Processing Operator

Alphia•Woodland, WA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Job Purpose Ensure quality products are produced through the proper operation of extrusion and related equipment. Set up equipment and produce products using run sheets and written formulas. Provide customer support for test runs of new or reformulated diets. Direct and train extrusion process and set-up skills as necessary. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assemble, calibrate, operate, and monitor extruder and all auxiliary equipment (pumps, micro-motions, dry coating applicator, tanks, agitators, etc.) for both extrusion systems. Inspect and evaluate equipment hourly; adjust equipment variables to meet equipment and product requirements. Frequently dump/weigh, carry, and stack up to 50-pound bags of ingredients and/or product. Operate forklift and hand-held scanners to remove ingredients from inventory for use in production. Evaluate orders, ensure paperwork is complete and accurate in all processing conditions, and complete status reports. Distinguish colors and duplicate those colors in the extrusion process. Assist clients with development of products and procedures through research and development/test work. Establish and maintain effective communication with the Quality Assurance department. Understand all quality assurance procedures and programs; ensure all products meet individual client specifications. Responsible for all product quality attributes. Evaluate product quality attributes; make immediate adjustments to correct products found to be out of specification. Anticipate technical problems; proactively troubleshoot and make technical adjustments and/or notify maintenance. Maintain working knowledge and ability to operate Meat Room, Mixing, Coating, and Batching systems for product runs. Maintain a safe and clean work area and environment. Participate in full facility and equipment clean-up between each product run as directed. Ensure required changeovers are completed accurately and efficiently. Become familiar with GMPs and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all products. Complete simple production reports. Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Requirements

High school diploma and/or GED required.
Extrusion experience strongly preferred; previous machine experience may be substituted.
Ability to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals.
Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner.
Ability to communicate both verbally and in written form.
Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages).
Ability to multi-task.
Ability to read and follow simple written instructions.

Responsibilities

Assemble, calibrate, operate, and monitor extruder and all auxiliary equipment (pumps, micro-motions, dry coating applicator, tanks, agitators, etc.) for both extrusion systems.
Inspect and evaluate equipment hourly; adjust equipment variables to meet equipment and product requirements.
Frequently dump/weigh, carry, and stack up to 50-pound bags of ingredients and/or product.
Operate forklift and hand-held scanners to remove ingredients from inventory for use in production.
Evaluate orders, ensure paperwork is complete and accurate in all processing conditions, and complete status reports.
Distinguish colors and duplicate those colors in the extrusion process.
Assist clients with development of products and procedures through research and development/test work.
Establish and maintain effective communication with the Quality Assurance department.
Understand all quality assurance procedures and programs; ensure all products meet individual client specifications.
Responsible for all product quality attributes.
Evaluate product quality attributes; make immediate adjustments to correct products found to be out of specification.
Anticipate technical problems; proactively troubleshoot and make technical adjustments and/or notify maintenance.
Maintain working knowledge and ability to operate Meat Room, Mixing, Coating, and Batching systems for product runs.
Maintain a safe and clean work area and environment.
Participate in full facility and equipment clean-up between each product run as directed.
Ensure required changeovers are completed accurately and efficiently.
Become familiar with GMPs and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all products.
Complete simple production reports.
Perform other duties as assigned or directed.