Production Operator - Nights (Biospringer)

Biospringer by Lesaffre•Cedar Rapids, IA

About The Position

The Production Operator, identified in the job description as the Dryer Operator, ensures that liquid intermediate product is spray dried to finished-product specifications while following company safety, quality, and food-safety procedures. The role manages and monitors up to three spray-drying equipment units and reports directly to the Supervisor. The Superintendent or other management personnel may also provide direction as needed. The schedule is 6 PM–6 AM on a rotational basis. Because production operations change according to customer needs, the operator must be flexible and may periodically train and work in other departments. Work assignments, including cleaning and covering absences, depend on operational needs. The operator may also cover shifts as scheduled. The position requires the ability to perform essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities. Physical duties include regularly standing, walking, using hands to handle objects, and reaching; occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, sitting, and communicating; and occasionally lifting or moving up to 60 pounds. Required vision abilities include close and color vision, peripheral vision, and adjusting focus.

Requirements

High school diploma or at least 3 years of experience in a similar position.
Ability to follow instructions, learn, and ask questions.
Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Good people skills.
Ability to manage time and plan ahead.
Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; write simple correspondence; and present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group situations.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including calculations with money, weight, volume, and distance.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to simple one- or two-step instructions, solve standardized problems with few or no variables, and use experience to solve more complex problems.
Ability to obtain forklift certification.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including occasionally lifting or moving up to 60 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of manufacturing and packaging processes.

Responsibilities

Understand and follow safety, GMP, food-safety, and other company rules and policies.
Perform sanitation on equipment, infrastructure, grounds, and other assigned areas.
Monitor quality-assurance controls during production, including product analysis and code-date verification.
Record and maintain accurate written and electronic information.
Operate the packing line safely and efficiently.
Inspect dryer infrastructure and monitor dryer equipment; notify management when maintenance is required.
Assist with troubleshooting equipment and process problems.
Notify the Supervisor of equipment failures and major process problems or variations.
Communicate and interact respectfully and effectively with employees and management.
Learn all equipment in Drying and cover shifts as scheduled.
Train and work in other facility departments as needed, including cleaning and filling in for absences.
Perform other duties as assigned.