Packaging Operator

Rio Tinto•Bessemer City, NC

About The Position

The Packaging Operator operates carbonate conveying or hydroxide packaging equipment to package lithium hydroxide in bags, drums, and supersacks according to customer requirements and Product Standards, supporting Salts Area production and customer delivery needs. The role reports to the Packaging Supervisor and also involves material handling, packaging inventory, minor equipment maintenance, product sampling, and safety and environmental compliance.

Requirements

At least 2 years of relevant manufacturing experience, or an equivalent combination of the specified education and relevant manufacturing experience.
Ability to perform multiple job functions in receiving, plant stores, and shipping.
Ability to enter information and data accurately into Rio Tinto Lithium business systems, including SAP, SIMS, MOC, CPAR, and QSA.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to use MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Outlook, and VMX to communicate work instructions, order statuses, and job assignments.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals in all units of measure.
Certification to operate power industrial trucks.
Understanding of 49 CFR, IATA, and IMDG regulations.
Knowledge of loading containers and trailers to distribute loads evenly and meet DOT requirements.
Ability to perform minor maintenance tasks.

Nice To Haves

Technical diploma, associate degree, or certification in Chemical Process Technology, Industrial Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Technology, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Operate carbonate conveying or hydroxide packaging equipment to package lithium hydroxide in bags, drums, and supersacks according to customer requirements and Product Standards.
Draw samples and submit them to Quality Control for finished-product testing.
Monitor processing and auxiliary equipment for malfunctions, perform repairs where appropriate, or submit work order notifications.
Update the Safety Incident Management System (SIMS) database with incident, near-miss, and investigation information.
Ensure packaging and labeling comply with customer and regulatory requirements.
Inspect and maintain safety-related equipment and uphold housekeeping and orderliness in the packaging department.
Operate forklifts to move material to and from the packaging area.
Operate forklifts, power tools, and specialized equipment specified in SOPs.
Maintain inventory of packaging materials.
Follow applicable RCRA, SPCC, and Hazmat rules and procedures, and instruct others to do the same.
Participate in scheduled and unscheduled safety meetings and huddles.
Participate in safety programs including OIA, HARM, MOC, SIMS, CPAR, and site work permits.
Participate in incident investigations, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions to improve safety and environmental performance.
Participate actively in the plant Hazwoper program.
Perform minor maintenance tasks on equipment used for packaging lithium hydroxide.

Benefits

Competitive base salary reflective of skills and experience.
Annual incentive bonus.
Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, plus voluntary benefits.
Retirement plan with up to 6% defined company contribution and 401(k) matching.
Share ownership plan.
Paid time off, paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
Parental leave.
Leisure discount programs.
Virgin Pulse wellbeing incentives.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counselling and expert guidance.