A creeler is a person who works in a textile manufacturing setting. He or she is responsible for tending to creeling machines, which twist or wind textiles to create yarns or other combined materials. Much of the process is done by machines in modern times, so the creeler will usually tend to the machines that complete the process, though in the past, this person would use hand tools to do the winding or twisting. He or she will monitor the progress of the machines and make sure they are operating properly at all times.
The job of a creeler usually requires no formal education, though people with a high school education will be at an advantage for employment. Basic math and communication skills will usually be necessary, though most of the skills required for the creeler job can be learned through on the job training. Much of the job falls under the category of manual labor, as a creeler will be on his or her feet for most of the work day and will sometimes be required to do heavy lifting. When materials need to be fed or drawn from the machines, the creeler must tend to these duties and replace materials when they are depleted.
While not always the case, a creeler may also need to repair or maintain the machines. This may involve simply lubricating moving parts or replacing worn parts, though in other cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary. In some settings, a mechanic will be on site to tend to all machinery, which means creelers will not need to perform any routine maintenance or repairs, though they will be responsible for notifying supervisors should a machine show signs of wear or breakdown. Creelers will operate the machines on a daily basis, starting them up cold and shutting them down at the end of the day, so they are often the best observers of the effectiveness of the machine's operations.
Sometimes the materials fed into the machine need to be wound a certain way into components called bobbins. A machine may have several bobbins within, and creelers will need to ensure the materials are wound properly into the bobbin for efficient and safe machine operations. The materials that are wound by the machine will need to be inspected carefully after the process is complete to ensure the finished product is without defect; if defects are detected, adjustments to the machine may be necessary.