Production Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Shift: 1st shift
Schedule: Tuesday-Friday / 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM / Mondays work as needed
Pay Range: $18.00 to $20.00 per hour (based on experience) 

We are seeking a reliable and safety-focused Production System Operator to support the operation of multiple manufacturing production lines. In this role, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining production equipment while ensuring product quality, efficiency, and workplace safety.

The Production System Operator works with a variety of processing systems used to clean, size, refine, granulate, package, and prepare products to customer specifications. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, basic computer skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Operations:

• Operate, monitor, and adjust production line machinery with minimal supervision.
• Perform equipment setup, troubleshooting, and process adjustments using touchscreen controls, control panels, and mechanical systems.
• Conduct quality inspections, ASTM sieve analyses, bulk density testing, and flow rate measurements.
• Monitor materials throughout the production process for quality and contamination concerns.
• Complete production documentation, inventory transactions, and data entry accurately.
• Follow customer-specific packaging requirements and production standards.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and preventive maintenance activities.

Material Handling:

• Operate forklifts, skid steers, and other powered industrial equipment to transport raw materials and finished products.
• Complete required equipment inspections at the beginning of each shift.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and operational readiness.
• Follow all trailer loading and unloading safety procedures.
• Fuel, clean, and inspect equipment as required.

Housekeeping & 6S Organization:

• Maintain a safe, organized, and clean work environment.
• Utilize vacuums, air wands, brooms, and shovels to keep production areas clean.
• Participate in departmental 6S initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure tools and equipment are properly stored and maintained.
• Support cleaning and preparation of production equipment and workspaces.

Communication & Teamwork:

• Communicate production issues, quality concerns, and schedule changes to supervisors and team leads.
• Submit maintenance work orders and assist in identifying equipment issues.
• Collaborate effectively with other operators and departments.
• Attend production, safety, departmental, and company meetings.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in pre-shift safety activities and daily planning.
• Cross-train in other production functions as needed.
• Jockey trailers using a yard spotter tractor when qualified.
• Support operational needs through flexibility and willingness to perform various job assignments.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent manufacturing experience.
• English proficiency (reading, writing, and speaking).
• Minimum of 6 months of powered industrial truck experience.
• Basic computer and data entry skills.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations and understand units of measure.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to workplace safety and quality standards.
• Ability to work overtime when required.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position.

Preferred:

• Previous manufacturing or machine operation experience.
• Experience operating equipment of similar complexity.
• Front-end loader experience.
• ERP system experience.
• Valid driver's license (required for trailer jockeying duties).

Work Environment:

This position works in a manufacturing environment and may be exposed to:

• Dust and airborne particles.
• Loud noise levels.
• Moving machinery and equipment.
• High-pressure air, steam, or gas systems.
• Temperature fluctuations and extreme heat.
• Chemical fumes and industrial materials.

Required PPE may include:

• Safety glasses.
• Steel-toe or composite-toe footwear.
• Hearing protection.
• Additional safety equipment as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Frequently bend, stoop, reach, climb, push, and pull.
• Lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently.
• Operate machinery, material handling equipment, and hand tools safely.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and adhere to all safety requirements.
• Effectively communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and cross-functional teams.

Why Join Us?

• Stable manufacturing environment.
• Opportunities for cross-training and skill development.
• Safety-focused culture.
• Collaborative team atmosphere.
• Career growth opportunities within operations and production.

Apply today to join a team dedicated to quality, safety, and operational excellence.