Mill Equipment Operator

Full-time position with a shift schedule of 3pm–1am, Monday through Thursday. Pay range is $18–$20 per hour plus a $1.00 shift differential. Pre-employment background check and drug screen required.

About the role

Lignetics Group offers clean, renewable solutions with 30 years of experience innovating eco-friendly essentials. We manufacture wood pellets for home heating, BBQ, animal bedding, and wood fiber-based cat litter, turning recycled sawdust into value-added consumer products.

Responsibilities

• Operate and adjust 3 pellet mills.
• Perform QC testing of finished pellets, including durability, volume of fines, pellet diameter, and soak tests to meet PFI standards.
• Test incoming raw material and mix moisture content.
• Change pellet mill rolls using an overhead hoist.
• Perform routine inspections of the process to identify issues or problems.
• 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 change rolls/dies as needed.
• Maintain a clean work area by clearing sawdust around the mill room.
• Perform ash tests on mix and finished pellets, communicating results to the dryer operator.
• Monitor silo volumes and report to the dryer operator.
• Assist Packaging, Loader, and Dryer Operators on shift.
• Collect and verify shift operator reports for completeness and accuracy; complete daily Shift Summary Reports.
• Report and monitor incidents, accidents, and maintenance requests.
• Lead by example with exemplary attendance, work ethic, positive attitude, professionalism, and a safety-first mentality.
• Participate in down-day repairs and cleaning of the process.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Working knowledge of all aspects of the production process.
• High degree of technical and analytical skills.
• Ability to pass company forklift certification.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs safely, nearly waist-high, 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 to solve pellet mill maintenance problems.
• Ability to perform simple to basic math calculations.
• Ability to work in high temperature/humidity areas and confined spaces.

Benefits

• Employee referral bonus program.
• 2 weeks paid time off + 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 & immediate vesting.
• Employee heating pellet program.
• Lignetics SWAG gear, including an annual pair of work boots & other PPE.

Pay

$18–$20 per hour plus a $1.00 shift differential.

Schedule

3pm–1am, Monday through Thursday.