Processing Operator

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.

Description of Essential Duties

• Helps assemble, calibrate, operate, and monitor extruder and all auxiliary equipment (pumps, micro-motions, dry coating applicator, tanks, agitators, etc.) of one extrusion system.
• 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.
• Assists in evaluating orders; ensures paperwork is complete and accurate on all processing conditions; completes status reports.
• Calculates rates and performance percentages for product runs.
• Distinguishes colors and duplicates those colors in the extrusion process.
• Establishes and maintains an effective line of communication with Quality Assurance department.
• Thoroughly understands all quality assurance procedures and programs; ensures all products are within individual client specifications.
• Monitors and manages shrink losses to acceptable limits/standards.
• Responsible for all product quality attributes.
• Evaluates product quality attributes; makes immediate adjustments to correct out-of-specification products.
• Anticipates technical problems; proactively troubleshoots (where appropriate) and makes technical adjustments and/or notifies maintenance.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe and clean work area and environment.
• Participate in a full facility and equipment clean-up between each product run as directed.
• Ensures required changeovers are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Knowledge & proficiency in Alphia Business Systems as it relates to Position.
• Responsible for becoming familiar with GMP's and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for all products.
• Complete simple production reports
• Required to notify a supervisor or a lead employee of any situation or observation that may adversely affect food safety and/or quality.
• Ensure the requirements of the CCP are met, and if a deviation occurs, notify Supervisor and Quality departments to hold all affected product.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

(To perform this job successfully, and 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 level: High school diploma and/or GED preferred.
• Experience: Entry level
• Willing to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals.
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in written form.
• Basic math skills include addition, subtraction, and percentages.
• Ability to multi-task.