Processing Operator (Pet Food Extrusion)

Job Purpose

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assemble, calibrate, operate, and monitor extruder and all auxiliary equipment (pumps, micro-motions, dry coating applicator, tanks, agitators, etc.) for both extrusion systems.
• Inspect and evaluate equipment hourly; adjust equipment variables to meet equipment and product requirements.
• Frequently dump/weigh, carry, and stack up to 50-pound bags of ingredients and/or product.
• Operate forklift and hand-held scanners to remove ingredients from inventory for use in production.
• Evaluate orders, ensure paperwork is complete and accurate in all processing conditions, and complete status reports.
• Distinguish colors and duplicate those colors in the extrusion process.
• Assist clients with development of products and procedures through research and development/test work.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with the Quality Assurance department.
• Understand all quality assurance procedures and programs; ensure all products meet individual client specifications.
• Responsible for all product quality attributes.
• Evaluate product quality attributes; make immediate adjustments to correct products found to be out of specification.
• Anticipate technical problems; proactively troubleshoot and make technical adjustments and/or notify maintenance.
• Maintain working knowledge and ability to operate Meat Room, Mixing, Coating, and Batching systems for product runs.
• Maintain a safe and clean work area and environment.
• Participate in full facility and equipment clean-up between each product run as directed.
• Ensure required changeovers are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Become familiar with GMPs and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all products.
• Complete simple production reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Qualification Requirements

(To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.)

• Education: High school diploma and/or GED required.
• Experience: Extrusion experience strongly preferred; previous machine experience may be substituted.
• Ability 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 (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages).
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to read and follow simple written instructions.

Physical Demands

(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Frequency Definitions:
• Occasionally: Up to 25% of working time
• Regularly: 26–75% of working time
• Frequently: 76% or more of working time

While performing the duties of this job:

• 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 or crawl, or reach above shoulders.
• Frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or touch.

Force Requirements:

• Exert 50–100 lbs of force occasionally, 25–50 lbs frequently, and 10–20 lbs constantly.

Vision Requirements:

• Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Frequently exposed to allergens and/or airborne particles in the production area.
• Exposed to temperatures ranging from 50–100°F depending on season and workstation; may work near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Noise level may be loud while production equipment is running.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Boots, gloves, safety glasses, and/or face shields required during various processes.
• Ear plugs and bump caps required at all times in the production area.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 – 60 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 8% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20