Production Operator

Job Title

Responsible for the daily operations of a non-woven production line maintaining a safe environment, ensuring a quality product, and achieving desired key performance measurements. Processes include converting, slitting, and packaging equipment.

Responsibilities

Performs administrative tasks, performs inventory control through log usage sheets and computer data, inspects/grades finished product, and conducts housekeeping and safety inspections.

Monitors the Sontara process through use of computer systems examples include: VXL, Mapex, NDC Scanner, and Milo Scanner. Determines whether to adjust, start or stop equipment or processes according to correct operating limits and cost effectiveness.

Identify and provide training for new and less experienced operators.

Performs mechanical tasks that include minor line repairs and replacing dirty/contaminated belt washer jets, and consolidator jets.

Continually troubleshoot and problem solve the processes and equipment to maintain quality standards. Identify, correct, and/or prevent operational difficulties, conduct patrols and adhere to our standard operating conditions (SOC) sheet; acknowledge and respond to system alarms. Perform visual inspections of equipment and take corrective action when necessary.

Responsible for startup or shutdown of each phase of the line in a safe and efficient manner. Insures safe and proper lockout of electrical and mechanical equipment following our lockout tag out procedure before allowing maintenance to perform work.

Monitor systems, processes, and equipment that are within the fiber prep, penthouse, airlay, washer, windup and wrapper areas. Make necessary adjustments per SOC after consulting your process operator.

Performs duties during emergency situations. Follows procedures and established guidelines to maintain or restart operations safely and efficiently.

Responsible for safe and efficient operation of light industrial machinery that includes Hysters (fork trucks), automatic guides vehicles (AGV's) and tuggers during the transportation of materials and finished product.

Diverts, starts, or shuts down the flow of fiber, steam, or water used in the Sontara process.

Performs preventative maintenance. Cleans or changes screens, jets, upper plenum filter (UPF's), brushes and filters (Primary, Secondary, Tesira) to insure production within established quality standards.

Changes process variables (including core alignment i.e., windup) or settings according to SOC or product specifications.

Insures proper water treatment and distribution. Operate valves, pumps, screw press, and washer sumps. Mixes and directs the flow of various chemical additives (polymer, clay, and perlites, i.e., hydraulics) to ensure adequate supply of clean water used in the Sontara process.

Performs other duties as needed upon request of immediate supervisor.

Qualifications

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months of related experience and/or training.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Ability to write routine reports, safety incidents/near misses and correspondence.

Communicate needs to maintenance, Manufacturing ATOs, and other personnel that need to know.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide with units of measure, using whole numbers, common functions, and decimals and the ability to use a common tape measure.

SPFA – Sontara Production Floor Application or similar MRP (Material Requirements Planning) systems.

Proficient in other computer-based systems, including but not limited to, Microsoft Office.

Ability to work a 12-hour rotating schedule with overtime.

Climbing, bending, stooping, walking, pulling, pushing, lifting, crawling, squatting, standing for long periods of time, work from heights, and work in hot/cold environments.

Competencies

Able to identify own development and learning needs. Can quickly apply new learning.

Eager and willing to take on new challenges- looks for areas of cross training and skill building.

Able to apply new learning effectively.

Reacts favorably to changes and new information.

Is able to respond positively to new situations, tasks, people and environment.

Can identify what needs to be done to meet quota, goals or objectives

Can advance or push ahead in the face of adversity or challenges

Ensures accuracy and is able to monitor the quality of work and processes while still meeting demands /commitments.

Can perform tasks consistently and conscientiously

Can collaborate, idea share, listen and be a member of a team while being respectful of others.

Assumes responsibility for own commitments and actions. Shares knowledge & experience with team members

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is repeatedly required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects or tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear, smell.

Employee must be able to lift 35 pounds occasionally.

Employee must have 20/20 vision corrected in both eyes, to discern various color graphics and color matches.

Employee must be able to work 10 or 12 hour shifts.

Employee must be qualified to operate powered industrial trucks and pass Forklift License Program.

Required to frequently ascend and descend up to three flights of stairs over extremely fast moving machinery.

Required to safely access fast moving machinery which includes rolls with inward nip points.