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Plastics and Rubber Production Machine Operators NEC

711599 · Heavy Next-day ready
Career data Close match

Extrusion operators use extrusion machines to turn plastic, metal and other materials into processed shapes and forms.

Most common salary $60k – $105k
Upper salary up to $135k
Training 0-3 years
View on Tahatū ↗ Data: Tahatū Career Navigator, CC BY 4.0
Related careers
Cutting machine operator ↗

Cutting machine operators use machines and tools to cut materials and products like glass, concrete, stone, metal, plastic, paper or insulating material.

$65k – $99k
Data: Tahatū Career Navigator, CC BY 4.0

Description

This occupation group covers plastics and rubber production machine operators not elsewhere classified. Occupations in this group include rotational moulding operator (plastics) and thermoforming machine operator.

Typical work tasks

  • Operates controls to regulate temperature, pressure, speed and flow of operation; measures and loads materials, items and ingredients for mixing into machines and feeding mechanisms; monitors operation, regulates material supply and adds chemicals and colorants to mixture; threads uncoated wire and cable through plastic coating machines, around take-up reels and through dies and cooling chambers; lays casings, beads, ply and rubber sheets on moulds; operates rollers to remove air; operates vulcaniser presses and controls curing; examines output for defects and conformity to specifications; performs minor repairs and maintains production records.

Typical work environment

  • Works indoors in plastic or rubber manufacturing facilities.
  • Work areas will usually be noisy, smelly and hot. Protective ear muffs and other equipment will be worn as necessary.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • Medium to heavy physical demand
  • Stands and walks frequently to operate machinery, pick up materials and supplies.
  • Stretches out, up and across occasionally to operate particular machines and when loading materials into machine hopper.
  • Squatting, kneeling or crouching may be required when inspecting machines and finished plastic products.
  • Twisting of the body or neck may be required on an occasional basis.
  • Frequent lifting is required up to a heavy level.
  • Bends occasionally over machines, conveyer belts and when picking up supplies or products from low levels.
  • Repetitive large hand and arm movements may occasionally be required for some tasks.
  • Driving is not required.
  • Employees use a range of plastics and rubber processing machines or may specialise in the operation of one machine.
  • Mental skills necessary include technical knowledge, machine operation and other practical and problem-solving skills.
Entry signal Reviewed

Enter via experience or on-the-job training; no mandatory pre-entry qualification. Flagged next-day ready.

Entry barrier Experience or on-job training
Licence / registration No licence required
ANZSCO skill level 4
Next-day ready Yes

How this was determined (model-generated): Skill 4 plastics/rubber operators NEC; on-the-job training sufficient, no licence.

Entry Requirements

  • A New Zealand Register Level 2 or 3 qualification or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). In some instances relevant experience may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

Further Comments

  • There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.