A professional who tends series of machines in tandem that open, clean, fluff, and mix compressed cotton or synthetic fibers preparatory to picking process. Responsibilities include:

• Starts machines and feeds layers of fibers from several bales into machine hoppers to produce uniform blend.
• Observes processing of fibers and signal lights to detect clogged beaters.
• Stops machines and pulls fibers from clogged beaters.
• Cleans and oils machines.
• May weigh fibers preparatory to feeding machines.