Position: Operations Technician, 2nd Shift

Hours: 2pm-10:30pm Monday - Friday

Pay: $17.00 $1.50 Shift Differential

About Wellness Pet Company

The Wellness Pet Company crafts and produces premium natural pet food, treats, and dental chews. We believe that natural, premium nutrition focused on proven health outcomes is the foundation of creating a mutual wellbeing for pets and their families. As a community of people, Wellies are positively obsessed about how to win for pets and their parents. We believe in the difference we make every single day, and we know that when we work collaboratively, Wellies are unstoppable - Not only in providing the best nutrition to pets, but in building a better tomorrow for pets, their parents, and the world.

When you join Wellness Pet, you join a team whose aligned values and purpose create a unique and exciting place to work every day. Join us on our adventure to fulfill a life of wellbeing together with pets and their parents.

Our Mishawaka manufacturing facility is committed to nutritional innovation, product quality, and safety. To ensure our product quality, we control the entire manufacturing process in Mishawaka, from consistent quality checks on all raw materials coming into the plant, to the shipment of our finished product to customers. Our employees take pride in the natural products we produce for the pets who depend on us. We offer our employees a positive, friendly work environment where you can grow your skills, competitive pay, and excellent benefits – Come for a walk with us today!

Position Summary: The Operations Technician is responsible to set-up, operate and disassemble processing equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and GMPs. Operate processing equipment, extrusion, and monitor coating area according to scheduled production needs. Also responsible for correctly, safely, and efficiently packaging production. Must be able to operate, troubleshoot packaging equipment according to scheduled production needs. All our Operations Technicians regularly work eight hour shifts five days a week with some scheduled weekends.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Set-up, operate and disassemble processing equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and GMPs.
• Responsible for setting up and starting up production equipment according to the production schedule.
• Troubleshoot extruder equipment as needed.
• Monitor product, visually and with micrometer; ensure product is running according to job specifications.
• Monitor and use tools to make adjustments to equipment/extruder. Perform basic maintenance as required.
• Review and follow production schedule throughout shift.
• Change die to insure correct kibble sizes by brand and SKU.
• Check and document moisture, temperature, protein and liquid fat levels on frequent basis to ensure product meets all quality parameters.
• Clean work area according to sanitation SOPs. Maintain cleanliness throughout work shift.
• Monitors equipment and uses tools to make adjustments, change over’s, small repairs and perform basic maintenance as required.
• Operates bin discharge.
• Completes re-work as necessary.
• Maintain records and logs during entire packaging process by entering appropriate information in order to document packaging process and reconcile usage of materials and transfers of product within RedZone system.
• Perform and document in-process quality checks on a periodic basis on representative samples in order to ensure that product is correctly packaged.
• Clean, disassemble and reassemble line equipment in order to prepare machine for inspection or deep cleaning.
• Changeover/set up machine for run by loading product, components, printer material, etc.; adjusting settings; checking the line; and obtaining line clearance in order to prepare equipment for next packaging run.
• Actively follow safety procedures and policies in all job tasks.
• Follow and hold others accountable for following all company Good Manufacturing Practices.
• All other duties as assigned.

Workplace Safety:

• Completes safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to Supervisor.
• Participates in mandatory safety trainings and adheres to all safety policies
• Required to report all safety issues, near misses, and injuries

Quality & Food Safety:

• Completes quality & food safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to Supervisor.
• Participates in mandatory food safety and quality training program requirements
• Preserves the integrity of the BRC system through adherence to the policies and procedures outlined. Takes actions necessary to resolve food safety and quality system deficiencies
• Required to report food safety and quality system failures and take actions necessary to preserve the BRC system.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, and communicate using the English language.
• Ability to work in an environment which includes frequent exposure to elements such as odor, noise, heat, cold, dust and chemicals.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds multiple times during a shift.
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude.
• Must be familiar with use of hand tools and measuring devices
• Good verbal and mathematical capability at a high school level.
• Ability to read and understand process operating procedures.
• Familiarity with computer applications.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience operating an extruder.
• Previous experience setting up production machines.
• Prior experience in a production environment, preferably food or beverage manufacturing.

The Wellness Pet Company is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status.