Position: Extruder Operator

Job Description:

Perform duties to provide a variety of extruder operation and general labor service to the company, following prescribed routine

Essential Job Function:

1. Set up and control raw product flow to the extruder.
2. Properly operate extruder system for each raw material.
3. Set up finished product flows to correct storage bins.
4. Monitor all process equipment and systems for proper and efficient operation.
5. Sample finished product, evaluate, and make appropriate process changes.
6. Repair/replace sifter socks, hammer mill screens, and sifter screens.
7. Replace dust filter cartridges and socks
8. Maintain log entries on Daily Extruder Operator Sheet and shift log.
9. Disassemble, clean, and assemble the extruder housings and screw.
10. Trouble shoot and resolve extruder system equipment and process problems.
11. Load bulk finished product rail cars
12. Assist Pregel Drum Operators in Maximizing drum production and housekeeping efforts.
13. Notify Supervision of operating and/or equipment difficulties.
14. Equipment operated:

Forklift, extruder, airlocks, blowers, sifter, hammer mill, pulverizer, blender, augers, elevator, fans, air make up heater (Chemical additions), and hand tools.

1. Use proper equipment and PPE's when handling hazardous chemicals.
2. Follow safety regulations as specified by the materials MSDS.
3. Follow safety rules and keep total work area in a clean and orderly condition.
4. Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Factors:

Knowledge:

Basic knowledge of arithmetic, English, and grammar. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to comprehend process flow and equipment operation.

Experience:

0-6 months job related experience to become familiar with extruder system procedures, basic equipment operation, process flows, and overall safe extruder operation routines.

Initiative:

Routine duties: Provide a variety of extruder operation services in a safe and efficient manner. Exercise judgment to provide properly cooked pellets, avoid/correct pluggage problems, maximize on-line time, maintain high levels of housekeeping efforts, and timely completion of all work assignments.

Non-routine duties: Take initiative to trouble shoot and maintain equipment in operable condition.

Supervision:

Under general supervision, proceed alone on regular duties, referring questionable cases to the Lead Drum Operator and/or supervision. The Drum Operator provides direction and information as needed.

Physical Demand:

Continuous physical effort normally required, handling of 50-70 pound extruder housings in normal, occasional lifting of 50 and 100 pound bags.

Contact With Others:

Contacts are primarily on routine matters dealing with operators and maintenance personnel to meet production and maintenance schedules. Only ordinary courtesy and tact are required. Requires willingness to perform job as a cooperative team member.

Mental Or Visual Demand:

Flow of work and character of duties to perform extruder operation duties involves normal mental and visual attention along with manual coordination. Requires ability to receive and give written and verbal instructions.

Responsibility for the Work of Others:

Responsibility for own work. Cooperate as a team member or production team.

Working Conditions:

Disagreeable working conditions involving continuous exposure to dust, noise, and odors to the extent of being objectionable. Occasional requirements to where safety equipment (dust masks, chemical suits, rubber gloves) during performance of job may add to discomfort level. Temperature variations of winter and summer are objectionable.