Operator Technician

Under the supervision of the Plant Manager or Production Supervisor, manufactures precipitated calcium carbonate and other related products for use by the host paper mill, or others, by performing the following functions: 1) all duties in regard to the SMI Quality System pertinent to the position, 2) operates the process computer-controlled slaking, carbonating, screening, and related equipment, 3) verifies and maintains product quality by performing various lab tests, 4) oversees maintenance and outside contractor activities in respect to production requirement.

• →Performs other duties as required.

Note: Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Within the guidelines of the Quality Management System:

• Maintains routine contact with host mill personnel regarding current quantity and quality needs.
• Maintains proper records and documentation of all process and quality parameters/tests.
• Manages, tests, and identifies incoming crude materials and lab materials for adherence to specification, either by actual testing or by review of the material's Certificate of Analysis.
• Manufactures all in-process materials and products by computer control in compliance with Work Instructions.
• Conducts all in-process and final product testing in accordance with established, approved procedures.
• Assures that product meets quality standards by controlling processes, utilizing statistical process control (SPC) techniques.
• Conducts routine calibrations of laboratory instruments and conducts routine calibrations/standardizations of process instrumentation in accordance with established, approved procedures and schedule.
• Controls and corrects non-conforming in-process material and final products in accordance with written procedure.
• Release for further processing and final products for shipment to the customer in accordance with written procedure.
• Understands and uses statistical techniques where appropriate.
• If contacted by the customer, initiates the documentation of a customer concern in accordance with the customer Concern Procedure.

Maintains a clean work area.

Works in a safe manner, adhering to Safety Policies and local regulatory requirements.

Perform Total Productive Maintenance activities as required. Assures that equipment is operating correctly.  Follows preventive maintenance activities according to schedule and corporate standards.

Oversees outside contract labor as required.

Participates in continuous training pertinent to the position.

• Actively participates in the implementation of sustainable improvement processes, such as 5S, Kaizen, Daily Management Control, Standard Work and Problem Solving.

The requirements listed in the sections that follow are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions (primary duties) of the job.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in an industrial, laboratory, agricultural, or business environment required.
• Candidates possessing a technical degree may qualify with fewer years of relevant experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of industrial equipment and systems.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a self-directed, team-oriented environment.
• Lean or Operational Excellence experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of computer systems and the ability to learn, use, and troubleshoot company-supported software applications, including but not limited to: Excel, Word, Adobe, Outlook, Oracle, Kronos, and PlantWeb.

• Exert physical stamina and strength throughout the work shift.
• Stand, walk, bend, squat, climb, reach, crouch, kneel, twist, push, and pull.
• Perform repetitive motions and coordinate physical movements.
• Work in confined spaces and at varying heights.
• Lift and move materials weighing up to and including 50 pounds.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity and operate a variety of tools and equipment.
• Visually inspect equipment and work areas.
• Accurately complete required documentation and shift records.
• Identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve equipment and process issues using sound judgment and mechanical aptitude.
• Respond quickly to changing conditions and determine when additional resources are necessary.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with others, while also working independently.
• Monitor, adjust, and maintain equipment and related processes.
• The ability to train, coach, and transfer job-related knowledge to others is preferred.

• Be highly motivated, self-directed, and proactive.
• Demonstrate persistence and initiative to complete assigned duties without direct prompting.
• Adapt to changing priorities, work assignments, and operational needs.
• Effectively multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Exhibit a high level of integrity, dependability, professionalism, and emotional self-control.
• Maintain a cooperative attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Learn, understand, and consistently follow all company policies, job-specific procedures, and safety requirements.
• Participate in and utilize all required training programs.

• Availability for occasional travel as a technical resource (interplant support and training) is required.

• The role involves regular exposure to dust, loud noise, elevated work areas, confined spaces, low and bright lighting, and varying outdoor weather conditions.
• Employees may work independently or as part of a team in close proximity to others and operational equipment.

• This position operates on two shifts:
• 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• The company reserves the right to modify work schedules based on business needs.
• Flexibility to work either shift is required.

Required safety equipment may include:

• Personal lockout/tagout (LOTO) lock
• ANSI-approved hard hat
• Safety glasses with side shields
• Steel-toed safety shoes or boots

Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided as needed based on job assignment or employee preference.

New employees will receive comprehensive New Employee Safety Training from a qualified individual, which may include classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and online learning modules. Training topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Hazard communication
• Hearing conservation
• Respiratory protection
• Electrical safety
• Lockout/tagout procedures
• Personal protective equipment
• Bloodborne pathogens
• Fire safety and extinguisher use
• Machine safety
• Incident and near-miss reporting
• Emergency and evacuation procedures
• First aid and back injury prevention
• Job- and work-area-specific procedures

Employees transferring into this position will receive New Task Training until competency is demonstrated. Additional training will be provided when job duties or tasks change in a manner that affects health or safety.

Refresher safety training will be conducted as required by management or in accordance with CNEEST regulations.