Production Operator I - Proliant Dairy Ingredients - Melrose, MN - Day Shift

LGI Homes • Melrose, MN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Proliant Dairy Ingredients is hiring a Production Operator I to assist in various plant areas and maintain efficient production processes according to Good Manufacturing Practices and customer specifications. The role operates packaging, palletizing, receiving, inventory, drying, and other production equipment; performs product and raw-material quality checks; documents findings and inventory; and supports basic finished-product analytical testing. The operator also handles materials and product, maintains equipment and work areas, performs cleaning operations, and helps uphold food safety, product quality, and workplace safety standards.

The position involves approximately 12-hour shifts and work across the plant, including production and equipment or maintenance areas. General manufacturing conditions include exposure to chemicals and caustics, temperatures from freezing to extreme heat, noise, dust, and moving machinery. Occasional outdoor work may involve seasonal temperatures. The role requires extended standing on slippery tile or concrete floors and frequent physical activity, including walking, bending, climbing, reaching, and handling or maneuvering materials.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• One year of stable work experience in agriculture, production, or manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to prepare and operate plant machinery.
• General knowledge of production or manufacturing methods.
• Knowledge of dryer operation and evaporation processes.
• Knowledge of industrial production processes in human food and animal feed processing plants.
• Ability to read gauges and record data legibly according to established procedures.
• Ability to learn how to handle food-grade materials according to sanitary procedures.
• Ability to understand and follow established work procedures, including sanitary and safety guidelines.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend instructions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain proper forklift and pallet jack certification.
• Ability to work varying schedules, including overtime when necessary.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic math skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with peers and leadership.
• Ability to troubleshoot malfunctions and situations, and notify appropriate staff of problems.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability and willingness to assist in various plant work areas.
• Ability to operate forklifts and pallet jacks as needed.
• Ability to accurately and completely follow company documentation procedures for HACCP, GMP, SSOP, and SQF records.
• Ability to identify food safety violations or product quality issues and resolve them or promptly contact appropriate plant management.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and understand mechanical and equipment operations.
• Frequently use learning, calculation, analysis, reading, speaking, writing, comprehension, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and determine work assignments and methods.
• Ability to take responsibility for materials, company property, and completed work.
• Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including standing continuously; frequent walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, stooping, reaching, climbing, lifting, and maneuvering equipment or materials; and mobility throughout required work areas.
• Good vision, corrected to normal, or ability to access required information and perform job duties; color definition; and good hearing, corrected to normal, or ability to communicate and understand required information.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of stable experience in agriculture, production, or manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Operate packaging and palletizing equipment and make adjustments as needed.
• Bag and blend finished powder; weigh, sample, seal, and palletize product; and move pallets using a forklift or pallet jack as needed.
• Label finished product and use the computerized inventory tracking system according to customer and company requirements.
• Perform quality checks on raw inventory arriving by truck or pipeline, unload trucks, and complete paperwork documenting quality checks and inventory.
• Load product tanks and silos and support basic analytical testing on finished product.
• Operate evaporators, Triple C, fluid bed, spray dryers, and other production equipment as required.
• Monitor spray dryer intake and exhaust temperatures, sample powdered product, check spray nozzles, and sweep down dryers.
• Operate the bag house, check air and moving parts, and help remove and replace bags.
• Assist maintenance with projects and with repairing or replacing motors, pumps, and other equipment as requested.
• Store and track raw and finished product, consumable and packaging materials, and chemicals in the warehouse using FIFO inventory practices.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area and properly care for and store tools and equipment.
• Perform CIP operations on equipment and work with the outside sanitation vendor to ensure proper cleaning of equipment, drains, and other areas.
• Help maintain fundamental food safety and quality practices and support ongoing improvements to food safety programs.
• Work safely and promptly communicate safety risks or concerns.
• Comply with applicable regulatory, food safety, occupational safety, and quality programs and expectations.
• Follow company documentation procedures for required HACCP, GMP, SSOP, and SQF records and paperwork.
• Identify food safety violations or product quality issues and resolve them immediately or contact appropriate plant management, such as the Production Supervisor or QC Manager.
• Assist in various work areas throughout the plant as needed; other Production Operators or Supervisors cover the duties when an operator is absent.

Benefits

• Three weeks of paid time off annually, prorated based on hire date.
• Nine paid holidays.
• Medical coverage, with eligibility beginning on the first of the month following hire date.
• Dental coverage, with eligibility beginning on the first of the month following hire date.
• Vision coverage, with eligibility beginning on the first of the month following hire date.
• Choice of three healthcare coverage options.
• Health savings account with employer contribution and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.

What This Job Offers

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