Mill Equipment Operator

Full-time position with a pay range of $22–$24 per hour plus a $2.50 shift differential. Pre-employment background check and drug screen required.

About the role

Lignetics manufactures consumer brands including wood pellets for home heating, BBQ pellets, animal bedding, and wood-fiber cat litter. We turn recycled sawdust into value-added, sustainable products.

Responsibilities

• Operate and adjust three pellet mills.
• Perform QC testing of finished pellets (durability, fines volume, pellet diameter, soak tests) to meet PFI standards.
• Test incoming raw material and mix moisture content.
• Change pellet-mill rolls using an overhead hoist.
• Conduct routine process inspections to identify issues.
• Assist the dryer operator in maintaining pellet moisture between 4–4.5 %.
• Monitor and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, spot fires, and hot bearings.
• Maintain pellet-mill feed rates and adjust or replace rolls/dies as needed.
• Keep work area clean by removing sawdust piles.
• Perform ash tests on mix and finished pellets; communicate results to dryer operator.
• Visually assess silo volumes and report to dryer operator.
• Support Packaging, Loader, and Dryer Operators on shift.
• Collect and verify shift operator reports; complete daily Shift Summary Reports.
• Report and monitor incidents, accidents, and maintenance requests.
• Lead by example with attendance, work ethic, safety-first mindset, and professionalism.
• Participate in down-day repairs and process cleaning.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Working knowledge of the entire production process.
• Strong technical and analytical skills.
• Must pass company forklift certification.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs safely at waist height and stand for up to 12 hours per day.
• Ability to use catwalks and climb ladders up to 30 feet high.
• Mechanical and troubleshooting skills for pellet-mill maintenance.
• Basic math skills.
• Ability to work in high-temperature, high-humidity areas and confined spaces.

Benefits

• Employee referral bonus program.
• 2 weeks paid time off plus 2 floating holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (FSA & HSA options).
• Educational assistance.
• Life insurance, short-term & long-term disability.
• 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting.
• Employee heating-pellet program.
• Annual pair of work boots and other PPE provided.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 3:00 pm–11:00 pm.