Production Operator

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionProduction OperatorLocationRoanoke, VAPay Rate$18.50 per hourSchedule1st Shift: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM–4:30 PM10-hour workdaysOvertime on Fridays as neededLong sleeves, long pants, and steel-toe footwear are required.Position OverviewThe Production Operator performs a variety of production activities in a heavy manufacturing environment while following established safety, quality, and production procedures. This position supports the manufacturing process through tank washing, material preparation, batch making, product fill-off, and milling/grinding operations. The operator is responsible for accurately handling and measuring materials, operating production equipment, maintaining clean work areas, and following all applicable health, safety, environmental, and product safety requirements. The position may require cross-training and performing multiple production functions as needed to support production goals.Key ResponsibilitiesProduction & SafetyOperate production equipment safely and according to established procedures, guidelines, and industry best practices.Perform daily production activities, preventative maintenance tasks, process data collection, and required documentation.Report safety, quality, equipment, or production issues to the Team Leader or Shift Supervisor.Support production targets while maintaining required quality standards.Submit corrective action or hazard reports when applicable.Provide production progress updates to the Team Leader or Shift Supervisor.Attend and contribute to production meetings.Assist with investigations involving safety or quality issues, customer complaints, rejected batches, and other production concerns.Participate in continuous improvement activities related to HSE, quality, and production processes.Follow all applicable company, site, laboratory, product safety, and regulatory procedures.Tank WashingClean portable tanks, valves, filters, pumps, and related equipment using cleaning chemicals, pressure washers, brushes, scrapers, and other cleaning tools.Operate automated tank-washing equipment.Pressure wash portable tanks as required.Maintain proper housekeeping in assigned work areas.Perform other duties as needed to support the production process.Pre-Kit & Material CoordinationMaintain organized storage of raw materials, intermediates, and finished goods.Obtain and stage materials required for batch makers, adjusters, tinters, and fill-off operations.Operate and inspect forklifts as required.Complete daily forklift inspections and required documentation.Deliver materials to designated production areas.Return unused materials to the appropriate storage location or dispose of empty containers according to procedures.Assist fill-off operators with obtaining appropriate containers.Move finished goods, intermediates, overages, and hazardous waste to designated areas.Ensure hazardous waste containers are properly labeled, dated, and moved to the appropriate accumulation area when full.Keep yards, storage areas, and production areas clean and organized.Remove trash and rags from the facility at the end of the shift.Perform other trained production functions as needed.Fill-Off OperationsTransfer completed products into containers ranging from small cans to large tanks.Fill approved batches ranging from approximately 1 gallon to 5,000 gallons into appropriate shipping containers.Weigh and measure products accurately to achieve required yields.Inspect filled containers for leaks and ensure openings are properly closed and secured.Complete batch tickets, labels, and container numbering accurately.Stage completed containers for shipment after required approval.Properly dispose of filters and clean pumps, tanks, filter housings, and hoses using appropriate cleaning materials.Label and stage cleaning materials appropriately.Label and stencil containers according to customer and shipping requirements.Maintain proper housekeeping within the fill-off area.Batch MakingAdd raw materials in the required sequence according to batch tickets.Accurately weigh and measure materials used in production.Coordinate sample testing with Quality Control.Make required batch adjustments as directed by Quality Control.Maintain required housekeeping standards.Perform other trained production functions, including fill-off and tank washing, as needed.Milling & GrindingOperate machine controls to maintain specified flow and temperature limits.Follow Lockout/Tagout/Tryout procedures.Set up pump trains to transfer materials between vessels.Set up and break down milling equipment.Select appropriate media and screens.Set up equipment for internal pin disruption operations.Clean and inspect mills after use.Inspect equipment for wear and use wear-indicator tools.Understand color development during the production process.Use grind-check blocks or other fineness-check devices.QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED equivalent required.Prior manufacturing experience.Ability to read, understand, and follow safety instructions and procedures.Ability to pass a forklift test and obtain forklift certification.Ability to operate a forklift safely and efficiently.Ability to accurately read and apply labels.Ability to accurately measure and weigh materials.Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.Effective interpersonal and communication skills.Strong commitment to workplace safety.Ability to climb stairs while wearing steel-toe footwear.Ability to work in hot and cold environments and inclement weather.Ability to work in a heavy manufacturing environment with exposure to chemical agents.Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.Good arm-hand steadiness.Ability to read labels and observe details at close range.Physical RequirementsAbility to handle containers such as 5-gallon pails weighing up to 75 lbs.Ability to handle 60-lb bags of pigment.Ability to maneuver drums weighing up to approximately 900 lbs.Ability to lift metal objects weighing up to 40 lbs to a height of approximately 5 feet.Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.Ability to climb stairs while wearing steel-toe footwear.Ability to work in hot, cold, and outdoor/inclement weather conditions.Ability to work in a heavy manufacturing environment with exposure to chemical agents.Preferred QualificationsPrevious experience in a paint manufacturing facility.Prior forklift operating experience.Basic Microsoft skills.Experience working in a chemical or heavy manufacturing environment.English-speaking proficiency.