Mill Equipment Operator

Lignetics; Town of Marathon (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2 weeks paid time off + 2 floating hol

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance (FSA

Educational assistance

401(k) with employer match

Life insurance & disability coverage

Employee heating pellet program

Lignetics SWAG gear & PPE

Job summary

Lignetics is seeking a Mill Equipment Operator to run and fine-tune three pellet mills, perform quality checks on finished pellets, and monitor moisture in raw materials. The role involves lifting up to 80 lbs, working in a high-temperature environment, and maintaining a clean, safe workspace.

Shifts are Monday–Friday, 3pm–11pm, with a base pay of $22–$24 per hour plus a $2.50 shift differential. Pre-employment checks apply, and strong teamwork is essential to support adjacent operators.

Qualifications

• Must pass forklift certification.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs and stand for long periods.
• Working knowledge of production process and quality testing.
• Comfort with high temperature/humidity environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate and adjust 3 pellet mills and monitor roll changes.
• Perform QC testing of finished pellets and moisture checks of raw material.
• Assist dryer operator to maintain pellet moisture and report issues.
• Maintain clean, safe work area and follow shift reports and safety protocols.
• Support packaging, loader, and dryer operators as needed.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Mathematical calculations

Teamwork and communication

Safety conscious

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

Mill Equipment Operator

Job Type: Full time

Salary: $22-$24 + $2.50 shift differential

Shift: M-F 3pm-11pm

• Pre-employment background check and drug screen required.

Mill Equipment Operator Description

• Responsible for operating and adjusting 3 pellet mills.
• Performing QC testing of finished pellets.
• Responsible for testing of incoming raw material and mix moisture content.
• Responsible for roll changes on pellet mills using overhead hoist.
• Perform routine inspections of the process to identify any issues or problems.

Mill Equipment Operator Inspections And Maintenance

• Assist dryer operator with keeping pellet moisture between 4-4.5% moisture content by giving feedback to dryer operator.
• Measure and record the Durability, volume of fines, pellet diameter, and perform soak tests on finished pellets to keep our quality in line with PFI standards.
• Continuously watch for problems troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, spot fires, and hot bearings.
• Maintain pellet mill feed rates and adjust or change pellet mill rolls/dies accordingly.
• Maintain a clean work area by clearing piles of sawdust around the mill room.
• Perform ash tests on mix as well as the finished pellet and communicate these to the dryer op.
• Perform visual volumes of the silo's volume and report that to the dryer op.

Mill Equipment Operator Communication and Teamwork

• Assisting the Packaging, Loader, and dryer Operators on the shift.
• Collect the shift Operator reports and verify that the paperwork is complete and accurate-complete daily Shift Summary Reports.
• Report and monitor, incidents, accidents, and maintenance requests.
• Lead by example with exemplary attendance, work ethic, positive attitude, professionalism, and a safety-first mentality.
• Participate in down day repairs and cleaning of the process.
• Perform other duties as required

Mill Equipment Operator Qualifications/Education

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Requires working knowledge of all aspects of the production process.
• Requires a high degree of technical, analytical skills.
• Must be able to pass the company forklift certification.
• Requires lifting up to 80 lbs safely, nearly waist-high, and standing for up to 12 hours per day.
• Requires ability to use catwalks and climb ladders that connect catwalks up to 30 feet high.
• Requires mechanical and troubleshooting skills to solve pellet mill maintenance problems.
• Requires the ability to do simple to basic math calculations.
• Requires working in a high temperature/ humidity area.
• Requires being able to work in confined spaces.

Mill Equipment Operator Benefits

• Employee referral bonus program
• 2 weeks paid time off + 2 floating holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (FSA & HSA options)
• Educational assistance
• Life insurance, short term & long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer match & immediate vesting
• Employee heating pellet program
• Lignetics SWAG gear to include an annual pair of work boots & other PPE

Lignetics Group

. offers clean, renewable solutions. We have 30 years of experience innovating eco-friendly essentials for everyday life. Lignetics manufactures a variety of consumer brands in several different categories, including wood pellets for home heating, BBQ pellets for grilling, wood pellets and shavings for animal bedding, and a wood fiber-based cat litter. Each of our products has unique features and benefits but is linked with a wonderful recycled, renewable, sustainable, and carbon-neutral story. We turn recycled sawdust into value-add, branded consumer products.

Lignetics believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity (EEO) and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, or on any other protected status under state, local or federal law. Equal employment opportunity is extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall and termination.

$22-$24