Operator I - CP Kelco

Position Summary

The Packaging Operator I is responsible for packaging of basegum material, reprocessing of WIP material (reblending, milling and agglomeration) and clean up associated with biogum products. The position requires knowledge and understanding of the technology and process operations in order to efficiently and safely operate the equipment. Several operations require operator interaction through a computer interface. The operator is expected to make decisions and necessary changes to correct deviations in process conditions and to assist in troubleshooting operational problems.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Works independently to complete assigned work tasks and to monitor and operate equipment: The Operator II works individually as well as in teams, according to the tasks and instructions provided by the team leader. Packaging operators must adhere to GMP regulations set forth by plant policies. Operations require climbing stairs and ladders to monitor and set up equipment. Some areas have difficult access and require bending or stooping to reach equipment. Several operations require the opening and closing of various types and sizes of valves.
• Works in varying environmental conditions: May be required to work for several hours at a time in temperatures ranging from below freezing to in excess of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Walks / stands upon a variety of surfaces: There are a variety of surfaces on which Operators are required work, including concrete, gravel, metal grating and diamond-plated stairways and walkways. These surfaces can, at times, be slippery.
• Ensures assigned production area is maintained free of deposits of processed material: Considerable cleaning is required to keep equipment and work areas free from product accumulations. Extensive cleanup procedures are required prior to specific processing campaigns. The operator must be able to follow a detailed cleaning procedure. Particular jobs may require frequent cleaning of equipment using specialized tools and high-pressure water hoses. Routine cleaning involves sweeping, mopping, dusting and vacuuming. Sweeps floors using long handled, 24” wide janitor’s broom which is grasped and held with both hands for prolonged periods and pushed or pulled using up to 10 lbs of manual effort. Bends or squats at hips and knees and reaches with arms to lift or shovel waste from the floor into a 300 lb drum. Moves drum by manually tilting it on end, then rolling it as far as 10 feet. Vacuums waste product using 1.5 in., corrugated hose weighing up to 15 lbs when filled. Must manually grasp, twist, and pull to disassemble the equipment for emptying. Carries and/or pulls vacuum assembly within a range of 50 feet. Lifts and reaches overhead with cleaning nozzles and brushes and climbs 5 foot ladder as necessary to reach upper support beams during cleaning
• Drives and operates forklift: Grasps vehicle and pulls self up approximately 30 in. From the ground to driving platform. Pinches and turns key. Firmly grasps steering wheel, pushes and pulls pedals and levers using hands and feet while lifting/lowering forks. Drives over smooth and uneven terrain
• Packaging Product: The Operator I is responsible for packaging product at the Okmulgee plant. This involves filling fiber drums, boxes or bags with product, then labeling and stacking processed material onto pallets in anticipation of shipping. The Operator II works in teams or individually, according to the task., following the packaging steps as explained in the packaging procedures. Operator needs to understand and comply with GMP regulations.
•  Agglomeration / Milling / Blending: The Operator is responsible for processing of WIP material. Reprocessing operations include the fine mesh and waste gum milling systems and the agglomerator, as well as reblend operations. The Operator II is responsible for operating these systems, understanding the control systems and basic troubleshooting of the equipment. The Operator must be able to charge product into the blenders and follow processing instructions provided by team leader.
• Codes/recodes drums: Uses manual dexterity including reaching and pinching with hands and repetitive rotation and flexion of the wrists and forearms while applying codes with a hand held roller. When recoding drums, must grasp edges of 16 in. Drum of product weighing 100 lbs., tilt it and roll it off the pallet, and apply the hand-rolled code as described above.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior employment experience in a manufacturing or warehouse position is desirable.
• Must be able to manipulate/roll drums weighing up to 240 pounds continuously throughout the work shift (i.e. a 6-8 hour shift), using correct ergonomics, including transport assistance devices (i.e. roller tracks and turntables) and conforming to GMP standards.