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 basic troubleshooting of extrusion and auxiliary equipment, adjusting variables to meet product requirements, and calculating rates and performance percentages. The operator will also assist clients with research and development/test work, safely operate forklifts and scissor lifts (requiring Alphia Foods certification), and maintain the FIFO program. Key quality assurance duties include reporting issues, collecting and analyzing samples, monitoring HACCP compliance, distinguishing and duplicating colors in the extrusion process, and ensuring all products meet client specifications and regulatory requirements. The position requires accurate completion of paperwork, proficiency in Alphia Foods Business Systems, proactive troubleshooting, and performing operator-level preventive maintenance. The operator will work with Maintenance and Supervisors to identify line improvements, adhere to designated work areas, participate in facility clean-ups, and follow GMPs, JSAs, and SOPs. Communication with the following shift for smooth transitions and maintaining a clean, organized work area are also essential. The role also involves ensuring CCP requirements are met and notifying relevant departments of 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
Ability to obtain Alphia Foods forklift and scissor lift certification

Nice To Haves

Previous extrusion experience preferred

Responsibilities

Operate extrusion / processing equipment and perform all associated processing activities while maintaining product quality
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
Immediately report 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