Mill and Dryer Controls Operator - Night Shift

LIGNETICS INC•Kenbridge, VA

14h•$20 - $21

About The Position

The Mill and Dryer Controls Operator operates and adjusts pellet mills and regulates dryer temperatures and material mix to meet production specifications. The operator monitors bin levels, pellet moisture and density, and mill feed rates, and responds to equipment malfunctions and safety issues. The role includes completing daily production reports covering temperature readings, material moisture, density checks, operating hours, and estimated tonnage. Additional accountabilities may be assigned as required. This role works near fast-moving, heavy automated equipment and requires clear, real-time communication and strict adherence to safety procedures and signage. The schedule is 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. on a 3-2-2-3 rotation. Training takes place Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the first two weeks. Compensation is $20.00–$21.00 per hour, plus a $1.00-per-hour shift differential and a 2% annual bonus. A pre-employment background check and drug screen are required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED preferred.
One to two years of production experience in an industrial setting highly preferred.
Working knowledge of all aspects of the production process.
Ability to immediately understand and react to verbal safety commands, audio alarms, and written hazard alerts in English in a manufacturing setting.
Proficiency in English to accurately read, interpret, and follow equipment lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) protocols and machine operation manuals.
Sufficient English verbal skills to promptly report machine malfunctions, near-misses, or unsafe floor conditions to supervisors and team members.
Ability to pass the company forklift certification.
Ability to lift up to 80 pounds waist high and stand for up to 12 hours per day.
Ability to use catwalks and climb ladders connecting catwalks up to 60 feet high, following safety standards.
Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to perform simple math calculations.

Nice To Haves

Process controls experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Operate and adjust pellet mills and regulate dryer inlet and outlet temperatures according to specifications.
Oversee and monitor bin levels.
Regulate material mix to achieve optimal pellet moisture and density, including communicating the mix ratio of fresh and old sawdust and wet and dry shavings.
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, spot fires, and hot bearings.
Maintain pellet mill feed rates and adjust or change pellet mill rolls and dies as needed.
Complete daily reports documenting temperature readings, dried-material moisture, density checks and daily averages, total mill hours, natural gas hours, and estimated tonnage.
Perform additional accountabilities as required.

Benefits

Employee referral bonus program.
Two weeks of paid time off and two floating holidays.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with FSA and HSA options.
Educational assistance.
Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting.
Employee heating pellet program.
Company SWAG gear, including an annual pair of work boots and other personal protective equipment.
$1 per hour shift differential.
2% annual bonus.