Plant Operator Mycorrhizae Sieving & Drying Plant at AECI Limited

Job Description    

• Operate the various harvesting machines and drying vacuum belt machine according to relevant SOP’s.
• Ensure production vessels and pipes are drained/cleaned at the end of every shift.
• Ensure that standard operating instructions (SOP’s) are followed and laid down operating works instructions for the operation of plant equipment, e.g. mixing vessels, pump, stirrers, drying belts, sieving machine, etc.
• Ensure that product samples as per sampling instructions are taken.
• Meet production/packaging quality standards as specified by production plan.
• Complete relevant quality control schedules, e.g. temperature records.
• Carefully monitor the drying system to avoid catastrophic failure to the drying belt.
• Report quality control problems.
• Ensure that the plant is always clean and in a safe condition at all times
• Required to work in other work areas other than the incumbent’s normal work area.
• When production demand drops required to carry out other ad hoc tasks.
• Required to report all non-conformance issues, e.g. spillage of product, etc.
• Maintenance – ensure maintenance costs on plants are kept to a minimum and report all equipment breakdowns. Initiate ordering of spares; supervise maintenance contractors ensuring that maintenance jobs are effectively completed and minimise down time by reporting breakdowns and ensuring repairs are carried out timeously. Co-ordinate/implement preventative maintenance systems for equipment under the incumbent’s control. Responsible for day to day maintenance of plant/equipment under the incumbent’s control.
• Sowing – Participate in the sowing team on a rotational basis when not operating
• harvesting machines. Execute production activities for which training has been received according to instruction from the Team Leader including but not limited to sowing of crates, cutting off leaf foliage and housekeeping in production area.
• Research & Development – work with/assist R&D personnel and Team Leader on the production of trial batches of new products on plants under incumbent’s control.
• Assist/fill in for colleagues during their absence due to annual or sick leave as and when requested.
• Have sound knowledge and maintain a “hands on” approach of the plants and processes in the incumbent’s areas of responsibility.

Qualifications & Experience    

• Minimum education Grade 12.
• Minimum of 2 years’ relevant plant operation experience in a production environment.
• Prior work experience or a good understanding of electrical systems and safety around the operation of such systems required.
• Must possess a sound knowledge of SHEQ Management Systems standards/requirements advantageous.
• Must be computer literate MS Office (Excel/Word/Outlook)
• Possess knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Possess good communication (verbal and written), planning, organising and inter-personal skills.
• Must be able to work under pressure, be deadline driven and self-motivated.
• Must be able to operate in a multi-disciplinary environment and possess excellent problem solving skills.
• Possess the ability to maintain an acceptable attendance record and punctuality.
• Possess the ability to follow through, prioritise workload and be able to manage frequently changing priorities.
• Able to work independently as well as within a team.