Reclaim Operator

Job Description

The Reclaim Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the reclaim equipment to process and recycle plastic waste material. The reclaim operator will ensure the efficient operation of the reclaim process, maintain quality standards, and troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise.

• Operate the reclaim equipment, including shredders, extruders, and pelletizers, to process plastic waste material into reusable granules
• Maintain equipment settings to ensure optimal performance, including temperature, speed, and feed rates
• Conduct regular equipment inspections and perform routine maintenance tasks to ensure proper functioning
• Monitor the quality of the reclaimed plastic material, ensuring it meets the required specifications and standards
• Conduct visual inspections and perform quality tests on the reclaimed material, such as melt flow index and moisture content
• Identify and resolve issues that may affect the quality of the reclaimed material, adjusting or coordinating with the maintenance team as necessary
• Collect and handle plastic waste material from production processes, ensuring proper segregation and storage
• Maintain accurate records of the reclaimed material inventory, including quantities and locations
• Coordinate with the production team to ensure a steady supply of plastic waste material for the reclaim process
• Troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues that may arise during the reclaim process, such as equipment malfunctions or material blockages
• Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of worn parts, to ensure equipment reliability and longevity
• Collaborate with the maintenance team to address more complex repairs or equipment modifications
• Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper handling of hazardous materials
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring the proper disposal of waste materials and adherence to housekeeping standards
• Report any safety hazards or incidents to the production supervisor and participate in safety meetings and training sessions

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities

• Operate the reclaim equipment, including shredders, extruders, and pelletizers, to process plastic waste material into reusable granules
• Monitor and adjust machine settings to ensure optimal performance, including temperature, speed, and feed rates
• Conduct regular equipment inspections and perform routine maintenance tasks to ensure proper functioning
• Maintain quality standards by monitoring the quality of the reclaimed plastic material, ensuring it meets the required specifications and standards
• Conduct visual inspections and perform quality tests on the reclaimed material, such as melt flow index and moisture content
• Identify and resolve issues that may affect the quality of the reclaimed material, adjusting or coordinating with the maintenance team as necessary
• Collect and handle plastic waste material from production processes, ensuring proper segregation and storage
• Maintain accurate records of the reclaimed material inventory, including quantities and locations
• Coordinate with the production team to ensure a steady supply of plastic waste material for the reclaim process
• Troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues that may arise during the reclaim process, such as equipment malfunctions or material blockages
• Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of worn parts, to ensure equipment reliability and longevity
• Collaborate with the maintenance team to address more complex repairs or equipment modifications
• Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper handling of hazardous materials
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring the proper disposal of waste materials and adherence to housekeeping standards
• Report any safety hazards or incidents to the production supervisor and participate in safety meetings and training sessions

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or vocational training in machine operation or plastics processing is a plus
• Previous experience in operating reclaim equipment or similar machinery in a blown film plastics manufacturing or recycling facility is preferred
• Solid understanding of plastics processing principles, including extrusion and pelletizing
• Knowledge of quality control procedures and the ability to perform simple tests and measurements
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
• Attention to detail and the ability to follow standard operating procedures and safety protocols
• Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy objects and stand for extended periods
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and equipment

Company Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance
• A variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health
• Community Engagement: Support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs
• Training and Development: Opportunities for advancement through skills development, formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization