Palletizer Operator

Position Summary

Palletizer Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the automatic palletizer and related equipment with adherence to all company procedures and customer expectations. Employee is responsible for maintaining compliance with Huber’s Sustainability Management System within his/her sphere of influence. This may or may not include compliance with any air permits, wastewater permits, storm water permits, or other rules as presented to the employee as required.   

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

1. Obtains packaging instructions including quantity, product, lot number, and relevant packaging configurations.

2. Review all instructions, codes, bags, lot numbers and labels for accuracy.

3. Verify lot numbers and customer requirements through communication with lab department.

4. Transfer finished product from silo to packaging equipment using transfer station.

5. Operate automatic palletizer with strict adherence to company procedures/customer expectations.

6. Weighs each packaged supersack and records on load out sheet.

7. Safely operate forklit and other mobile equipment as applicable.

8. Completes pre-shift inspections and documentation including forklift, work area, and packaging area.

9. Wraps pallets and moves them to the warehouse.

10. Stacks pallets in designated areas with forklift.

11. Adjusts bag weight mechanism if necessary to meet specifications.

12. Troubleshoot and perform or assist with maintenance as needed or directed.

13. Complete daily paperwork requirements which includes scanning product and utilizing inventory system and correctly attaching bar code labels to pallets.

14. Review completed pallets as coming off the palletizer for errors or issues (i.e. missing bags, damaged pallets, improper stacking etc.) and report problems to shift leader.

15. Assist in plant cleanup as directed.

16. Assist packaging operators as needed or directed. Packaging responsibilities can occupy as much as 50% of the Palletizer’s time as a normal and regular part of the job. (See pkg operator job description).

17. Performs necessary housekeeping functions to maintain work area in a clean and safe condition (clean up could involve using a broom and shovel).

18. Collect product samples during packaging operation and bring them to the lab for quality testing per standard operating procedure.

19. Clean out packaging stations when changing product and appropriately dispose or rework the clean out or changeover material.

20. Correctly complete disposal/rework and over/under weight bag information on daily packaging report.

21. Complete packaging shift report at the end of each shift.

22. Relief duties as directed and trained.

23. May become involved in computer applications such as Oracle through cross training.

24. Cross-functional but dedicated to specific functions.

25. Actively participate in continuous improvement program.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

1. High School Diploma or GED required. Technical school a plus.
2. Minimum of 3 years experience in industrial/heavy equipment operation.
3. Willing and able to work and act safe.
4. Must be able to react and respond to safety related situations.
5. Ability to read and comprehend lot codes and work instructions.
6. Ability to accurately scan and input product into inventory system.
7. Must have a strong mechanical aptitude.
8. Must be able to perform mathematical calculations including: multiplication, addition, percentages (can be accomplished using a calculator or manually).
9. Must have good communication skills and work with employees at all levels of the organization.
10. Ability to understand, read, write, and speak the English language.
11. Ability to read and comprehend safety policy manuals, SOP’s, SDS, and various production schedules/reports.
12. Must have basic computer skills to be able to view e-mail and complete required on-line training courses.

Physical Requirements

1. Works inside and occasionally outside
2. Exposed to extreme heat and cold, ranging from 20 degrees F to 120 degrees F as well as dust/dirt, noise, vibrations, and humidity for up to 12 hours at a time.
3. Ability to lift and handle an average of 55 lb. bags in repetitive motion on a daily basis. Shift averages 8-12 hours.
4. Must use arms to lift and hands and fingers to feel, hold and move product. Routinely bend, lift, push, pull, climb, kneel, squat, twist body.
5. Able to climb and descend 19 stairs multiple times a day.
6. Must be able to stand for up to 12 hours per shift.
7. Must be able to sweep from under machinery, and shovel up to 4000 lbs per day into dumpster
8. Must be able to sit in chair and place empty bags on spout up to 3600 times in a shift.
9. Must be capable of wearing required PPE for entire shift: Hard hat, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, safety harness/lanyard, gloves, hearing protection etc.
10. Must be able to climb on/off forklift 150 times or more per shift.
11. Must be able to operate equipment at a speed that is prudent for the conditions while maintaining an efficient level of production.

Education