Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

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Assumes responsibility for coordinating work center operations and changeovers. Provides technical and directive leadership to packaging personnel assigned to their work center. Assists in developing and maintaining a strong training base throughout the packaging department. As a member and leader of the packaging line team, this position is responsible for assuring and maintaining optimum safety, sanitation, quality, and packaging standards through proper and consistent use of all available resources.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Assign, monitor, coordinate, and direct the work of personnel assigned to their work center with guidance from operations management.

• Responsible for assigned work center performance; monitors the set-up, operation, and adjustment of work center machines and equipment.

• Monitor and maintain product quality on assigned lines and make suggestions to the supervisor on ways to resolve production problems or to maximize and improve production methods.

• Investigate, troubleshoot, and correct any issues resulting in production downtime.

• Provide direction and leadership at the filler to ensure efficient and effective changeovers.

• Communicate information between shifts, within the packaging department, and other assigned areas.

• Document findings and communicate all equipment and production issues that require maintenance or improvement to the supervisor.

• Perform machine maintenance.

• Assist maintenance mechanic with machine repair or adjustments.

• Perform duties of Line Operator to ensure production goals are met.

• Responsible for accurate and timely completion of all work center documentation and record-keeping functions.

• Provide training to increase the level of work skills of packaging employees assigned to their work center(s) using all available resources.

• Instruct line personnel on how to minimize/decrease waste and downtime between and during production runs.

• Ensure team members are cleaning and or receiving training during unscheduled downtime.

• Assist in the development and implementation of the process text.

• Provide input that contributes to the development of new or existing packaging processes and procedures.

• Conduct required Operational Checks (daily and weekly) of production equipment in assigned work centers and document findings.

• Direct team members in assigned work center(s) on bottle size changes.

• Demonstrate safe work practices (leads by example) and direct team members, as needed, to prevent on-the-job injuries by following all Company and OSHA safety regulations.

• Set up the production line before the start of the shift.

• Identify and perform lock-out tag-out functions on the line.

• Assist the Working Foreman and Supervisor in organizing new or unusual line activities.

• Perform other duties as assigned - not an essential function.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must have the ability to motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

• Mechanical aptitude, which includes an understanding of machine operations and interactions and the use of various tools and equipment, used to complete job responsibilities.

• Ability to assign, coordinate, and monitor the work tasks of others.

• Knowledge of inputs, outputs, raw materials, waste, quality control, costs, and techniques for maximizing the manufacture of products.

• Must have good listening skills and possess the ability to verbally communicate to effectively convey information and ideas.

• Must have the ability to read and comprehend work-related reading material.

• Knowledgeable of machine setup and ability to control the operation of machines and equipment and observe gauges, dials, or other indicators to ensure the machine is working properly.

• Skill in troubleshooting and problem-solving using logic and analysis to identify the problem, assess strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, and identify lessons learned or redirect efforts.

• Possess team leadership skills to motivate and deal effectively with persons representing widely diverse backgrounds, interests, and points of view.

• Ability to use math operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) to complete work tasks.

• Must possess organizational and time management skills when completing and assigning work tasks.

Expectations:

• Demonstrates high-quality standards of workmanship and efficient line operation regularly by observing and following Standard Operating Procedures.

• Provide leadership and training to line operators and coordination efforts within assigned work centers.

• Observe and monitor the work of assigned line operators and provide direction where needed.

• Maintain effective communications with and is the point of contact for line personnel with Working Foreman and supervisory staff.

• Models responsible behavior by maintaining good attendance, punctuality, initiative, and completing work tasks efficiently and safely.

• Employees are expected to work at other work centers where job qualifications allow.

• Actively participates in identifying and resolving production problems and improving work processes.

Education/Training:

• Possess a high school diploma or GED

• Must meet established Work Keys testing parameters before being awarded the bid

• If a candidate is not already qualified as a Line Operator, they must pass an in-house Line Operator written exam within 30 days of starting the bid.

• Candidate must be able to qualify as a Room Foreperson within 90 days of starting the bid.

• Candidate must be able to complete specific training on selected equipment that is pertinent to the assigned production area(s) when additional training needs are identified.

Equipment/Tools/Machinery used include, but is not limited to:

SQF:

• Responsible for reporting any food safety and quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.

• Responsible for following cGMP's.

• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness and good housekeeping.

• Ensure all food safety and quality records are completed accurately and timely.

• Follow all appropriate equipment cleaning procedures.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This position is in a manufacturing plant environment, works around moving mechanical parts, is exposed to airborne particles, and works around motorized vehicles.

• Must be able to lift to 40lbs

• Must communicate with others and discriminate sounds with machines