Operator, Beads

Role Overview

The Beads Operator is responsible for the operation and set up of mills, granulators, drying oven, blenders, screening equipment, fluid bed dryers, feeders, etc. in accordance with company standard operating procedures. The position includes set up, operation, cleaning, and preventative maintenance of all related equipment. The Operator is accountable for overall performance including safety, quality, shrink, attainment, and production efficiency. Operators must be capable of operating multiple like machines at one time and learning to operate a variety of equipment within the manufacturing area.

Responsibilities

• Follows batch records, SOP's, and cGMP's guidelines to ensure product specifications and tolerances are met
• Ensures full compliance with Company policies, procedures, GMP's, Ethical Business Practice, and SOP's at all times
• Ensures documentation such as operation logs, batch records, etc. are fully completed, signed and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements
• Ensures that product meets applicable quality standards. This includes inspection for quality during operation and performing all required sampling and testing
• Completes all labeling and inventory movements to ensure accurate inventory control
• Dismantles and cleans any accessories and equipment while also maintaining a clean work area
• Trains in the operation, cleaning and set-up of the following pieces of equipment as well as new equipment: Vector Fluid Bed Dryer, inserts, and ancillary equipment; K-Tron powder feeder; Air Classifying Mill; Fitz mill/Multi mill; Double cone/V- blenders: 6cu. ft. to 150 cu. ft.; Screens/ sieves equipment
• Fills in appropriate logbooks for equipment and rooms
• Performs all material handling of products and components
• Correctly document all steps on batch record
• Participates in any investigation for a deviation involving a batch record
• Maintains proper gowning and hygiene to ensure integrity of the product as per company policies
• Works extended hours and occasional weekend overtime
• Other duties as assigned

Safety Responsibilities

• Works in a safe and responsible manner to create an injury-free and incident-free workplace
• Complies with all job-related safety and other training requirements
• Keeps management informed of area activities and of any significant problems

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED equivalent
• Minimum of one (1) year work experience in nutritionals, supplements, food, or pharmaceutical manufacturing industries

Skills

• Demonstrates ability to work in a team and assist others
• Able to follow written instructions precisely and perform basic math calculations as required
• Understands and is knowledgeable of cGMP, OSHA standards, etc.
• Mechanically inclined to understand the inner workings of the equipment
• Demonstrates the ability to read and write basic English to be able to understand the industry-regulated instruction sheets

Pay & Schedule

• Level 1: $19.00 - $23.00 (1-2 years experience). Operates fluid bed dryer, blending, screening & milling machines. Must be proficient in proper setup and operation of equipment in work area
• Level 2: $22.00 - $24.00 (2-4 years' experience). Operates, cleans, sets all machines in work area. Clear understanding of the principal functions of the bead department. Completes batch card independently, follow SOP's and GMP's strictly. Certified forklift operator
• Level 3: $24.00 - $27.00 (5+ years' experience). Operates, cleans, sets all machines in work area. Highly skilled in the proper set up and operation of blenders and granulators. Applies cGMP's & completes batch card instructions accurately - able to train all activities in bead manufacturing department. Ability to work with minimum to no supervision. Ability to train new employees
• 2nd shift: 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; occasionally lift and move up to 75 pounds
• Must stand and walk on the production floor for a minimum of 6 hours per shift
• Uses hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects or controls, lifting to waist height and/or above shoulder height, frequent bending from the waist, or squatting, walking short distances
• Occasionally works from a rolling ladder or step stool, must be able to lean over equipment as well as kneeling on the floor to clean under the equipment
• Must be able to wear all PPE including a lab coat, face mask, booties, gloves, safety glasses/goggles, and respirators

Work Environment

Work is regularly performed inside a manufacturing environment where temperatures can be moderate, exposure to dust, odors, noise, and fumes. The noise level is usually moderate. Employees can be exposed daily to chemicals and cleaning agents.