Primary Responsibilities

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and set up of all extruding, drying and coating equipment to meet or exceed daily production requirements.

Must observe proper Lockout/Tagout and all safety procedures as required

Must be able to operate and control extruders, so that all food safety temperatures and gelatinization requirements are met.

Proficient in completing all required food safety/quality checks and understand the consequences of out of compliance.

Report or take appropriate action when food safety/quality checks do not meet set specifications such as, temperature, kibble size, moisture, density, color, texture or foreign materials.

Monitor running efficiency of processing equipment including downtime, through-put and food safety requirements.

Ability to read and understand the daily production run schedule, and execute to that plan.

Clearly communicate to manager and/or others any disruptions to production plan, quality failures or issues, equipment downtime and material deficiencies

Maintain functional knowledge of all equipment in milling/processing area

Cross train and train others in functional area

Improve operations through individual and group problem solving. Provide leadership in solving problems that disrupts the daily production goals

Maintain a clean, safe work environment that promotes associate safety and product integrity

Other duties and/or responsibilities as assigned by the lead or supervisor

Physical Requirements

Must be capable of working at elevated heights

Must be able to lift 50lbs repetitively

Must be able to lift up to 65 lbs. occasionally

Must be able to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot to cold, dust dirt and chemicals

Other Requirements

Must be able to adapt to a flexible working schedule, including different rotations, shifts, overtime hours, weekends and holidays

Education, Experience and Skills Required

Minimum of three years manufacturing experience

Certified in Forklift operation

High school diploma or equivalent

Good basic math, reading and writing skills

Basic knowledge of personal computers

Good problem solving and/or troubleshooting skills

Ability to work in a self-directed manner with minimal supervision and a positive attitude

Working knowledge of Safety, Quality and Material Management Systems and procedures

Working Knowledge of food safety, GMP, GHOP, HACCP, SPC

Complex problem solving, communication skills Decision Making Authority and Impact

The Extruder Operator is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the line to meet and /or exceed production objectives. Operations Manager and Shift Supervisor provide guidance and or assistance when needed.