What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Operator I position at HGS BioScience?
HGS Bioscience is a fast-growing, agriculture-based manufacturing team. Our people are at the center of our success, and we are committed to building a supportive, growth-oriented workplace.
We are seeking a Production Operator I–III, who is responsible for safely and efficiently operating equipment and processes involved in the production of humic powder products. This role supports material handling, liquid and batch processing, granulation, drying, quality control documentation, and equipment care. Operator level (Tier I, II, or III) is determined based on qualifications, technical proficiency, and demonstrated operational leadership.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and housekeeping standards
- Operate production equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Accurately complete production activity sheets, logs, and quality control documentation
- Support material handling, inventory accuracy, and cycle count activities
- Collaborate effectively with team members, supervisors, and quality personnel
- Identify and report safety concerns, process deviations, or equipment issues
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Three (3) years of manufacturing experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements
- Ability to follow all safety policies and procedures
- Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn production equipment
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to work in a physically demanding industrial setting
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, lift, and perform repetitive tasks throughout a shift
- Ability to lift up to required production limits with or without accommodation
- Exposure to dust, heat, noise, and industrial equipment typical of a powder manufacturing environment
Tier Progression Overview
Operators are classified into Tier I, II, or III based on demonstrated skills, certifications, equipment proficiency, and leadership within the production environment. This role supports a clear advancement pathway from Tier I to Tier III, based on skills acquisition, certifications, performance, and operational leadership.
Tier
Qualifiers & Expectations
Tier I
Entry/Foundational Operator
- Proficient in housekeeping and sanitation practices
- Ability to complete forklift training and obtain certification within the first week of employment
- Ability to properly operate and maintain the centrifuge
- Accurate completion of activity sheets including time, date, quality control, and quality testing requirements
- Knowledgeable of material handling operations
- Proficient in with cycle counts and inventory evaluations
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrates teamwork and collaboration
Tier II
Intermediate/Skilled Operator
- Meets all Tier I qualifications
- Serves as a subject matter expert in material handling
- Proficient in liquid processing and batch execution
- Proficient in boiler operations
- Intermediate proficiency in granulation operations
- Advanced accuracy in quality control testing and production documentation
- Knowledge of basic equipment care and troubleshooting
- Able to obtain certification on site-specific heavy equipment
Tier III
Advanced/Lead Operator
- Meets all Tier II qualifications
- Proficient in spray dryer operations
- Fully proficient in granulation operations
- Advanced equipment care and troubleshooting capability
- Acts as a subject matter expert across the following areas:
Safety and housekeeping
Forklift and heavy equipment operation
Centrifuge operation
Liquid and batch processing
Material handling
Teamwork and communication
- Provides minor training and operational guidance to other operators
- Provides support on oversight and execution of assignments
- Possesses a basic understanding of NetSuite
What We Offer
- Collaborative, people-first culture
- Competitive compensation and benefits packages
- Savings and retirements plan with employer match
- Paid time-off, starting at three (3) weeks a year
- Career pathing and developmental opportunities