Utility/Relief Operator

Lignetics • Seymour, MO

13d

About The Position

The Utility/Relief Operator operates and adjusts pellet mills and regulates dryer inlet and outlet temperatures according to specifications. The role monitors bin levels and regulates material mixes to achieve optimal pellet moisture and density, including managing the ratios of fresh and old sawdust and wet and dry shavings. The operator maintains pellet mill feed rates, adjusts or changes rolls and dies, and troubleshoots equipment malfunctions, spot fires, and hot bearings.

The operator completes daily reports documenting temperature readings, dried-material moisture, density checks and daily averages, total mill hours, natural gas hours, and estimated tonnage. Additional accountabilities may be assigned as required.

The shift schedule must be flexible. The employee will be assigned a main shift—first, second, or third—and must be available to work any shift as needed for coverage. Training will take place on first shift for the first few months. A pre-employment background check and drug screen are required. The role works near fast-moving, heavy automated equipment, where clear communication and adherence to safety signage and procedures are mandatory.

Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule and cover any shift as needed; a main shift will be assigned.
• Ability to understand and immediately respond to verbal safety commands, audio alarms, and written hazard alerts in English in a manufacturing setting.
• English proficiency to 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, and unsafe floor conditions.
• Ability to pass the company forklift certification.
• Ability to lift up to 80 pounds waist-high.
• Ability to stand for up to 12 hours per day.
• Ability to use catwalks and climb ladders connecting catwalks up to 60 feet high in accordance with safety standards.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to perform simple math calculations.
• Pre-employment background check and drug screen required.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Process controls experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate and adjust pellet mills.
• Regulate dryer inlet and outlet temperatures according to specifications and monitor bin levels.
• Regulate material mixes to achieve optimal pellet moisture and density, including communicating the ratios of fresh and old sawdust and wet and dry shavings.
• Maintain pellet mill feed rates and adjust or change pellet mill rolls and dies as needed.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, spot fires, and hot bearings.
• Complete daily reports covering temperature readings, dried-material moisture, density checks and 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 plus two floating holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with FSA and HSA options.
• Educational assistance.
• Life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting.
• Employee heating pellet program.
• Lignetics SWAG gear, including an annual pair of work boots and other personal protective equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED