PCC Packaging Technician

PCC Packaging Technician

Company: Specialty Minerals Inc., a Minerals Technologies company, is the largest supplier and global leader in providing Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) and Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC) specially designed for customers' application needs.

Location: Adams, Massachusetts

Pay rate: $27.38/hr

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay, commensurate with experience
• Health/Dental/Vision plans
• 401k company match
• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
• Educational Assistance
• Employee Assistance Plan

Responsibilities

Job Summary: The Packaging Technician is responsible for safely packaging PCC products in accordance with customer specifications, quality requirements, and company standards. This role operates a variety of packaging and material-handling equipment, prepares products for shipment, loads and unloads materials, and completes shipping transactions using company systems and established procedures.

Equipment Operation and Production

• Follow established startup and shutdown procedures for packaging and production equipment.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections, visual equipment inspections, and MSHA-required workplace safety inspections.
• Operate, monitor, adjust, and calibrate equipment in accordance with quality standards, daily calibration requirements, and the Quality Assurance Plan.
• Utilize control and monitoring systems (including Honeywell, Method 22, FilterSense, and similar systems) to optimize product flow, ensure process compliance, and maximize production efficiency.
• Perform product changeovers and equipment setup as required.
• Troubleshoot processing and packaging equipment and perform minor repairs and routine lubrication activities.
• Identify and locate appropriate product tanks, products, and sample materials as needed.

Packaging and Shipping

• Package, label, palletize, and stretch-wrap products using automated and manual packaging systems in accordance with customer specifications.
• Review shipping orders and identify products for shipment within warehouse inventory.
• Load packaged products onto flatbed and enclosed trailers using approved loading patterns and customer-specific requirements.
• Load products into railcars in accordance with established operating procedures and customer requirements.
• Prepare and process shipments using company systems, ensuring all shipping documentation is accurate and complete.
• Enter shipment information into company computer systems.

Material Handling and Inventory

• Operate forklifts and other mobile equipment to transport, store, and stage products and materials safely.
• Unload, receive, and store packaging materials in designated locations according to established safety and operating procedures.
• Transport and store propane cylinders in compliance with company safety requirements and applicable regulations.
• Maintain warehouse organization and inventory control standards.

Documentation and Communication

• Record labor, production, inventory, and operational information accurately and completely.
• Complete safety inspections, work requests, production reports, and other required documentation.
• Communicate operational status, production issues, and equipment concerns to incoming shifts and appropriate production or maintenance personnel.
• Assist in maintaining accurate operational records and performance data.

Team Support

• Assist maintenance personnel with equipment repairs and troubleshooting as required.
• Train and mentor employees on equipment operation, safety procedures, and work practices when qualified to do so.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement

The Packaging Technician is expected to actively support and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including:

• 5S Workplace Organization
• Kaizen Events
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Daily Management Systems
• Standard Work
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
• Operational Excellence (OE) initiatives

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: Previous manufacturing, production, packaging, shipping, receiving, warehouse, or industrial experience is preferred but not required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Additional endorsements or certifications may be required based on operational needs and vehicle assignments.
• Must meet all applicable federal, state, and company requirements for equipment and vehicle operation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Basic math and English language proficiency.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to complete documentation accurately and use computerized systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality and workplace safety.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred

• Knowledge of manufacturing and production processes.
• Experience with shipping and receiving operations.
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Forklift and mobile equipment experience.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials handling and storage.
• Ability to train and transfer job knowledge to others.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This position regularly requires the ability to:

• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stand, walk, bend, squat, kneel, twist, reach, and climb throughout the work shift.
• Perform repetitive tasks and maintain physical activity for extended periods.
• Safely operate forklifts, mobile equipment, and packaging machinery.
• Visually inspect equipment, products, and work areas.
• React quickly to changing operational conditions and equipment issues.
• Maintain situational awareness while working around moving equipment and industrial processes.

Behavioral Competencies

Successful employees in this position demonstrate:

• Initiative and self-direction
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Dependability and accountability
• Integrity and professionalism
• Time management and organizational skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Commitment to safety and compliance
• Continuous learning and improvement mindset

Employees are expected to prioritize work effectively, maintain productivity with limited supervision, and consistently comply with all company, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Work Schedule: Must be able to work assigned schedules, including shift work, overtime, weekends, holidays, and other hours as required to support operational needs.

Working Conditions

Employees in this position work in industrial and manufacturing environments that may include:

• Outdoor weather conditions
• High temperatures
• Dust and airborne particulates
• Loud noise levels
• Low-light and bright-light conditions
• Exposure to industrial equipment and moving machinery
• Hazardous materials
• Elevated work areas

Work may be performed independently or in close coordination with other employees.

Safety Requirements

Employees must comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) typically includes:

• Hard hat
• Safety glasses with side shields
• Steel-toe safety footwear
• Hearing protection
• Personal lockout/tagout device

Additional PPE may be required depending on task,