Lead Process Operator

JOB TITLE: Lead Process OperatorREPORTS TO: Manager, Chitosan Modification and FormulationSTATUS: Full Time, Non-ExemptLOCATION: Traer, IA (on-site)SALARY RANGE: $27.00-$30.00/hourBENEFITS: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, optional FSA/HSA, 401k with 6% employer match, life and AD&D insurance, Employee Assistance Program, short & long term disability, tuition reimbursement, 21.67 days of paid time off + 10 holidaysAbout Tidal Vision:We believe that sustainability should not require customers to compromise on price, convenience, or performance. Our mission is to create positive and systemic environmental impact by making our biopolymer solutions cost competitive, more convenient, and better performing than the synthetic chemicals we displace. We value innovation and take pride in challenging the status-quo; we choose to view obstacles as opportunities. We value new ideas and encourage the team to apply creativity and invent new solutions to meet challenging demands. We foster open, direct communication, and a collaborative working environment through our unique approach to work culture. We value our employees and demonstrate that through our compensation and benefits programs and opportunities for growth and development.About Tidal Vision's Unique Work Culture:Tidal Vision strives to build and invest in the highest performing and most innovative team. We put our people and customers above process, avoid company-wide rules as much as possible, and have the courage to take unusual approaches to advance our mission. With this approach, we believe we can create a more flexible, fun, stimulating, creative, collaborative, and innovative organization.Our commitment to developing, practicing and promoting direct and open communication, responsibility and freedom, and leading with and seeking context is a responsibility for every role at Tidal Vision.JOB SUMMARY:The Lead Process Operator is an integral part of the production team, performing functions to create safe and quality products for Tidal Vision. The position is responsible for retrieving, weighing, handling and mixing chemical ingredients; monitoring equipment during the chemical process; repairing machinery if problems arise; accurately recording information about equipment, process, quality and inventory control; and assisting in the planning and improvement of processes or products, including conducting QA/QC testing and documenting results. Duties may also include loading and unloading trucks and managing warehouse inventory on an as-needed basis.The Lead Process Operator is also responsible for proactively communicating status to headquarters, as well as building strong working relationships with the partnership team at our Iowa satellite location.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Must operate and work within our Mission Driven Culture Core Values and Principles and encourage others to do the same.Responsible for scheduling and running of the Production Line.Responsible for Inventory and Inventory control of the Iowa location.Supporting QA/QC testing or documenting results.Responsible for training of personnel as required.Responsible for maintenance of equipment and cleanliness of the Production Line.Stores, retrieves, mixes, and monitors chemicals used in the production process.Accurately records information, such as ingredients, weights, and temperature, and inputting into a database.Demonstrates a high level of attention to detail and quality work.Demonstrates initiative with the ability to perform daily duties with little oversight.Troubleshoots issues with production equipment and processes.Observes all company, local, state, and federal safety and quality regulations.Reports accidents, safety violations, or other concerns.Assists in planning and improving processes and product quality.Meets physical requirements of the position, including walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods, lifting heavy objects, climbing, crouching, operating tools, and wearing safety gear.Ability to operate a forklift safely and effectively.Loads and unloads trucks utilizing forklift or other equipment.Maintains warehouse inventory in a safe, organized manner.Prepares and completes shipping, receiving and inventory tasks as required.Upon hire, training will occur for approximately 1 week in Washington.OTHER JOB FUNCTIONSAttends staff meetings, training or other company events as requested.Performs other duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience:2+ years of experience in a leadership roleHigh School Diploma or equivalentMechanical aptitudeExperience with Lean methodologiesExperience with inventory managementMust have Microsoft Office Suite or Google Suite experienceDesire to work with team members to improve processes and product quality in a physically demanding environmentMandatory compliance with safety and quality regulations, including wearing protective gear and safety operating all equipmentFamiliarity with safe handling practices regarding hazardous materialsPreferred Experience:Additional relevant education (i.e. Technical College)Forklift certificationLicensing & Special RequirementsMust possess a valid driver's license with proof of insurance and a clean driving record.Incumbent is subject to a criminal background check.Upon hire, training will occur for approximately 1 week in Washington.WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSMost of the work is performed in a warehouse setting but will require occasional time at a desk. Physical requirements of the position include walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods, lifting heavy objects (50 lbs or more), climbing, crouching, operating tools, and wearing appropriate PPE at all times.Tidal Vision provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.