Assistant Operator - 3rd Shift

CMI Crane Materials International Inc•Elgin, IL

1d•$0 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the decking extrusion line by inspecting, handling, labeling, packaging, and documenting finished product. Working closely with the Decking Lead and Operator, this position helps maintain continuous production, identify and communicate process or quality concerns, complete changeovers and routine line tasks, and meet safety, quality, housekeeping, yield, and productivity standards. The role collaborates with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Materials, Scheduling, and Shipping personnel to meet customer and company requirements. The position is based primarily in a manufacturing and warehouse environment, with occasional outdoor exposure. The employee may encounter moving mechanical equipment, hot surfaces and materials, airborne particles, industrial cleaning products, seasonal temperature variations, and moderate-to-high noise levels. Required personal protective equipment must be worn as designated. No travel is required. The role requires extended periods of standing and walking, handling tools or controls, reaching, and effective communication. It also involves frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motions. Regular lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds and frequent lifting or moving of up to 100 pounds are required; heavier or awkward items must be moved using team-lifting practices or approved material-handling equipment. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and follow work instructions, product specifications, production schedules, and safety procedures.
Basic math and measurement skills, including use of a tape measure and calipers, and ability to learn other inspection tools.
Basic computer and data-entry skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in the language used for training and safety instructions.
Ability to work assigned shifts, overtime, weekends, and schedule changes as business needs require.
Subject to applicable pre-employment screening requirements.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting and moving materials; use team-lifting practices or approved material-handling equipment for heavier or awkward items.
Safety awareness, sound judgment, attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, basic troubleshooting, communication, teamwork, dependability, accountability, time management, and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Nice To Haves

Previous manufacturing, extrusion, machine-assistant, material-handling, or packaging experience.
Forklift or powered industrial truck experience; company certification is required before operation.

Responsibilities

Follow company safety rules, standard operating procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and personal protective equipment requirements; promptly report hazards, near misses, injuries, spills, and unsafe conditions.
Support safe start-up, operation, shutdown, and changeover of decking extrusion and downstream equipment under the direction of the Decking Lead or Operator.
Monitor the extrusion line and downstream equipment for product flow, jams, abnormal sounds, unsafe conditions, and other concerns, and communicate issues promptly.
Inspect finished decking for color, surface appearance, length, and straightness using tape measures, calipers, and approved inspection methods.
Complete and document assigned finished-product quality checks; segregate, identify, and report nonconforming or suspect material.
Handle finished boards carefully during movement, stacking, bundling, and packaging to prevent damage or contamination.
Build finished-goods bundles to the correct count and configuration, and apply spacers, protective materials, labels, bands, and wrapping to product and customer specifications.
Complete production reports, quality records, labels, scrap and regrind records, and other required paperwork or electronic entries before the end of the shift.
Maintain supplies of packaging materials, labels, spacers, and other line consumables, and notify the appropriate person when inventory approaches established minimum levels.
Move, stage, and store raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, scrap, and regrind in designated locations.
Assist with die, sizer, tooling, color, and product changeovers, including line cleaning, material removal, setup preparation, and tool and component verification.
Perform routine operator-level cleaning, inspection, and basic preventive-maintenance tasks; identify and report equipment concerns.
Support basic troubleshooting by communicating observed defects, process changes, material concerns, and equipment symptoms.
Monitor scrap and packaging usage and support corrective actions and continuous-improvement activities to improve safety, quality, output, and cost.
Maintain workstations, packaging areas, and staging locations to 5S and housekeeping standards, including proper disposal and segregation of waste and recyclable materials.
Communicate packaging status, quality concerns, material needs, and incomplete tasks to the Operator or Decking Lead during shift handoffs and throughout the shift.
Work cooperatively with team members and provide coverage or assistance at other workstations as directed.
Participate in required training, safety meetings, quality reviews, and improvement activities, and maintain proficiency in assigned tasks.
Follow production schedules, work instructions, product specifications, and supervisor direction while maintaining consistent attendance and punctuality.
Perform other related duties as assigned based on business and production needs.