Automatic Bagging Operator

At the Hawthorne Gardening Company, we’re on a relentless pursuit to push the limits of growing performance.

Position Scope / Impact of Error:

Accountable to the Production Supervisor, the Automated Bagging Line Operator, participates as an integral member of the Canada Supply Chain team and performs duties in accordance with the mandate and priorities of Scotts Canada Ltd. The Automated Bagging Line Operator is responsible for the safe operation of the bagger, palletizer, packer, jet printer and labelers. He/she must also carry out the necessary quality tests, and make the necessary reports, both for quality and production (stoppages, consumption, quantities produced).

He/she must communicate regularly with the quality control technician or the production supervisor for production or quality problems. The operator must also ensure that his/her equipment is working properly, in collaboration with the electromechanics if necessary.

Impact of recommendations, decisions and actions made by the incumbent:
Moderate to High

Position Authority:

The Automated Bagging Line Operator makes recommendations to the Production Supervisor (or designate) who makes the final decision.

Position Overview:

The Automated Bagging Line Operator’s primary responsibilities revolved around placing products safely and efficiently into appropriate packages and ensuring its quality. They are required to keep up with production rates while maintaining a smooth production line, which include handling equipment, working with plant operators and other staff, while observing proper safety and quality, and upholding company environmental health and safety policies and procedures.

As an Automated Bagging Line Operator, you must be aware of the production schedule and proper equipment cleaning procedures.

The Automated Bagging Line Operator may be required to work on holidays and weekends from time to time.

Specific Accountabilities:

Operate bagger, palletizer, wrapper, jet printer and labellers simultaneously, while checking seal quality, volume and weight in bags and bag appearance. Checking current and future production orders to avoid mix-ups or production delays;
Ensuring the correct packaging and stacking on pallets is used. Ensure the proper functioning of equipment (under his/her responsibility) and perform routine maintenance if necessary. Remove damaged wrapped items from the machine and separate rejected items. Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, such as batch numbers or shipping destinations. Store and sort products for operation of packaging or filling machines, and replenish packaging supplies, such as plastic top sheet, boxes, cartons, glue, ink or labels.

Shut down or reset machines in case of malfunction, clear machine jams and report recurring faults to a supervisor or team leader; complete productivity reports as required. Observe machine operation to ensure quality and compliance of filled or wrapped products to company quality standards. Start the machine by switching on the controls. Pack product into the form in which it will be shipped, e.g. fill bags of soil, mulch from a chute or spout.

Count and record finished and rejected packaged items. Clean and remove damaged or otherwise inferior materials to prepare raw products for processing. Clean packing containers, align and stuff crates or assemble cartons to prepare products for packing. Sorting, classifying, weighing and inspecting products, checking and adjusting product weights or measurements to meet specifications. Clean, oil and make minor adjustments or repairs to machines and equipment, such as adjusting valves, adjusting guides, replacing heat tape, etc.

Monitor the production line, looking for problems such as stacking, jamming or seals that are not properly sealed. Adjusting the flow, speed or temperature of the machines. Supply materials to spindles, conveyors, hoppers or other feeders and unload packaged products. Adjust machine components and machine tension and pressure to suit product size or processing angle. Follow procedures for transporting and storing rolls of packaging/film.

Perform necessary quality tests, such as…