Job Description

JOB TITLE: Load/Unload Operator JOB GRADE: NE07

FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt DEPARTMENT NAME: Loading & Unloading –DIR

DEPARTMENT CODE: LDULD REPORTS TO: Supervisor

I. POSITION SUMMARY

1. Loads, unloads, and moves products for the kiln area operations, which contributes to the safe and efficient production of fired ceramic products that meet the required specifications and quality standards.

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (The section is not intended to be an all-inclusive list and NGK Ceramics reserves the right to include other duties as assigned):

1. Obtains and confirms the correct travel tickets and load/unload plan at the beginning of each kiln cycle by matching the cycle to the kiln car number for the car that is on the lift; and sorts the tickets by placing two piles on the desk – one for each side of the car
2. Performs manual loading and unloading of products to and from the kiln cars according to established procedures
3. Reads, references, and/or completes various forms and documents such as: Loading/Unloading Sheets, Travel Tickets, Product Tochi Information Sheets, etc.
4. Operates the hydraulic transfer car for moving the kiln cars in the work area; verifies the correct movement of the transfer car by observing the control panel light indicators
5. Stacks and un-stacks Tochi in baskets
6. Inputs process data into the company’s information systems CAPAC
7. Transfers completed pallets by moving with a pallet jack into the Fired Body Rack Server (Material Control Handler) or to the Fired Body Stock Yard
8. Keeps product clean and undamaged by handling with clean gloves; and handling, stacking, and un-stacking using established techniques and procedures
9. Verifies the placement and the condition of the fire shields on the kiln cars
10. Cleans the Tana plates and the Tochi and verifies that they are free of burrs, rough edges, or other abnormal conditions
11. Reports work-related issues to the team leader or to management in a timely manner (e.g. safety, harassment, violence, production issues, etc.)

L. Works safely by avoiding forklifts; staying clear of forklift doors; using personnel doors when entering or exiting the buildings; using caution when operating pallet jacks; being careful of tripping hazards and no entry areas; notifies Technical Leader of equipment leaks; and takes necessary safety precautions regarding power outages, kiln shutdowns or gas leaks.

M. Participates in PM (Preventive Maintenance), MMOL (Machine Maintenance Operator Leader), and G5S (Global 5S: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) activities as needed

N. Follows all EMS (Environmental Management System) procedures, including the disposal of waste and used materials

O. This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

III. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

A. Customer Focus, Environmental Awareness and Compliance, Functional & Technical Expertise and Computer Skills, Integrity and Accountability, Organizational Awareness, Respect and Humility, Safety Orientation, and Teamwork.

IV. REQUIRED AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A. Required Education and/or Experience

1. Must be able to successfully complete all required job training.
2. High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
3. Preferred: 6 month manufacturing/warehousing experience or equivalent
4. CRC Bronze or above
5. Preferred Certified Production Technician program completion

B. Required Language Skills

1. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

C. Required Mathematical Skills

1. Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers and decimals.

D. Required Reasoning Ability

1. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
2. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

V. PHYSICAL DEMANDS (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and will be determined on a case by case basis):

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
2. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear; and stoop or bend.
3. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. The employee must be able to use a pallet jack to frequently move 400-500 pounds.

VI. WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to humid conditions.
2. The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; extreme heat; and airborne particles.
3. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
4. Overtime may be required on occasion, to ensure the continued flow of production
5. Kiln area essential personnel may be required to report to work and/or work extended shifts during inclement weather conditions.

VII. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS/PPE

A. Face masks are required per CDC guidelines, effective 10/1/2021

B. Safety shoes must be worn while on NGK property.

C. Cloth gloves may be required while performing certain job duties.

D. Protective sleeves and safety glasses may be provided as optional PPE.

VIII. EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER

This job description is not to be considered a written contract. Employment with NGK is at will. This means that the employee, as well as the company, is free to terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by law. Also, this job description is not designed to be a complete listing of the tasks, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.