Switching Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Title:  Weekend Production Operator

Department:  Production  

Reports To:  Production Manager 

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

SUMMARY:  The Production Operator is responsible for safely operating extrusion equipment, loading/unloading materials, and ensuring consistent, high-quality production of press-to-close (PTC) zipper profiles. This role performs product packing, monitoring equipment, and documentation while maintaining a safe and compliant work environment adhering to EN ISO 22000:2018, ENISO 14001:2015, BRC Global Standard for Packaging Materials issue 6 and FDA food contact guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Schedule: Saturday 12 hour shifts 7 am – 7 pm or 7 pm to 7 am, two 8-hour shifts to be scheduled Monday – Friday 

· Production, inspection, packaging, and winding machine operation duties on 3 lines

· Record and maintain accurate written and electronic information

· Track raw material usage, scrap, downtime, and finished goods quantities

· Complete production logs, labels, batch records, and digital entries

· Assist in inventory accuracy and quality implementation

· Perform sanitation and cleaning tasks on equipment, infrastructure, production area, and other assigned areas

· Maintain compliance with GMP, food safety, and other rules or policies

· Always demonstrates full compliance with PPE standards and procedures

· Wears all required personal protective equipment

· Properly stores tools, materials, chemicals

· Ensures workstation is free of debris, spills, obstructions

· Maintains proper hygiene and personal cleanliness to prevent contamination

· Compliance with nut free facility

· Inspect infrastructure and equipment and notify management when maintenance is required

· Identify equipment issues then follow all Safety and Lockout/Tagout procedures 

· Equipment operation set up, start, monitor, and shut down extrusion lines according to procedure

· Ability/knowledge to adjust machine settings such as temperature profiles, line speed, and cooling 

· Identify equipment issues then follow all Safety and Lockout/tagout procedures 

· Understands how to shut down equipment safely during an emergency

· Use forklifts, hoists, and/or carts safely (follows certification guidelines)

· Support smooth shift handovers with accurate documentation, communication, report abnormal conditions and completing shift switch cards 

· Knows evacuation routes and alarm types

· Participate/collaborate/initiate in continuous improvement activities and line throughput

· Leads by example in safety, accountability, and behavior

· Support peers, team leads and employees by training others on acquired skills and knowledge

· Communicate and interact with other employees and management in a respectful manner

· Actively supports, promotes, and models company values 

· Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

· High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills:

· Ability to read a limited number of two- and three-syllable words and to recognize similarities and differences between words and between series of numbers. 

· Ability to print and speak simple sentences.

Mathematical skills:

· Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. 

· Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

Reasoning Ability:

· Ability to apply common sense understanding to conduct simple one- or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Employee works 8 hours per shift for Five (5) days a week 

Standing:  Over 3/4 time of a workday 

Walking:  Between 1/2 and 2/3 times of a workday

Sitting:  Less than 1/3 time of a workday

Use hands to finger, handle, or feel:  Over 2/3 time of a workday

Reach with hands and arms:  Over 2/3 time of a workday

Twist, turn, bend crouch and squat: Over 2/3 time of a workday

Talk or hear:  Over 2/3 of a workday

Taste or smell:  Between 1/3 and 2/3 of a workday

Lifting:

Up to 65 pounds  Over 2/3 time of a workday

66-100 pounds Less than 1/3 time of a workday

Vision

Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) 

Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more) 

Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left 

and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)

Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial 

relationships) 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work near moving mechanical parts Over 2/3 time of workday4

Fumes or airborne particles Less than 1/3 time of a workday

Toxic or caustic chemicals Less than 1/3 time of a workday

Vibration Less than 1/3 time of a workday

Noise Level:

Loud (example: metal-can manufacturing department)