Associate Operator, Production

Overview

The Production Operator role is key in the production of quality products in a safe manner every day.

The Production Operator is an extrusion machine operator position that requires broad knowledge of production processes, equipment troubleshooting, equipment operation, packaging procedures, health and safety policies, and quality policies.

The Production Operator is expected to operate an extruder line along with other production pieces of equipment with minimal supervision in a participative team environment. 

Nightshift opportunities are available. 

Responsibilities

• Reading and complying with the Company's Environmental and Quality Policies. This position is also responsible for reporting to management deviations from the policy when they are observed.
• Assume personal responsibility for safety performance and demonstrates a genuine concern for the safety of co-workers.
• Maintaining acceptable housekeeping and 5S standards.
• Comply with all safety/health related policies and procedures, participate in company sponsored safety programs and activities, and report to management those conditions or actions by employees or others that might create a hazard to themselves or others in the plant.
• Setting up extruders to run a product that is in accordance with standard operating conditions with minimal downtime and loss of product. This includes the setting of feed totes and product totes. Must be able to learn to use tote tumbling and screw/element oven equipment.
• Maintaining proper records, which includes run logs/sheet, feed blends on line, amount of product in totes, packaging reports, work orders, log books and keeping the on-coming operator informed as to important issues.
• Completing a product turn-around, which includes cleaning the extruder barrel and screws, the feeder, the chopper, the classifier, the reclaimer system, bagging system, product totes to prevent product contamination. Requires familiarity in the operation and uses of various hand tools.
• Review and understanding of the policies and procedures contained in standard operating procedures, hazardous communication and waste disposal procedures.
• Troubleshooting processing problems with the product. This includes, but is not limited to surging, black specks, improper pellet size, pellets with tails and contaminated product.
• Troubleshooting equipment failure and repairing.
• This includes but is not limited to, placing thermocouples, vacuum leaks, vacuum conveying problems.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or 5 years of manufacturing experience in lieu of diploma or GED
• No experience required.
• Must be proficient in written and verbal English communication.
• Valid driver's license is required.

This Kentucky position pays $26.44/hour, plus a night‑shift differential and annual bonus eligibility. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, and market factors.