Equipment Operator III

Wonderful Citrus • Mission, TX

4d

About The Position

The Equipment Operator III oversees the oil recovery operation, ensuring efficient recovery and monitoring production parameters so they can be adjusted and rechecked as needed. The role operates the oil recovery system, which includes three desludgers, two polishers, one pre-polisher, and two finishers. The operator must understand citrus composition and the processing parameters and quality considerations necessary to recover products and by-products efficiently.

The position involves operating, adjusting, maintaining, and sanitizing equipment; checking that processes follow company procedures, quality assurance guidelines, and safety policies; and training personnel on work instructions and standard operating procedures. The operator completes operational and sanitation paperwork and handles hazardous cleaning materials. The role also carries food-safety responsibilities, including compliance with applicable food manufacturing regulations, disease-control measures, cleanliness practices, and good manufacturing practices.

Requirements

• HACCP training and certification.
• Ability to read and interpret company policies and material safety data sheets.
• Ability to communicate effectively with quality assurance, production, and management personnel.
• Ability to count and perform basic math operations.
• Ability to understand and carry out written, oral, or diagram-based instructions using common sense.
• Ability to analyze observable data and quality-control test results to determine adjustments that maximize oil recovery.
• Ability to frequently stand, walk, handle or feel objects, reach, stoop, speak, hear, taste, and smell while performing job duties.
• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Some individuals may be required to hold forklift certification.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a food production facility and familiarity with associated good manufacturing practices.
• Citrus processing experience.
• Familiarity with PLC-driven equipment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the oil recovery operation and optimize recovery efficiency by monitoring, adjusting, and rechecking production parameters.
• Operate three desludgers, two polishers, one pre-polisher, and two finishers in the oil recovery system.
• Understand citrus composition and relevant processing parameters and quality considerations to recover products and by-products efficiently.
• Perform preventive and scheduled maintenance and sanitation on desludgers, polishers, pre-polishers, and finishers.
• Verify processes follow company procedures, quality assurance guidelines, and safety policies.
• Adjust desludgers and polishers according to standard operating procedures and expected results.
• Operate equipment using ball valves, butterfly valves, buttons, and switches.
• Train new personnel on work instructions, standard operating procedures, and sanitation standard operating procedures; train and cross-train others in area equipment operation.
• Complete paperwork related to equipment operation and sanitation.
• Handle hazardous materials, including caustic soda, 12% hypochlorite, and Enviro Klor Plus foaming detergent.
• Perform sanitation during and after production using specialized cleaning agents.
• Follow company safety guidelines at all times.
• Take reasonable measures and precautions to ensure compliance with 21 CFR 110.
• Follow disease-control and cleanliness requirements and current good manufacturing practices to prevent contamination of food, food-contact surfaces, and packaging materials.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental benefits.
• 401(k).
• Continued training.
• Education reimbursement program.
• Paid sick time, vacation time, and holidays.
• Wonderful Giving program, which allows employees to donate company money to a cause of their choice.
• Opportunities for advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed