Mixing Operator, 1st shift

Department: Production
Reports to: Production Supervisor

About the role

The Chemical Compounding Operator operates, adjusts, and changes over chemical equipment involving weighing, measuring, mixing, and filtering liquids and solids to prepare batches of product from established recipes. Observes and reports occurrences in compounding, obtains samples for approval, corrects batches as instructed to maintain quality standards, moves materials and totes, and assists in cleaning equipment and area. Maintains appropriate documentation. Notifies supervisor of process, raw material, or finished product deviations. Performs compounding tasks using established work instructions and SOPs. Ensures the even flow of quality-approved mixed compound throughout the manufacturing process. Must be self-driven and demonstrate a commitment to safety, manufacturing excellence, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Receive and check all incoming solvents for purity and quality specifications.
• Check raw materials for contamination, weigh and mix raw materials as specified on the formulations/instructions.
• Inspect scales for accuracy and operate equipment according to standard procedures.
• Visually check mixing consistency of each batch, report inconsistencies, unusual conditions, or any process changes/problems to the Compounding Supervisor.
• Load raw materials and solvents into mixer and mix in accordance with schedule and related work instructions.
• Monitor mixing conditions and adjust setup as needed for mixing purposes.
• Ensure mixer is clean of material buildup for changeovers to other materials.
• Keep mixer chamber clean between batches.
• Maintain cleanliness in the mixing area after every batch to prevent contamination.
• Maintain efficient flow of machines to minimize production loss.
• Report any problems immediately to supervision and participate in solutions to those problems.
• Verify that area and equipment are safe before proceeding with duties; follow all facility safety rules and procedures; wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Adhere to Lock-out/Tag-out procedures when equipment is down for repair or cleaning.
• Clean tools and maintain identified tool boards while keeping workstation and surrounding area clean and organized.
• Keep equipment in safe operating condition; report problems to Maintenance department.
• Participate in training of new Associates as directed by the Supervisor.
• Pump off each approved batch mix into totes.
• Stage totes for production as needed.
• Be accountable for scrap, quality, production goals, housekeeping, and safety.
• Promote a culture where safety is everyone’s core value and working in a safe manner while adhering to safety guidelines.
• Strive for compliance excellence in environmental, health, safety, and quality; ensure best practices are followed to minimize waste.
• Ensure each compound mix meets quality specifications.
• Participate in continuous improvement.
• Effectively communicate with production filling department.
• Maintain 5S in the mixing area.
• Be on the spill clean-up crew.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management: Develops project plans; completes projects on time and budget.
• Interpersonal: Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
• Change Management: Communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Managing People: Takes responsibility for subordinates’ activities; makes self-available to staff; provides regular performance feedback.
• Motivation: Sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence.
• Quality Management: Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.

Requirements

• Education/Experience: High School Diploma; or 3 to 5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Language Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.
• Mathematical Ability: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Computer Skills: Knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing, database software, and email.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to:

• Work near moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Extreme cold (non-weather)
• Extreme heat (non-weather)
• Loud noise levels

Good cooperation and collaboration skills, organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines are required. High degree of concentration with attention to detail, high energy, and self-motivation are essential. Ability to manage demands and deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events through organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills. Ability to interact well with all personality types.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Regularly required to walk and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.

Schedule

1st Shift: Monday through Thursday, 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Training

Hazwoper 24-hour training required.