Production Operator, 1st Shift

Oterra•Sturtevant, WI

About The Position

Oterra is seeking a dependable, safety-conscious Production Operator to support manufacturing operations at its Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin location. Under close supervision, the operator produces, processes, and packages color products by operating and maintaining production equipment, preparing materials, following mixing and blending recipes, and ensuring finished products meet quality specifications. The role works closely with Production and Quality Control teams to support efficient operations and follows established safety, sanitation, quality, and production procedures. The position takes place in a manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to wet, humid, dusty, or noisy conditions, moving machinery, airborne particles or fumes, and caustic chemicals. Employees must wear a company-issued uniform and required personal protective equipment, which may include coveralls, dust masks, hearing protection, hair and beard nets, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes. Some work may occur in small rooms requiring airlock procedures to prevent cross-contamination. The work requires frequent standing and walking; handling materials, tools, and equipment; and lifting and moving items weighing up to 50 pounds. Duties may also involve rolling bags, scooping materials, kneeling, crouching, crawling, operating machinery with the feet when required, and tasks requiring visual acuity, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Requirements

Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Basic mathematical skills, including calculating and converting weights and volumes using the metric system.
Ability to read and follow written instructions, production recipes, and established procedures for mixing and blending.
Ability to follow Good Manufacturing Practices, safety guidelines, and sanitation requirements.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
Ability to work effectively with team members, supervisors, and Quality Control personnel.
Ability to safely handle materials and operate production equipment after appropriate training.
Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, consistent with applicable job requirements.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED.
Previous manufacturing, production, or packaging experience.
Experience with mixing, blending, filling, or processing products.
Forklift operating experience.
Familiarity with basic hand tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches, and equipment assembly.
Experience using SAP or other manufacturing, inventory, or production tracking systems.
Experience maintaining production records and following quality control procedures.

Responsibilities

Set up, assemble, disassemble, operate, adjust, and clean production equipment used for blending, filling, processing, and packaging color products.
Locate, prepare, transfer, and load raw materials and other ingredients for production.
Move work-in-process and finished products to filling stations, processing areas, storage, or shipping.
Prepare packaging materials, including drums, pails, and boxes, and print and apply product labels.
Collect product samples and deliver them to the Quality Control laboratory for testing.
Work with Quality Control technicians and supervisors to make process adjustments needed to meet product specifications.
Complete production paperwork and enter accurate information into production, laboratory, and inventory records.
Follow production recipes, work instructions, and applicable SAP processes.
Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices, quality standards, sanitation requirements, and company safety procedures.
Communicate with coworkers and supervisors about production progress, product quality, and process concerns.