Processing Operator

Alphia • Baxter Springs, KS

9d • 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 troubleshooting extrusion and auxiliary equipment, as well as calculating rates and performance percentages. The operator will also ensure required changeovers are completed accurately and efficiently, assist with research and development/test work, and operate a forklift and scissor lift. Key responsibilities include maintaining the FIFO program, performing QA duties such as collecting samples, performing analysis, monitoring HACCP compliance, distinguishing colors, and ensuring products meet client specifications. The role also requires adherence to microbial control, regulatory, and temperature requirements, accurate paperwork completion, and proficiency in Alphia Foods Business Systems. The operator will anticipate technical problems, perform operator-level preventive maintenance, and collaborate with maintenance and supervisors on line improvements. Safety, GMPs, JSAs, SOPs, and effective communication for shift transitions are paramount. The role also involves participating in facility clean-ups and maintaining a clean work area.

Requirements

• High school diploma and/or GED required
• Previous extrusion experience preferred
• 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

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

What This Job Offers

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