Fertilizer Granulation Process Operator

The Mundy Companies; Freeport (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mundy Companies in Freeport, TX, is seeking a Fertilizer Granulation Process Operator to safely run an automated granulation line and ensure consistent, high-quality fertilizer products. You will monitor process conditions, adjust parameters, and document production and quality data with a strong focus on safety and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work independently in a demanding manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, chemical processing, fertilizer production, or related environment preferred.
• Experience operating automated production equipment is highly desirable.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot industrial equipment.
• Ability to read and understand gauges, instrumentation, process screens, and quality measurements.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor an automated fertilizer granulation system following procedures.
• Start, operate, adjust, and shut down granulation equipment safely and efficiently.
• Monitor process conditions using control systems, gauges and observation.
• Maintain granulation process within parameters to maximize production and quality.
• Make timely adjustments based on material, equipment, quality, and production needs.
• Maintain production records, logs, and quality measurements.
• Follow safety policies and use PPE; promote housekeeping and safe operations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Independent work

Reading gauges

Basic math

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

THE MUNDY COMPANIES

Pursuing Flawless Execution in Everything We Do

12946 Dairy Ashford Houston, TX 77478 Office 713.472.6464 www.mundycos.com

FERTILIZER GRANULATION PROCESS OPERATOR

Freeport, Texas

High-Speed Manufacturing | Production | Packaging | Logistics

Compensation

$30+/HR (DOE)

Schedule

Full-Time | On-Site

Position Summary

The Fertilizer Granulation Process Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an automated fertilizer granulation process to produce consistent, high-quality fertilizer products. This position requires a highly detail-oriented individual who can continuously monitor critical process and quality measurements, make appropriate operating adjustments, identify potential problems before they impact production, and maintain equipment within established operating parameters.

The successful candidate will have strong mechanical aptitude, good troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work independently with limited supervision. This individual must be disciplined, dependable, and accountable for achieving established production, quality, efficiency, and downtime Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

The Granulation Process Operator is expected to take ownership of the process from start-up through shutdown and ensure that production targets are achieved without sacrificing product quality or safety.

Essential Responsibilities

Process Operation

• Operate and monitor an automated fertilizer granulation system in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Start, operate, adjust, and shut down granulation equipment safely and efficiently.
• Continuously monitor process conditions through control systems, instrumentation, gauges, and physical observation.
• Maintain the granulation process within established operating parameters to maximize production rates and product consistency.
• Make timely process adjustments based on raw material conditions, equipment performance, product quality, and production requirements.
• Monitor material flow, temperatures, moisture levels, pressures, speeds, feed rates, and other critical process measurements.
• Maintain consistent product size, shape, density, moisture, and other established Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) characteristics.
• Recognize process deviations and take corrective action before they result in off-specification product or significant production losses.
• Follow established recipes, formulations, production schedules, and batch requirements accurately.
• Maintain accurate production records, process logs, quality measurements, downtime records, and equipment observations.

Quality Control

• Conduct required in-process quality checks at established intervals.
• Monitor and document critical-to-quality measurements throughout the production process.
• Identify trends or changes in product quality and make appropriate process adjustments.
• Communicate quality concerns immediately to supervision and/or Quality personnel.
• Prevent off-specification material by maintaining close attention to process conditions and product characteristics.
• Properly segregate and identify non-conforming product when required.
• Maintain a strong understanding of how changes in raw materials and process conditions affect finished fertilizer quality.

Mechanical Troubleshooting

• Use mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills to identify the cause of equipment and process problems.
• Troubleshoot issues involving conveyors, feeders, pumps, motors, valves, screens, granulators, dryers, coolers, dust collection systems, and other production equipment.
• Identify unusual sounds, vibrations, temperatures, material flow, equipment behavior, or other indications of developing problems.
• Perform basic operator-level adjustments, cleaning, inspections, and minor corrective actions when authorized.
• Work closely with Maintenance personnel to communicate equipment problems and provide useful troubleshooting information.
• Assist Maintenance with troubleshooting and repairs when appropriate.
• Identify recurring equipment problems and communicate opportunities for preventative maintenance or process improvement.
• Minimize unnecessary equipment downtime by responding quickly and appropriately to operating issues.

Production & KPI Accountability

• Take personal responsibility for achieving daily production and efficiency targets.
• Operate the process in a manner that maximizes production volume while maintaining safety and product quality.
• Monitor key performance indicators including, as applicable:

• Production tons per hour
• Total production volume
• Equipment uptime
• Unplanned downtime
• Product quality
• Product yield
• Material loss
• Energy efficiency
• Rework and off-specification product
• Changeover and startup efficiency

• Understand how operator decisions affect production rates, operating costs, quality, and overall plant performance.
• Maintain a disciplined approach to operating procedures and production targets, even when working independently.
• Continuously look for opportunities to improve throughput, reduce downtime, minimize waste, and improve process consistency.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA requirements.
• Properly use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Maintain awareness of moving equipment, pinch points, rotating machinery, elevated temperatures, dust, chemicals, and other process hazards.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures when required.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work area.
• Perform routine operator inspections of equipment and work areas.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment hazards, spills, leaks, or other safety concerns.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Communication & Documentation

• Maintain accurate and timely production and process documentation.
• Communicate equipment issues, quality concerns, process deviations, and production challenges to the appropriate personnel.
• Provide clear shift-to-shift communication regarding equipment condition, production status, process settings, and outstanding issues.
• Notify supervision of significant deviations from production or quality targets.
• Maintain professional and productive communication with Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, Shipping, and Production personnel.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, chemical processing, fertilizer production, or a related environment preferred.
• Experience operating automated production equipment is highly desirable.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot industrial equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow detailed operating procedures.
• Ability to read and understand gauges, instrumentation, process screens, production reports, and quality measurements.
• Basic computer skills and ability to operate computerized control systems.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and understand production measurements.
• Ability to work independently with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to recognize process problems and respond appropriately.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Willingness to work in an industrial manufacturing environment.

Key Competencies

Attention to Detail: Must be highly observant and consistently monitor process conditions, product quality, equipment performance, and production requirements. Small changes in the process can have a significant impact on finished product quality and production efficiency.

Mechanical Aptitude: Must understand the basic operation of mechanical equipment and have the ability to identify and troubleshoot common equipment problems.

Accountability: Must take ownership of the production process and be personally accountable for meeting established production, quality, safety, and efficiency expectations.

Independent Work: Must be comfortable working alone for extended periods and making appropriate operating decisions without constant supervision.

Discipline: Must consistently follow operating procedures, monitor required measurements, complete documentation, and maintain focus on established KPIs.

Problem Solving: Must be able to identify problems, determine likely causes, and take appropriate corrective action quickly.

Production Mindset: Must understand that maximizing production does not simply mean running equipment faster. The operator must balance production volume, product quality, equipment reliability, safety, and operating efficiency.

Dependability: Must be reliable, punctual, prepared for each shift, and capable of maintaining consistent performance throughout the workday.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated equipment where required.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and work around industrial equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment within company-established limits.
• Ability to work in environments with dust, noise, heat, outdoor conditions, and industrial equipment.
• Ability to wear required PPE for extended periods.

Working Conditions

This position works in an industrial fertilizer manufacturing environment and may be exposed to:

• Fertilizer dust and particulate matter
• Industrial chemicals and raw materials
• High noise levels
• Heat and humidity
• Moving mechanical equipment
• Rotating machinery
• Conveyors and material handling equipment
• Outdoor weather conditions
• Elevated work areas

Strict adherence to company safety procedures and PPE requirements is required.

Performance Expectations

1. Operate the granulation process safely and consistently.
2. Maintain critical-to-quality measurements within established specifications.
3. Maximize production throughput while maintaining product quality.
4. Minimize unplanned downtime through early identification of equipment and process issues.
5. Accurately document production, quality, and process information.
6. Meet established production and efficiency KPIs.
7. Maintain excellent housekeeping and safe operating conditions.
8. Work independently and demonstrate sound judgment.
9. Identify opportunities to improve process efficiency and reliability.
10. Take ownership of the process and be accountable for results.

Overall Success in the Position

Success in this position is measured by the operator's ability to safely produce the maximum amount of on-specification fertilizer with minimum downtime, waste, and process variation.

The ideal operator does not simply operate the equipment—they understand the process, monitor the process, recognize problems early, make appropriate adjustments, and take ownership of the results.

The Mundy Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Drug-Free Work Environment