Position Summary
The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and maintaining production equipment used in the manufacturing of activated carbon products. This position ensures equipment operates efficiently, production goals are met, and quality standards are maintained while following all company safety policies and operating procedures.
The Equipment Operator works closely with Maintenance and Quality to minimize downtime, identify equipment concerns, and support continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing process.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Equipment Operation
- Safely operate production equipment according to established operating procedures.
- Monitor equipment performance and make adjustments to maintain efficient production.
- Start up, operate, and shut down production equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures.
- Monitor gauges, control panels, temperatures, pressures, and production parameters.
- Load, unload, and transfer raw materials and finished product as required.
- Maintain continuous awareness of equipment operation and report abnormalities immediately.
Production Responsibilities
- Meet daily production goals while maintaining product quality.
- Perform routine equipment inspections throughout each shift.
- Record production data accurately and completely.
- Assist with product changeovers and equipment cleaning.
- Maintain communication with supervisors and coworkers regarding equipment status.
Equipment Monitoring
Operate and monitor equipment including, but not limited to:
- Rotary kilns
- Silos
- Conveyors
- Bucket elevators
- Augers
- Crushers
- Screens
- Dust collection systems
- Material handling equipment
- Pumps and valves
- Industrial processing equipment
Quality
- Follow established quality control procedures.
- Perform visual inspections of product and equipment.
- Report quality concerns immediately.
- Work closely with the Quality Department to maintain product standards.
Safety
- Follow all OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
- Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures when required.
- Report unsafe conditions, incidents, or near misses immediately.
- Participate in safety meetings and training.
Housekeeping
- Maintain a clean and organized work area.
- Clean equipment and surrounding workspaces throughout the shift.
- Properly dispose of waste materials.
- Assist with general housekeeping throughout the plant.
Teamwork
- Work cooperatively with Maintenance, Quality, Shipping, and Production teams.
- Communicate equipment issues promptly.
- Assist coworkers as operational needs require.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Previous manufacturing or industrial experience preferred.
- Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification preferred.
- Mechanical aptitude preferred.
- Ability to safely operate industrial equipment.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to safely operate manufacturing equipment.
- Basic mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to recognize abnormal equipment operation.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Basic math and recordkeeping skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Commitment to workplace safety.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Lift up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier items with assistance.
- Climb stairs and ladders.
- Bend, squat, kneel, reach, and twist frequently.
- Work around moving machinery.
- Work in hot, dusty, noisy industrial environments.
- Wear required PPE, including hard hats, hearing protection, respirators, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toe footwear.
Working Conditions
This position works in an active manufacturing environment with exposure to:
- Industrial equipment
- Carbon dust
- Elevated temperatures near production equipment
- Outdoor weather conditions
- Loud noise
- Rotating machinery
- Moving conveyors
- Forklift traffic
Strict adherence to all safety policies is required.
Core Competencies
Equipment Operators are expected to demonstrate:
- Safety First
- Integrity & Accountability
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Quality Focus
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Adaptability
- Continuous Improvement
- Professionalism
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
