Press Operator (Night Shift)

Position Summary:

Associates in the Press Operator 2 position are responsible for Operating a Wide-Web Flexographic Printing Press to produce quality flexible packaging materials on time in accordance with specific work instructions and applicable safety and quality assurance procedures. In the event of absence, these job responsibilities will be covered by employees in the “Press Operator 1” or by another employee in the “Press Operator 2” positions.

This is a 12 hour shift schedule which follows a two days on, two days off, three days on schedule. Starting Time: 5:45 PM to 6:00 AM

Responsibilities and Duties:

This job description and performance standard document has been prepared as a guide to ensure better communication and understanding. All responsibilities, however, have not been included, nor could they be. Your Supervisor/Manager may from time to time ask you to perform other related duties not specifically included in this description. Likewise, this description will be revised when required to meet current business needs.

• Checks all tools and equipment at the beginning and end of each shift to ensure good housekeeping is maintained, documents housekeeping as required, and contacts Maintenance whenever equipment is not running properly. Completes preventative maintenance on machinery and equipment as assigned, and assists Maintenance with repairs.
• Clocks in and out of orders as required by department, and accurately records own time in the system with the appropriate activity classifications throughout the shift.
• Works proactively and with a sense of urgency utilizing the Set-Up / Start-Up Procedures to facilitate systematic and timely start-ups on the press. This supports product quality and efficiencies through a consistent approach, and minimizes scrap by starting the press closer to the point of job approval.
• Thoroughly reviews and understands all work instructions and verifies that all materials, plates, inks, etc. are available before proceeding with a job set-up. Any discrepancies or points of confusion must be addressed, clarified, and formally revised, if necessary, with the Shift Leader before proceeding with the job.
• Drives strict compliance with all Quality Control procedures to first make sure we are making the product properly (“Approved Set-up Sample”), then to both assure consistency and limit our quality exposure throughout the run by continuously monitoring the process and completing roll-to-roll checks.
• Follows all procedures and safety measures (including grounding containers) in acquiring all ink and solvent materials from the Ink room.
• Remove buckets containing press hazardous waste from press room; carry to hazardous waste totes in ink room and pour contents into correct tote (either surface or reverse inks).
• Monitors the Press Operator 1 and assures that ink viscosities are checked every 15 minutes while the press is running, and that all added inks are properly cut to the same viscosity level to maintain color consistency on press.
• Trains, guides and assists Press Operator 1 in their role, ensuring that daily, weekly, and monthly area housekeeping procedures are being completed.
• Coordinates activities with the Press Operator 1 to maximize the current job run efficiency while proactively preparing for the next job to reduce machine down time. Keeping the press running is a key goal of the Operator. Coordinates breaks with other Operators to maximize machine run time across the department.
• Must be willing to share their knowledge with less-experienced Operators and help other members of the Press Team as directed.
• Generates improvement ideas and embraces improvement projects to better the business.
• Labels all printed materials and accurately accounts for and documents all material usage and scrap into the information system. Properly labels all ink material returned to the Ink room.
• Responsible for understanding the hazardous waste program. The employee receives initial training within six months of being assigned to this position, and annually thereafter. During clean-up, the press helper along with the press operator removes the wash-up solvent and ink mixture from the press and pours it into the satellite waste drum located in the ink room. The assistant checks that all the correct labeling information marking the waste drum as “Hazardous Waste”. When the drum is full, the operator assistant will place a plug in the bungs and securely tighten the drum ring.
• Ensures that all responsibilities and functions performed are in accordance with company and quality procedures as set forth in the Personnel Handbook and the Quality Manual. Participates in quality programs and stays updated on changes to the Quality Manual.
• Supports the company emphasis on teamwork and cooperation to achieve our goals by performing other duties as assigned including working in other departments from time to time and helping with periodic cleanup issues.

Performance Requirements:

• Adherence and alignment to PPC's Safety Culture and objective of Zero Safety Incidents. Adherence to GMP and food safety standards, with no repeat violations.
• Complete 90 days from date of hire without a repeat Quality issue and in any rolling 90-day period thereafter.
• Achieve a 90% or greater average efficiency score in the first 90 days of employment. Maintain at least a 100% efficiency score or greater in any rolling 90-day period thereafter.
• Adhere to PPC’s attendance policy as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Completion of assigned Housekeeping duties and PMs. Provide proper care to the machines and equipment that results in zero damage.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Detail-orientation required for completing required paperwork and information system’s inputs with a high degree of accuracy.
• Previous printing press experience and mechanical aptitude/experience is highly preferred.
• Job experience in an industrial production environment with the related safety training is preferred.
• Able to read and understand work instructions and accept verbal direction to successfully complete procedures and assigned tasks.
• Capable of performing mathematical calculations, and properly using tape measures and micrometers.
• Flexibility in work assignments and priorities is required to address the dynamic needs of our customers and shifts in production requirements.
• Good verbal and written communication skills required, and proven experience with effective teams and continuous improvement methods strongly preferred.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and ensure proper handling of items up to 75 pounds.
• Must be capable of standing for the duration of a work shift less breaks and lunch.
• Must be capable and willing to work in excess of a normal workweek with notice, as outlined in the Personnel Handbook, as production demands dictate.
• Must be able to distinguish and ensure product quality in a fast-paced production environment.
• Must be able to identify, prioritize, and meet multiple expectations for area of responsibility.
• Must have the physical dexterity to bend, stand, flex, and reach as the position dictates.
• Must be able to satisfactorily see and differentiate color per adopted assessment methods in order to support efficient press set-ups and good print quality.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must be trained in the proper handling and disposal of Hazardous waste.

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