Processing Operator

Alphia•Baxter Springs, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Processing Operator is responsible for operating extrusion/processing equipment and performing all associated processing activities while maintaining product quality. This role involves setting up, calibrating, operating, monitoring, and performing basic troubleshooting of extrusion and auxiliary equipment. The operator will also be responsible for calculating rates, ensuring efficient changeovers, assisting with research and development, and safely operating a forklift and scissor lift. Maintaining the FIFO program, performing QA duties, collecting samples, and ensuring adherence to HACCP compliance, microbial control, and regulatory requirements are also key aspects of this position. The role requires proficiency in Alphia Foods Business Systems, proactive troubleshooting, performing operator-level preventive maintenance, and collaborating with maintenance and supervisors on line improvements. Adherence to safety protocols, GMPs, JSAs, SOPs, and maintaining a clean work area are essential. The operator must also communicate work status to the following shift for a smooth transition and ensure CCP requirements are met, reporting any deviations.

Requirements

High school diploma and/or GED required
Basic math skills to include addition, subtraction and percentages
Basic computer skills
Willing to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals
Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision
Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in written form, and via radio
Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner
Ability to obtain Alphia Foods Lock Out / Tag Out certification
Ability to multi-task
Model behaviors that support Alphia Company values of Safety, People, Courage, Team, Speed

Nice To Haves

Previous extrusion experience preferred

Responsibilities

Set up, calibrate, operate, monitor and perform basic trouble shooting of extrusion and auxiliary equipment; adjust equipment variables to meet equipment and product requirements
Calculate rates and performance percentages for product runs
Ensure required changeovers are completed accurately and efficiently
Assist clients through research and development/test work
Safely operate forklift and scissor lift; ability to obtain Alphia Foods certification
Accountable for maintaining and sustaining FIFO program
Perform QA duties as necessary, to include, but not limited to: Responsible for immediately reporting all quality issues to Extruder Lead or Supervisor
Collect samples and perform analysis using provided equipment
Know and monitor HACCP compliance in-Process
Distinguish colors and duplicate in the extrusion process
Thoroughly understand all quality assurance procedures and programs that relate to the position; ensure all products are within individual client specifications
Responsible for following microbial control and regulatory/temperature requirements; ACS, burnout, etc.
Complete required paperwork accurately and completely
Proficiency in Alphia. Foods Business Systems (i.e. JDE, IQS, Sage, etc) as it applies to the position
Anticipate technical problems; proactively troubleshoots (where appropriate) and makes technical adjustments and/or notifies maintenance
Perform operator-level preventive maintenance on assigned equipment
Work with Maintenance and Supervisor to identify potential line improvements
Acknowledge and adhere to the requirement to work only in job-specific designated area
Participate in a full facility and equipment clean-up as directed
Accountable for personal safety, behavior and performance
Responsible for following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) and Job Safety Analyses (JSA’s), as well as following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
Responsible for communicating work status to the following shift for a smooth transition
Responsible for maintaining a clean work and organized work area, and leaving a clean and organized work area for the following shift
Ensure the requirements of the CCP are met, and if a deviation occurs, notify Supervisor and Quality departments to hold all affected product.
Safely operate forklift (must obtain Alphia Foods certification)
Other duties as assigned or directed