Mill Equipment Operator – 2nd Shift
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Skills
About the role
Description
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 1:00 PM–9:00 PM (2nd Shift)
Pay: $21.00–$23.00 per hour, based on experience
Shift Differential: Additional $2.00 per hour
Annual Bonus: 2% bonus opportunity
****Pre-Employment Requirements: Background check and drug screen required***
Who We Are
Lignetics, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium wood pellets, animal bedding, and other renewable wood-based products. With manufacturing facilities across the United States, we are committed to producing high-quality, sustainable products while maintaining a safe, efficient, and team-oriented work environment.
At Lignetics, we value hard work, dependability, and teamwork. We offer opportunities to develop your skills, grow professionally, and build a long-term career with a company that takes pride in its people and products.
Benefits of Working at Lignetics
- 2% annual bonus opportunity
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 5%, fully vested after 90 days
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Company wood pellet heating program
- $250 annual personal protective equipment (PPE) allowance
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement
- Stable, year-round employment
Position Summary
Lignetics is seeking a dependable, mechanically inclined Mill Equipment Operator to join our manufacturing team in Arcade, NY.
This position is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining pellet mill equipment to ensure the safe and efficient production of high-quality wood pellets. The Mill Equipment Operator plays an important role in maintaining production flow, monitoring product quality, troubleshooting equipment issues, and supporting daily manufacturing operations.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-focused, and comfortable working with industrial equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to work as part of a team are essential for success in this role.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Operate, monitor, and adjust three pellet mills to maintain efficient production and consistent product quality.
- Perform quality control testing on finished pellets to ensure products meet established standards.
- Test incoming raw materials and monitor moisture content throughout the production process.
- Perform pellet mill roll changes using an overhead hoist and adjust or replace rolls and dies as needed.
- Conduct routine equipment and process inspections to identify potential mechanical or operational issues.
- Work closely with the Dryer Operator to maintain pellet moisture levels between 4% and 4.5%.
- Measure and record pellet durability, fines volume, pellet diameter, and soak test results to maintain Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) quality standards.
- Monitor equipment for malfunctions, hot bearings, spot fires, and other safety or operational concerns.
- Maintain appropriate pellet mill feed rates and make adjustments to support production efficiency.
- Perform ash testing on raw material mixes and finished pellets, communicating results to the Dryer Operator.
- Visually monitor silo inventory levels and report findings to the Dryer Operator.
- Assist Packaging, Loader, and Dryer Operators as needed to maintain production flow.
- Collect and review shift operator reports for completeness and accuracy, including preparation of daily shift summary reports.
- Report and document incidents, accidents, equipment concerns, and maintenance requests.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment, including removing sawdust accumulation and other debris from the mill room.
- Participate in scheduled maintenance, equipment repairs, cleaning, and production downtime activities.
- Demonstrate dependable attendance, professionalism, teamwork, and a safety-first approach.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Previous manufacturing, production, or industrial equipment operating experience preferred.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and production equipment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment and maintenance issues.
- Technical and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and accurately record production measurements.
- Ability to successfully complete company forklift certification.
- Ability to safely lift up to 80 pounds to approximately waist height.
- Ability to stand for extended periods, up to 12 hours per shift.
- Ability to climb ladders and access elevated catwalks up to 30 feet high.
- Ability to work safely in confined spaces and areas with elevated temperatures and humidity.
- Ability to monitor multiple pieces of equipment and respond quickly to operational concerns.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with other production team members.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, safety procedures, and equipment operating guidelines.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand safety instructions, production documentation, and operational requirements.
Work Environment
This position operates in an active manufacturing facility with exposure to industrial machinery, moving equipment, dust, noise, and high temperatures or humidity. Employees must be comfortable performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting, climbing ladders, accessing elevated platforms, and working in confined spaces when required. The Mill Equipment Operator must follow all company safety procedures, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Lignetics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Lignetics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.
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