Extrusion Operator - Ottawa, KS

Monoflo International Inc; Ottawa (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Monoflo International Inc. seeks an Extrusion Operator II to run and maintain plastic recycling equipment, perform changeovers, and ensure targets for throughput and utilization are met. You will manage material flow from infeed through shredding to weigh scales, and execute routine maintenance and cleaning for a stable process.

You will perform quality sorting, adjust parameters, rotate knives as needed, and document operations. Forklift certification is required for this role.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work in high temperature environments.
• Proficient with basic hand tools.
• Mechanical aptitude in hydraulics, pneumatics, and root cause analysis.
• Able to operate forklift and obtain certification.
• Reliable, flexible, and able to work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Own shift performance, achieving targets for throughput and utilization.
• Perform daily operator preventive maintenance tasks.
• Start up and shut down procedures on all equipment.
• Sort scrap material to remove contaminants.
• Maintain steady material feed rates at the shredder.
• Adjust shredder parameters to improve efficiency.
• Rotate knives when dull for throughput.
• Clear dust collecting equipment for proper airflow.
• Change materials and colors as scheduled.
• Change pellet die for HDPE and PP as needed.
• Maintain throughput through the pelletizer to meet hourly targets.
• Troubleshoot downtime and restart operations.
• Escalate issues to Supervisor with details.
• Adjust pelletizing equipment for performance.
• Perform basic knife and screen changes and cleanings.
• Produce quality reprocessed material meeting standards.
• Document processes and audits for stability.
• Use IQMS to code downtime and report production values.
• Obtain and maintain forklift operator certification.
• Remove non-recyclables to designated areas.
• Maintain 5S around equipment and facility layout.
• Continuous equipment and facility cleaning to meet expectations.

Skills

Strong work ethic

High temperature environment tolerance

Mechanical aptitude (hydraulics, pneu­

Basic hand tool use

Positive attitude

Independent / self‑direction

Team communication

Tools

IQMS

Job description

Description

The Extrusion Operator II operates and maintains plastic recycling equipment in accordance with established process parameters. The Operator II makes minor process adjustments to ensure utilization and efficiency targets are achieved. Achieving targets requires an understanding of the recycling system as a complete unit, from material infeed, through shredding, to the weigh scales. The Operator II is required to perform changeovers, maintenance, and material sorting to maintain a stable system. Maintenance includes supporting preventative maintenance with thorough cleaning of equipment and routine maintenance tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Own shift performance, achieving targets for throughput and utilization
• Perform the daily operator preventative maintenance tasks to ensure equipment functionality
• Perform start up and shut down procedures on all equipment
• Perform proper sorting techniques of scrap material, removing contaminates
• Perform the basic operator rhythms and hourly checks to validate parameters and equipment are operating as expected
• Maintain steady material feed rates at the shredder
• Perform shredder parameter adjustments to improve efficiency
• Identify when shredder knives are dull, affecting throughput, and perform knife rotation
• Routinely clear dust collecting equipment and bags for adequate airflow
• Perform material and color changes as scheduled
• Perform pellet die changes for material changes when needed (HDPE and PP)
• Maintain throughput through the pelletizer to achieve target hourly rate
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic downtime causes to restart the operation
• Communicate all issues with the Supervisor to ensure escalation is achieved and resolution is sufficient
• Perform parameter adjustments on the pelletizing equipment to improve performance
• Perform basic knife changes, screen changes, pit clearing, obstructions in pipes/hoses, seal replacements, filter cleaning
• Produce quality reprocessed material that meets quality standards
• Complete required process documentation and audits to monitor and maintain a stable process
• Utilize IQMS to code downtime, report production values, and identify finished goods stored in bins
• Obtain and maintain forklift operator certification
• Remove non-recyclable materials from reprocessing area and deliver to designated areas (metal, cardboard, other plastics)
• Maintain 5S structure in and around equipment, including overall facility layout
• Continuously perform equipment/facility cleaning procedures to meet expectations

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic and ability to follow established processes
• Ability to work in high temperature environments
• Mechanical aptitudes in hydraulics, pneumatics, and root cause analysis
• Basic hand tool use required
• Positive attitude, reliable, and flexible to changing environments
• Able to work with minimal supervision and direction
• Able to effectively communicate with team members