Manufacturing Machine Operator

Job Information

Mill Machine Equipment Operator
KOOTENAI,

Job Type: Full time
Salary: $19 - $21/hour
Shift: M-Th, 6a - 6p, occasional Fri OT

Pre-employment background check and drug screen required.

• Responsible for operating and adjusting 3 pellet mills.
• Performing QC testing of finished pellets.
• Responsible for testing of incoming raw material and mix moisture content.
• Responsible for roll changes on pellet mills using overhead hoist.
• Perform routine inspections of the process to identify any issues or problems.

• Assist dryer operator with keeping pellet moisture between 4-4.5% by giving feedback to dryer operator.
• Measure and record the durability, volume of fines, pellet diameter, and perform soak tests on finished pellets to keep quality in line with PFI standards.
• Continuously watch for problems, troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, spot fires, and hot bearings.
• Maintain pellet mill feed rates and adjust or change pellet mill rolls/dies accordingly.
• Maintain a clean work area by clearing piles of sawdust around the mill room.
• Perform ash tests on mix as well as the finished pellet and communicate these to the dryer operator.
• Perform visual volume counts of the silo’s volume and report that to the dryer operator.

• Assisting the packaging, loader, and dryer operators on the shift.
• Collect shift operator reports and verify that the paperwork is complete and accurate—complete daily Shift Summary Reports.
• Report and monitor incidents, accidents, and maintenance requests.
• Lead by example with exemplary attendance, work ethic, positive attitude, professionalism, and a safety‑first mentality.
• Participate in down‑day repairs and cleaning of the process.
• Perform other duties as required.

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Requires working knowledge of all aspects of the production process.
• Requires a high degree of technical, analytical skills.
• Must be able to pass the company forklift certification.
• Requires lifting up to 80 lbs safely, nearly waist‑high, and standing for up to 12 hours per day.
• Requires ability to use catwalks and climb ladders that connect catwalks up to 30 feet high.
• Requires mechanical and troubleshooting skills to solve pellet mill maintenance problems.
• Requires the ability to do simple to basic math calculations.
• Requires working in a high temperature/humidity area.
• Requires being able to work in confined spaces.

• Employee referral bonus program
• 2 weeks paid time off + 2 floating holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (FSA & HSA options)
• Educational assistance
• Life insurance, short term & long‑term disability
• 401(k) with employer match & immediate vesting
• Employee heating pellet program
• lignetics SWAG gear to include an annual pair of work boots & other PPE