Processing Operator

Alphia • Pittsburg, TX

4d

About The Position

The Processing Operator ensures quality products are produced by properly operating extrusion and related equipment. The role sets up equipment and produces products according to run sheets and written formulas, and provides customer support during test runs of new or reformulated diets. The operator may also direct and train others in extrusion process and setup skills as needed.

The role is responsible for product quality, accurate processing documentation, safe and clean work areas, and effective communication with quality assurance. It includes operating and monitoring extrusion systems and auxiliary equipment, making adjustments to equipment and products, supporting product development and test work, and completing changeovers and facility and equipment cleanups between product runs.

Requirements

• High school diploma and/or GED required.
• Extrusion experience strongly preferred; previous machine experience may be substituted.
• Willingness to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals.
• Ability to receive and provide instructions positively.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to read and follow simple written instructions.
• Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including handling specified levels of force and bags weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Extrusion experience.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, calibrate, operate, and monitor extruders and auxiliary equipment on both extrusion systems.
• Inspect and evaluate equipment hourly, adjusting equipment variables to meet equipment and product requirements.
• Handle, weigh, carry, and stack ingredient and product bags, including bags weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Operate a forklift and handheld scanners to remove ingredients from inventory for production use.
• Evaluate orders, verify processing paperwork is complete and accurate, and complete status reports and simple production reports.
• Distinguish colors and duplicate them in the extrusion process.
• Assist clients with product and procedure development through research and development and test work.
• Maintain effective communication with the quality assurance department and follow quality assurance procedures and programs.
• Ensure products meet individual client specifications; evaluate product quality attributes and promptly correct out-of-specification products.
• Anticipate technical problems, troubleshoot when appropriate, make technical adjustments, and notify maintenance as needed.
• Operate the Meat Room, Mixing, Coating, and Batching systems when applicable to product runs.
• Maintain a safe and clean work area and participate in facility and equipment cleanup between product runs as directed.
• Complete required changeovers accurately and efficiently.
• Become familiar with GMPs and Standard Operating Procedures for all products.
• Provide customer support during test runs of new or reformulated diets.
• Direct and train others in extrusion process and setup skills as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED