Production Equipment Operator

Hiring for Day Shift Equipment Operator: 5:30am - 1:30pm M-F, Saturdays as needed

Company Overview

Greenfiber is a leading manufacturer of cellulose insulation, dedicated to advancing insulation technology with innovative products and sustainable practices. With multiple manufacturing facilities across North America, Greenfiber is committed to creating comfortable, safe, and environmentally responsible homes for families everywhere.

Job Overview

The Production Equipment Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and adjusting manufacturing equipment used in the production of cellulose products. This role ensures safe, efficient, and consistent operation of machinery while maintaining product quality, meeting production targets, and complying with all safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment
• Start up, shut down, and adjust settings to maintain safe, steady production
• Train and support general laborers on safe work practices, standard operating procedures, quality checks, and housekeeping expectations
• Fill in and cover general laborer duties as needed (material handling, line feeding, bagging/palletizing support and cleanup) as needed to maintain production flow and meet shift goals
• Process monitoring and control
• Monitor process parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow rates, consistency) and make routine adjustments
• Track rate, temps (if applicable), motor loads/amps, airflow, and product flow; respond to alarms
• Make adjustments to reduce clogs, surging, off-spec fiber, or excessive dust
• Quality Control
• Perform routine checks (density/loft, fiber consistency, moisture if measured, additive rate, bag weight/appearance, label/lot/date code accuracy)
• Report deviations or defects
• Collect samples for QC and document results; quarantine and report nonconforming product
• Bagging, packaging, and palletizing oversight
• Set up and operate bagging/scale systems; verify weights and seals
• Coordinate pallet build/wrap and ensure correct product identification and counts
• Troubleshooting and minor repairs
• Clear jams and blockages safely, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions
• Replace common wear items (knives/hammers/screens, belts, filters) as trained/authorized
• Preventive maintenance and sanitation
• Identify equipment malfunctions, troubleshoot basic operational issues, and notify maintenance as needed
• Complete operator PMs (lubrication checks, cleaning, inspections, tightening fasteners, checking guards)
• Maintain housekeeping standards to control dust accumulation and prevent slip/trip hazards
• Safety and compliance
• Comply with environmental, health, and regulatory requirements
• Use lockout/tagout for servicing, follow machine guarding and confined-space rules (if applicable)
• Safely handle additives/chemicals per SDS and plant procedures
• Production documentation
• Record throughput, downtime reasons, changeovers, QC results, maintenance performed, and material usage
• Maintain lot traceability and complete shift handoff reports
• Coordination and teamwork
• Communicate with maintenance, QC, shipping/receiving, and supervisors to meet schedule
• Train/assist general laborers or packers as needed; support continuous improvement (5S, lean, waste reduction)
• Work collaboratively with team members, supervisors, and maintenance personnel

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Safety-focused mindset
• Basic computer and record-keeping skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Effective communication skills

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training preferred
• Experience operating industrial or manufacturing equipment preferred (cellulose, pulp, paper, or chemical processing a plus)
• Ability to read gauges, control panels, and basic process documentation
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform repetitive motions
• Comfortable working in an industrial environment with noise, heat, dust, steam, and chemicals
• Ability to wear required PPE for extended periods
• Must be available to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as required to meet operational demands

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person