Production Operator

Position Summary

PATCO Products is seeking dependable, safety-focused Production Operator to join our manufacturing team in Dolton, Illinois.

Production Operators play an important role in keeping our manufacturing operations running safely and efficiently. This position is responsible for operating production and material-handling equipment, batching ingredients, packaging finished products, receiving raw materials, and preparing finished goods for shipment.

Additional responsibilities may include labeling, coding, filling, check-weighing, sealing, palletizing, equipment cleaning, and general plant sanitation.

Location: Dolton, IL Manufacturing Facility

Schedule: 2nd shift

Essential Job Functions

Following established procedures and under general supervision, the Production Operator will:

• Safely operate manufacturing and material-handling equipment, including forklifts, drum handlers, hand trucks, conveying equipment, and other production equipment.
• Receive, ship, transfer, stage, and move raw materials, finished products, and supplies throughout the facility.
• Prepare materials and finished products for shipment through labeling, marking, palletizing, stretch-wrapping, and other required methods.
• Operate equipment used to manufacture, package, fill, and accurately weigh products.
• Set up, adjust, and operate weighing systems to ensure the correct amount of product is placed in each container.
• Handle and move packaged materials ranging from approximately 50-pound cartons and bags to drums weighing up to approximately 700 pounds using appropriate material-handling equipment and procedures.
• Hand-stack finished products onto pallets as required by the production process.
• Gather packaging materials and other supplies needed for assigned production operations.
• Operate package-forming, filling, sealing, labeling, coding, and conveying equipment.
• Inspect packaging and promptly address damaged containers to help prevent product contamination.
• Maintain accurate product labeling, coding, packaging, and palletizing.
• Clean and sanitize production areas and process equipment in accordance with plant sanitation standards.
• Perform general plant cleaning and equipment washdowns as required.
• Follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Follow established procedures during emergency situations and immediately notify appropriate personnel of unsafe or emergency conditions.
• Follow all company safety procedures and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform minor troubleshooting and basic equipment adjustments as appropriate.
• Promptly request assistance from Maintenance or other technical personnel when equipment issues cannot be corrected.
• Assist with training employees as requested.
• Accurately complete required production records, logbooks, batch sheets, and other documentation.
• Perform duties in other departments or classifications as assigned based on operational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.

Work Environment

This position works in an active manufacturing environment and includes both indoor and outdoor responsibilities.

Employees should be comfortable working under the following conditions:

• Indoor production areas that may not be heated or air-conditioned.
• Indoor temperatures that may range from approximately 45°F to 110°F, depending on weather conditions and production activities.
• Outdoor work when required, with exposure to varying weather conditions and temperatures that may range from approximately -20°F to 100°F.
• Exposure to dust in designated production areas.
• Use of required PPE, including protective masks or other safety equipment as appropriate.
• Working around industrial machinery, manufacturing equipment, moving materials, and active production processes.
• Regular cleaning and washdown of production areas and equipment.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Dependable and safety-conscious.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Willing to learn and operate manufacturing equipment.
• Comfortable performing physically active work throughout the shift.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexible with work schedules and assignments.
• Committed to maintaining quality, safety, and sanitation standards.

Previous manufacturing, production, warehouse, forklift, packaging, or machine-operating experience is a plus.

PATCO Products LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and the requirements of the position.