Blender Operator I at Highline Warren in Council Bluffs, IA

SUMMARY

As a Blender Operator, you will be responsible for operating blending equipment to mix raw materials and create various products according to standard recipes and specifications. This role requires attention to detail, technical expertise, and the ability to follow precise instructions. There are three levels of skillset in this position, each with varying degrees of expertise and responsibilities. The below description is for Blender Operator I.

HOURS: 6:30 am - 7:00 pm | Rotating 12-hour schedule

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.

As a Blender Operator I, your primary responsibility will be to learn various aspects of blending in development to become a Blender Operator II.

• Assist in the setup of blending machines and ensure they are calibrated correctly.
• Measure and weigh raw materials following provided recipes.
• Load ingredients into the blending equipment and initiate blending processes.
• Assist department associates with loading and unloading bulk liquids from tank trucks and rail cars by starting pumps and opening valves on pipelines and tanks to regulate and direct flow of oil from and into tanks and cars according to delivery schedules.
• Read automatic gauges at specified time intervals to determine flow rate of oil into or out of tanks and amount of oil in tanks. Operate pumps. Inspect pipelines, valves, and flanges to detect malfunctions such as loose connections or leaks and report defective valves to maintenance department.
• Efficiently use the company’s enterprise resource planning system to maintain accurate inventories and department paperwork and records.
• Draw samples of mixture for laboratory analysis. Perform simple laboratory tests such as viscosity and density.
• Monitor blending operations and adjust settings as directed.
• Perform basic quality checks on blended products to ensure consistency.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of blending equipment and work area.
• Follow safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Document blending activities and record production data accurately.
• Maintain continuity among work teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.

• Maintain good housekeeping and regularly clean work area, machines, and equipment.
• Identify and contribute to continuous improvement efforts to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
• Maintain an open and candid working relationship with immediate supervisor/manager in discussing matters of importance.
• Adhere to established company values, practices, policies, and procedures at all times.
• Follow and support compliance with all applicable safety rules, laws, regulations, and standards.

• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance at the assigned work location.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

The individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

An individual qualified for this job must be able to:

• Demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude and learn to perform simple maintenance tasks.
• Accurately multiply, divide, add, and subtract whole numbers to resolve practical problems.
• Operate a computer—PC proficiency; use spreadsheets and reporting software effectively.
• Wear/use required PPE (personal protective equipment).
• Understand written instruction and complete appropriate documentation as directed.
• Use a logical approach to troubleshooting issues and prioritizing production needs.
• Recognize problems when they occur and to work toward the solution of those problems.
• Pay attention to details and pursue quality in accomplishing work duties and tasks. Look for opportunities to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
• Handle challenges skillfully, thoroughly, and effectively.
• Effectively and professionally communicate with co-workers, team members, and internal or external customers. Present information clearly and accurately.
• Independently take advantage of opportunities to improve or increase skills, abilities and job knowledge.
• Make sure that work is delivered on time and of high quality.
• Develop good work practices in order to get the job done.
• Use equipment, resources and time in an efficient and effective manner.
• Use good judgment when making decisions.
• Perform work in a safe manner at all times.
• Work in a cooperative manner with management, co-workers, internal/external customers, and vendors.
• Do the right thing, even when it is difficult.

Note: The specific skills and responsibilities may vary depending on the department and fluid involved. This job description provides a general overview of the typical expectations for blender operators at different skill levels.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS

An individual qualified for this job must have and maintain the following qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or relevant training preferred.
• Previous experience as a Blender Operator or in a related manufacturing role is a plus.
• Knowledge of blending equipment operation and maintenance.
• Understanding of measurement units and ability to perform accurate calculations.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and equipment operation.
• Physical stamina and ability to lift/move heavy bags of raw materials.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standard operating procedures.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team.
• Must be able to obtain forklift and pallet jack license
• Flexibility to work in shifts and adapt to changing production demands.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Remain in a stationary position while loading and unloading trucks or using blending equipment.
• Regularly move about and transport tools and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Position hoses and tools requiring up to eighty (80) pounds of force to accommodate loading and unloading operations.
• Position oneself to access valves and adjust hoses to connect to delivery points of various heights or positions, including at floor level.
• Reach forward and overhead to adjust and clean valves.
• Ascend/descend stairs/ladders to access and work atop tanks and rail cars while collecting samples and loading and unloading product.
• Operate, position, and use a wide variety of hand tools and equipment, as well as a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels and have the ability to exchange detailed information.
• Move about the manufacturing facility to observe and effectively communicate with team members and perform job duties.
• Visually observe and interact with associates and equipment in the plant setting.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The environmental conditions described here are representative of those the associate encounters while performing the Essential Functions of the job.

• The individual in this position will be expected to work in a manufacturing plant environment, which may include being exposed to work in high/precarious places, moving machinery, marked changes in temperature and humidity, and dust, odors, and fumes. Typical noise level is loud. The individual may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments.

Please read the below statements and sign below to confirm your understanding.

Note that this is not an employment contract and does not in any way constitute a job offer or alter the at-will status of employment at Highline Warren. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.