Extruder Operator

About the role

The Extruder Operator is responsible for operating extrusion lines to manufacture pipe in accordance with established company specifications. This role includes performing production tasks, conducting visual inspections, and packaging finished products to ensure quality standards are consistently met, works rotating shifts.

Responsibilities

• Keep equipment and work area clean and orderly in compliance with Total Housekeeping Management (THM) and ISO standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to meet all qualification requirements.
• Work under the direction of the Supervisor.
• Operate extruder machines and control panels used to produce PVC pipe.
• Absorb machine changeovers.
• Measure pipe specifications and report any issues to the Supervisor and Quality Control.
• Identify visual defects in pipe during production.
• Accurately calculate and adjust puller speeds as required.
• Cut Quality Control testing samples when needed.
• Perform minor equipment repairs.
• Follow safe work practices and report hazardous conditions.
• Train inexperienced employees when required.
• Perform all necessary measurements using calipers and micrometers to ensure pipe is within tolerance.
• Accurately complete Production Inspection Reports and all supporting documentation.
• Record hourly line checks and notify the Supervisor of any changes.
• Operate a forklift to move finished product, boxes, materials, and supplies.
• Accurately calculate and make required adjustments to extrusion lines.
• Troubleshoot and perform minor equipment repairs.
• Record machine conditions and report abnormalities to the Supervisor.
• Clean extruder and cooling tank water filters.
• Make and collect Quality Control samples as required.
• Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or recognized equivalent; OR at least 6 months of related experience and/or training; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computer Skills: None required.
• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports. Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as fractions, percentages, decimals, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and work with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Skills

• Ability to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Adequate sight, hearing, and use of limbs to safely operate powered vehicles (forklifts, sweepers, cars, pickups).
• Ability to visually distinguish proper product identification, warning indicators, and operational signals.
• Ability to hear and differentiate between warning alarms and normal operating sounds.
• Ability to visually verify accuracy and neatness of assigned job tasks.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as needed for operating, cleaning, or packaging equipment and products.
• Ability to maintain balance and body equilibrium when walking, standing, or crouching in all areas, even with limited supervision.
• Ability to verbally communicate in person or by telephone with coworkers to complete job requirements.
• Ability to clearly hear and understand verbal communication in person or by telephone.
• Ability to see and understand written communication.
• Ability to lift or handle objects safely within the recommended 50‑pound limit, and request assistance when exceeding that weight.
• Ability to walk through, under, and around equipment with a minimum clearance of 30 inches.
• Ability to operate telephones and calculators as required.
• Ability to feel objects, textures, size, shape, and temperature using fingertips.
• Ability to grasp and safely use manual and powered tools (power saws, drills, hammers, presses, latches, etc.).
• Adequate sight capability to safely operate machinery and tools at arm’s length.

Physical Requirements

• Adequate sight, hearing, and use of limbs to safely operate powered vehicles (forklifts, sweepers, cars, pickups).
• Ability to visually distinguish proper product identification, warning indicators, and operational signals.
• Ability to hear and differentiate between warning alarms and normal operating sounds.
• Ability to visually verify accuracy and neatness of assigned job tasks.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as needed for operating, cleaning, or packaging equipment and products.
• Ability to maintain balance and body equilibrium when walking, standing, or crouching in all areas, even with limited supervision.
• Ability to verbally communicate in person or by telephone with coworkers to complete job requirements.
• Ability to clearly hear and understand verbal communication in person or by telephone.
• Ability to see and understand written communication.
• Ability to lift or handle objects safely within the recommended 50‑pound limit, and request assistance when exceeding that weight.
• Ability to walk through, under, and around equipment with a minimum clearance of 30 inches.
• Ability to operate telephones and calculators as required.
• Ability to feel objects, textures, size, shape, and temperature using fingertips.
• Ability to grasp and safely use manual and powered tools (power saws, drills, hammers, presses, latches, etc.).
• Adequate sight capability to safely operate machinery and tools at arm’s length.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work may occur in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Exposure to extreme cold (below 32°F for more than one hour).
• Exposure to extreme heat (above 100°F for more than one hour).
• Exposure to high noise levels requiring raised voice to be heard.
• Exposure to vibration and fluctuating body movements.
• Exposure to hazards such as moving machinery, electrical currents, falling debris, chemicals, gases, high heat, or explosives.
• Exposure to unregulated atmospheric conditions including odors, fumes, gases, poor ventilation, dust, oils, and cutting fluids.