Tufter

SUMMARY: While a job description may not fully encompass every detail of a position, the purpose of the following is to provide an outline of goals, responsibilities, ability and knowledge required in order to successfully perform this job.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Creels tufting and sock knitting machine to change style of yarn or to replace exhausted yarn packages: Places yarn packages on creel, according to supervisor's instructions, color-coded spools, or number on yarn packages.
• Responsible for maintaining the yarn supply fed to the tufting machine which involves unpacking yarn, loading it into the creel, tying the ends together and removing empty cones.
• Responsible for feeding correct yarns into the tufting machine.
• Expected to maintain all housekeeping items and follow all housekeeping procedures associated with the position.
• Responsible for lifting or moving heavy objects.
• Operates sample carpet dyeing machine, extractor and dryer.  Includes the weighing of the dye used for diagnostic dye testing.
• Places roll of backing material on brackets at entry end of machine, draws backing under machine needles, and attaches end to take up roll.
• Observes tufting to detect yarn breaks and machine malfunctions.
• Rethreads broken yarn ends and replaces bent or broken needles and hooks.
• Cuts yarn ends from knots, using scissors, and discards yarn ends into waste container to prevent entanglement of yarn while moving through creel.
• Removes old yarn from machines before changing to different size or type of yarn.
• Cleans dust and lint from creel.
• May repair yarn breaks in creel.
• May replace yarn packages or spools when faulty yarn appears.
• Follow all safety rules for department and entire facility.
• Be aware of Aquafil's Recycling Guidelines and Environmental  Management Systems Policy (see supervisor if further explanation is needed).
• General housekeeping as needed.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & ABILITY

• Problem solving—identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Planning/organizing—prioritizes and plans work and uses time efficiently. Attention to detail, organized, able to meet deadlines.
• Quality control—demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, monitors own work to ensure quality and applies feedback to improve performance. Proven ability to apply common sense understanding in order to carry out written and oral instructions. 
• Quantity—meets productivity standards and completes work in a timely manner.
• Adaptability—adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events. Can function as a self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Dependability—consistently at work and on time, follows instructions and responds to management direction.
• Safety and security—observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly. Ability to read and interpret safety rules and instructions which are posted in English.
• Communication - effectively and professionally conveys information internally and externally through verbal and written communication skills. Actively listens, communicates clearly, concisely and assures understanding.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts, add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers.
• Function as a self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Effectively and professionally convey information internally and externally through verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and organized, able to work in a fast-pace environment and meet deadlines.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal techniques, is positive, pleasant, respectful and customer focused.
• Actively listens, communicates clearly, concisely and assures understanding.
• A demonstrated ability to prioritize, follow through, and manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Proven ability to apply common sense understanding in order to carry out written and oral instructions. 
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules and instructions which are posted in English
• Ability to communicate effectively with Operators, Crew Leaders, Supervisors and Managers

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required combination on experience and education
• Basic Tufting knowledge and experience (on/off/jog/lock out tag out)
• Knowledge and experience with tufting functions (using air splice gun, thread a needle, rethread break outs in creel)
• Strong verbal and written abilities
• Working knowledge of e-mail