Diploma/GED Desired Level: Post High School Technical School or College a Plus
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of Manufacturing Environment Experience required Minimum of 3 years Operational Experience with production machinery/equipment required Minimum of 3 years forklift operations and/or certification preferred
• Skills & Knowledge: Knowledge & ability to use computer for tasks such as email and data entry Must have strong work ethics Able to work and contribute in a Team Environment Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions
• Working Conditions: Manufacturing Plant environment; See page 3 and 4 for specifics
• Training Certification/Registrations: Forklift certification preferred

If you would like to apply for this position, please apply online at and select ATHENS as your branch. "A.T. Staffing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information."