What are the responsibilities and job description for the Apprentice Miller position at The Mennel Milling Company?
Location: Dowagiac, Michigan
Schedule: Full-Time, Shift Assigned (Overtime as Required)
Flip Your Career with Mennel!
At Mennel, we believe in doing right and bringing our best to our people who are helping to feed the world. We promote teamwork and recognize the individual contributions everyone plays in the overall success of the company.
Since 1886, Mennel has been committed to excellence, quality, and service. As an Apprentice Miller, you'll help support our mission to reliably deliver superior quality flour products while maintaining our strong commitment to food safety and operational excellence.
What You'll Do
As an Apprentice Miller, you'll play a key role in operating and maintaining the flour mill under the direction of the Head Miller and Shift Miller while helping ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality flour production.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Following all food safety, quality, and personal safety regulations, including GMPs, OSHA, HACCP, FSMA, and company sanitation standards.
- Coordinating with the Head Miller/Shift Miller to process flour transfers.
- Transferring flour according to quality department requirements and customer specifications.
- Performing quality analyses and food safety checks on flour transfers.
- Assisting with mill operational changes and daily production activities.
- Supporting mill equipment repairs and preventative maintenance activities.
- Maintaining a clean, organized, and audit-ready work environment.
- Attending required training sessions and safety meetings.
- Providing coverage for the Head Miller/Shift Miller during absences.
- Leading and supporting mill operators to ensure efficient operations and high performance.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- 1-3 years of flour milling, food production, or manufacturing experience preferred.
- Ability to pass a Respirator Fit Test and perform job duties while wearing a respirator.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete assignments efficiently with minimal supervision.
- Understanding of process flow and manufacturing operations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, internet applications, and other computer software.
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, managers, and other stakeholders.
- Strong attention to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Regular standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and reaching.
- Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds or more on occasion.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery, dust, heat, humidity, cold temperatures, heights, airborne particles, and varying weather conditions.
- Hearing protection is required in designated work areas.
- Regular exposure to common wheat allergens.
Why Join Mennel?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and career growth:
- Competitive Pay
- Flexible Accrued Paid Time Off and Holiday Schedule
- Health & Wellbeing Benefits (Medical, Vision, Dental, HSA, EAP, and more)
- Career Advancement Opportunities, Training, and Tuition Assistance
- Retirement Contributions (401(k) and more)
- Stable Company with a Long History of Success
- Collaborative Team Environment Focused on Safety and Excellence
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply today and help us continue our mission to feed the world with excellence while building a rewarding career with Mennel as an Apprentice Miller.