Operator Trainee

We are seeking reliable, safety-focused Extrusion Operator Trainees to join our vinyl siding manufacturing team. This entry-level position is designed for individuals who are mechanically inclined, eager to learn, and interested in building a long-term career in extrusion operations. The ideal candidate is eager to learn and comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on production environment. Successful performance in this role prepares candidates for advancement to fully qualified Extrusion Operator positions.

Compensation: $22.00/hour (2nd shift $1.50 shift differential & 3rd shift $1.20 shift differential)

Shift: 1st & 2nd (4:00pm-12:00am) & 3rd (12:00am-8:00am)

Essential Functions:

• Adhere to all plant/OSHA safety rules, including environmental and housekeeping requirements, properly dispose of trash, regularly sweep, and keep material, oil, and water off floors.
• Adhere to all JSA’s pertaining to the extrusion line.
• Perform safety inspections and report all unsafe conditions or near-miss events immediately.
• Wear all PPE as required
• Learn to operate the production line, learning all of the required points as noted on the Operator Trainee position:
• Have a clear understanding of all Emergency stop buttons and Safety features on the equipment you are operating. All Emergency stop buttons should be functionally checked before lines are started. Notify maintenance and the supervisor of any problems.
• Know and use proper Lockout procedures for extruders and all downstream equipment.
• Arrive early enough to communicate with the previous shift about any problems on your line/s.
• Using SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures), you must learn to independently start up a line and put a Quality product in the box.
• Responsible for knowing and understanding all Quality checks that must be performed before packaging the product. (Thickness, emboss depth, emboss location and repeat, locks, color, bow/warp, length, nail slots, oil can sample to Q/A for testing, etc.)
• Check locks every half-hour.
• Check the color every half-hour, front and back.
• Regrind must be used whenever possible.
• All extruders, floor drains, water baths, operator tables, and tops of downstream equipment must be kept clean at all times.
• Assist the Material Handler to ensure concentrates used on or removed from lines are properly identified. Do not mix any color concentrates. Do not move any drums that you discover mixed; this will only cause further mixing.
• Check to make sure all hopper low-level alarm systems are on. (Notify maintenance personnel and Supervisor if repairs are needed.)
• Any problems with concentrates or regrind need to be discussed with the Operator, Lead Operator, and/or Supervisor.
• The Operator in training and the Inspector/Packer are equally responsible for packing a quality product.
• Assist Operators and Inspectors/Packers as needed
• Perform all quality checks, report all defects, and ensure that the product meets all dimensional and cosmetic standards, and properly document.
• Package product per specification – proper palletization of product, correctly coded and properly placed labels, insert slip sheets, and band product to pallet.
• Train to clean the dies on all extrusion lines and make product changes.
• When necessary, fill in for the operator and or packer in their absence.
• Other duties as assigned by the shift Supervisor