Processing Operator

Ensure quality products are produced through the proper operation of extrusion and related equipment. Set up equipment and produce products using run sheets and written formulas. Provide customer support for test runs of new or reformulated diets. Direct and train extrusion process and set-up skills as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assembles, calibrates, operates, and monitors extruder and all auxiliary equipment (pumps, micro-motions, dry coating applicator, tanks, agitators, etc) of both extrusion systems.
• Inspects and evaluates equipment hourly; adjusts equipment variables to meet equipment and product requirements.
• Frequently dumps/weighs, carries, and stacks up to 50-pound bags of ingredients and/or product.
• Operates forklift and hand-held scanners to remove ingredients from inventory for use in production.
• Evaluates orders, ensures paperwork is complete and accurate in all processing conditions, and completes status reports.
• Distinguishes colors and duplicates those colors in the extrusion process.
• Assists clients with development of products and procedures through research and development/test work.
• Establishes and maintains an effective line of communication with the quality assurance department.
• Thoroughly understands all quality assurance procedures and programs; ensures all products are within individual client specifications.
• Evaluates product quality attributes; makes immediate adjustments to correct products found to be out of specification.
• Anticipates technical problems; proactively troubleshoots (where appropriate) and makes technical adjustments and/or notifies maintenance.
• Operates Meat Room, Mixing, Coating, and Batching systems for product runs if applicable.
• Maintains a safe and clean work area and environment.
• Participates in full facility and equipment clean-up between each product run as directed.
• Ensures required changeovers are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Becomes familiar with GMP’s and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for all products.
• Completes simple production reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned or directed.

Requirements

• High school diploma and/or GED required.
• Extrusion experience is strongly preferred; previous machine experience can be substituted.
• Willing to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals.
• Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in written form.
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to read and follow simple written instructions.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk or hear, walk, and move from place to place.
• Occasionally required to sit, use foot/feet to operate machine, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or reach above shoulders.
• Frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or touch.
• Must exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Frequently exposed to allergens and/or airborne particles in the production area.
• Exposed to temperatures ranging from 50 to 100 degrees, depending on the season and workstation, and may be working near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions may occur.
• Noise level in the work environment may be loud while production equipment is running.
• Personal Protection Equipment (including boots, gloves, safety glasses, and/or face shields) is required during various processes in the production area.
• Ear plugs and bump caps are required at all times in the production area.