Process Operator

Darling Ingredients repurposes and recycles materials from the animal agriculture and food industries—transforming them into essential ingredients that feed animals, fertilize crops, fuel planes, and nourish people. As the largest publicly traded company of its kind, we operate over 260 facilities across more than 15 countries, driving sustainability and a circular economy at global scale.

About the role

The Process Operator is responsible for operating computer-controlled process equipment, cookers, and machinery, evaluating process problems, and performing product quality testing.

Schedule

2:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Responsibilities

• Oversee the rendering process from raw material bin to finished goods storage.
• Maintain a steady flow of material to the cooker.
• Maintain cooker temperature, rate, and steam at peak operating levels.
• Monitor evaporation rate to meet hourly production requirements.
• Control flow of material to presses and finished goods storage.
• Monitor control panels and gauges to manage the process.
• Operate pollution control systems, including air/odor and wastewater control.
• Start up and operate boilers.
• Perform periodic preventative maintenance on all process equipment.
• Monitor machinery and report problems to management.
• Ensure equipment and work area are clean after each shift.
• Maintain safety as a top priority in accordance with company safety rules and regulations.
• Participate in Darling’s food safety program as trained.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Manufacturing, industrial, or agricultural experience preferred.
• Prior experience in a rendering facility or production environment is a plus.
• Knowledge of mechanical rendering and/or process equipment.
• Good mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills; proficient in general mechanics and safe equipment operation.
• Ability to address minor equipment or situational problems.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends as needed.
• Works well in a team environment.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The role involves exposure to the following conditions:

• Constant exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environments, including high noise levels, strong odors, heat, and cold.
• Constant exposure to biohazardous conditions.
• Constant exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, requiring strict attention to safety.
• Constant exposure to electrical hazards and risk of electrical shock.
• Constant handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment.
• Occasional travel to offsite locations.

Physical demands include:

• Constantly walk and move about inside/outside the work location.
• Constantly use hands to finger, handle, or feel (e.g., operating computers and machinery).
• Frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl to maintain equipment.
• Frequently climb or balance, including ascending/descending ladders.
• Constantly use senses (talk, hear, taste, smell) to communicate and detect hazardous conditions.
• Frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Close vision required (clear vision at 20 inches or less).