Processing Operator II

Oil-Dri Corporation; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Job summary

Oil-Dri Corporation is seeking a Processing Operator to run the dryer and mill room, turning raw clay into a finished product and applying inspection methods to ensure conformance. The role supports the South Plant Processing department and operates on a 7 PM–7 AM shift.

Key duties include monitoring milling, drying and screening operations, adjusting controls to meet specifications, collecting samples, and communicating adjustments to the team.

Qualifications

• Must possess basic mechanical skills.
• Must be able to visually monitor equipment and read data.
• Must understand product specifications and process controls.
• Must follow safety requirements and communicate effectively.
• Must be able to use basic tools and enter data.
• Must be able to stand for long shifts and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Operate milling, screening and drying processes.
• Adjust equipment controls to meet specs.
• Monitor gauges and test data for conformance.
• Collect samples and perform analytical tests.
• Communicate adjustments to teammates to maintain specs.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs.
• Operate front-end loader and Bobcat as needed.
• Provide back-up support to processing team.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Data entry

Verbal communication

Reading specs

Process controls

Safety compliance

Tools

Front-end loader

Bobcat

Job description

Department: South Plant Plant Processing

Reports To: Processing Supervisor

Hours: 7 PM - 7 AM

Job Summary

• Processing Operator is responsible for operating dryer and mill room to process clay into a finished product, and applying inspection and test methods to determine product conformance.

  2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces

  2026 Forbes Most Successful Small-Cap Companies

  2025 Large Business of the Year: Awarded by Imagine Thomasville

Essential Functions

• Operates and maintains the milling, screening and drying processes.

• Understands internal customer needs and specifications and takes action to meet expectations.

• Understands process of feeding clay from the shed to dryer and communicates modifications needed to meet specifications.

• Adjusts equipment operating controls to modify product properties in response to specifications, raw material properties, ambient conditions, etc.

• Assures standards are being met.

• Monitors equipment operation by observation of gauges, test data, or direct observation

• Sets up equipment for different product runs.

• Troubleshoots problems in the mill and dryer area.

• Apply inspection and test methods to determine product conformance.

• Collects samples and performs specific analytical test on products and raw materials to measure conformance to specifications.

• Understand what the data is saying and takes actions as needed, i.e., communicates with processing, warehouse and packaging teammates to ensure that necessary adjustments are made to keep products conforming to specifications.

• Communicates verbally, i.e. answers inquiries and provides information.

• Assures all safety rules, regulations and precautions are followed.

• Assures areas are clean and free of clutter.

• Assists in maintaining equipment in the processing area.

• Performs daily routine maintenance of equipment.

• Performs basic repairs and works with maintenance personnel to complete other repairs as needed.

• Performs safety and mechanic inspections to maintain mill and dryer systems.

• Operates front-end loader and bobcat as needed. Training must be documented before operating equipment.

• Performs other duties as assigned

• Acquire further training and proficiency in other job functions on processing team.

• Provide back-up support for other positions on the processing team

• Provide back-up support to other departments as needed

• Actively seek and identify improvement opportunities to reduce losses, and implement measures, in coordination with the full team to effect those improvements.

• Other actions as needed to satisfy company goals, processes, and procedures, and to uphold the values inherent to Oil – Dri.

Experience

• Must meet the assessment requirements for this position

• Must possess basic mechanical skills

• Must be able to visually monitor electronic equipment, cameras and control panels to be able to interpret the data and take appropriate actions.

• Must be able to read and comprehend product specifications.

• Must have basic understanding of process controls.

• Must understand all safety requirements and other communications.

• Must have good verbal communication skills

• Must have the ability to use tools

• Must be able to enter data into computer databases.

• Must be willing to make decisions within the scope of his responsibilities be accountable for those decisions.

• Must satisfy the spirit of WE CARE.

• Must be able to stand for the duration of the shift

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently

• Bending, reaching, twisting, stooping, walking, and climbing stairways and ladders frequently

• Must be able to climb ladders up to 100 feet

• Must be able to communicate clearly by radio, telephone, and in person

• Must be able to function in the required role while wearing appropriate PPE including, but not limited to: Safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, dust mask, protective coveralls, and other as may be required by a hot/cold, dusty, loud industrial environment.

• Must meet all physical requirements of the position.
  Hire Rate $22.64 + $2.00 shift differential