Production Operator III - Extruder Operator - 3rd Shift

United Petfood•Decatur, AR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Operator III – Extruder Operator sets up, operates, monitors, adjusts, and disassembles extrusion and related processing equipment to safely and efficiently produce high-quality dry pet food at United Petfood’s Decatur, Arkansas manufacturing facility. The role helps maintain product consistency, meet production schedules, and comply with quality, food safety, and operational standards. It involves monitoring extrusion processes, checking product quality, troubleshooting equipment, making adjustments, and maintaining accurate production documentation. The operator works independently and in collaboration with Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams to support equipment performance and product quality. The position is full-time and on-site. The scheduled shift is Monday through Saturday, 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The role reports to the Production Supervisor.

Requirements

Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand operating procedures, safety instructions, and production requirements.
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic equipment and process issues.
Familiarity with hand tools, measuring devices, and basic equipment adjustments.
Ability to read, understand, and follow written SOPs and production instructions.
Basic mathematics skills to perform measurements, interpret production specifications, and record operating data.
Basic computer skills and ability to use production-monitoring or documentation systems.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
Ability to perform bending, reaching, climbing, kneeling, and other physical movements required to operate, inspect, and clean equipment.
Ability to repeatedly lift and move materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or lifting equipment as appropriate.
Ability to safely use hand tools, measuring devices, and production equipment.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and follow applicable safety procedures.
Ability to work scheduled shifts and overtime as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience operating extrusion equipment, preferably in food, pet food, or similar manufacturing environments.
Experience setting up, adjusting, and operating industrial production machinery.
Previous experience in food, beverage, or other continuous-process manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with extrusion processes, equipment controls, and product quality monitoring.
Experience performing equipment changeovers, basic troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
Knowledge of GMPs, food safety standards, and production documentation requirements.

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, monitor, adjust, and disassemble extrusion and related processing equipment according to SOPs, GMPs, and production requirements.
Prepare and start production equipment according to the production schedule and product specifications.
Monitor extrusion and associated processing systems to maintain consistent operation, product quality, and production efficiency.
Change extrusion dies and related components to produce required kibble sizes and shapes for different brands and SKUs.
Coordinate product changeovers and equipment setup requirements throughout the shift.
Monitor coating operations as required.
Identify and troubleshoot equipment issues, process deviations, and operational interruptions to minimize downtime.
Perform basic equipment maintenance, inspections, and adjustments within training and authorization.
Communicate equipment concerns, operational issues, maintenance needs, downtime, corrective actions, and unresolved issues to appropriate personnel.
Inspect product appearance, size, shape, and consistency using visual checks and measuring devices such as micrometers.
Perform and document routine product and process quality checks, including moisture, temperature, protein, and liquid fat levels.
Monitor production parameters and adjust operations to maintain product specifications and quality standards.
Identify and report product defects, out-of-specification conditions, process deviations, and contamination or food safety concerns.
Work with Quality and Production teams to investigate and correct product quality concerns.
Verify that changeovers, equipment settings, and production processes meet applicable specifications.
Maintain accurate production, process-monitoring, quality-control, safety, and food-safety documentation.
Follow procedures for handling nonconforming product and preventing unintended product release.
Assist Maintenance personnel with equipment inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs within demonstrated qualifications.
Support preventive maintenance, equipment cleaning, and routine inspections.
Coordinate with Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams to maintain production flow and minimize disruptions.
Communicate production status, equipment conditions, quality concerns, and outstanding issues during shift transitions.
Support efficient product changeovers and reduction of production waste.
Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, product consistency, production efficiency, and operational safety.
Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives.
Follow company safety policies and procedures, use required PPE, and follow machine guarding and Lockout/Tagout procedures.
Report unsafe conditions, near misses, injuries, and equipment-related safety concerns.
Maintain clean and organized work areas in accordance with housekeeping and sanitation requirements.
Follow GMPs, sanitation procedures, BRCGS food safety and quality management system requirements, and company procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned.