Pellet Mill Operator

Enviva•Franklin, VA

About The Position

The Pellet Mill Operator operates and maintains several pellet mills to ensure optimal feed rates and pellet quality that meets company standards. The role includes adjusting rolls and dies, analyzing equipment performance, making tooling and equipment changes, and monitoring the production process. The operator also assists with quality-control testing, performs ash tests, troubleshoots equipment malfunctions, and maintains a clean work environment. The role requires adherence to safety procedures, accurate reporting, communication of operational information, and prompt escalation of issues.

Requirements

Demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
Proficiency in mathematics and measurements.
Ability to read data and trends and make appropriate process adjustments.
Proven record of upholding safety standards.
Willingness and ability to work in outdoor environments and occasionally in temperatures above 100 degrees and below 32 degrees.
Willingness and ability to work in hot, humid, cold, and noisy industrial environments and adhere strictly to safety rules, including wearing safety equipment.
Ability to work at elevated heights and on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Ability to work within a team or alone with minimal supervision.
Willingness and ability to lift, walk, climb, stoop, stand, push, and/or pull for up to 12 hours a day.
Willingness and ability to work around moving equipment and machinery and to pull and lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA.
Ability to climb a crane more than 100 feet high and work at heights of at least 20 feet.
Ability to climb vertical ladders, fixed or portable, in unbroken lengths of up to 20 feet, and climb multiple flights of steps and angled ramps as needed.
Ability to work at a computer screen for up to 12 hours a day.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED.
At least two years of previous manufacturing experience.
Experience in operation and control of equipment or systems.
Experience monitoring gauges, dials, and other indicators to verify proper machine operation.
Critical-thinking skills, including using logic and reasoning to assess solutions and approaches to problems.
Troubleshooting skills, including identifying causes of operating errors and deciding how to address them.
Equipment-maintenance skills, including performing routine maintenance and determining when and what maintenance is needed.

Responsibilities

Analyze equipment performance and make tooling or equipment changes to achieve desired throughput and quality.
Perform and document required equipment inspections and keep equipment in good condition.
Review work orders and instructions to determine materials, ingredients, and procedures for forming, pressing, and compacting materials into pellets.
Adjust machine components to regulate speed, pressure, temperature, material quantities, dimensions, and flow.
Monitor machine operations and indicator lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.
Perform or coordinate equipment maintenance according to job instructions.
Perform or coordinate housekeeping to the required standard.
Maintain production quality to the required standard.
Follow workplace and job safety procedures.
Complete required reporting accurately.
Communicate operational information as required.
Enter maintenance work requests when applicable.
Escalate issues promptly for resolution.
Assist with quality-control testing and perform ash tests.
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions.