Job Details

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.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assembles, calibrates, operates, and monitors extruder and all auxiliary equipment (pumps, micro-motions, dry coating applicator, tanks, agitators, etc) of both extrusion systems.
• Inspects and evaluates equipment hourly; adjusts equipment variables to meet equipment and product requirements.
• Frequently dumps/weighs, carries, and stacks up to 50-pound bags of ingredients and/or product
• Operates forklift and hand-held scanners to remove ingredients from inventory for use in production.
• Responsible for evaluating orders, ensuring paperwork is complete and accurate in all processing conditions, and completing status reports.
• Calculates rates and performance percentages for product runs.
• Distinguishes colors and duplicates those colors in the extrusion process.
• Assists clients with development of products and procedures through research and development/test work.
• Establishes and maintains an effective line of communication with the quality assurance department.
• Thoroughly understands all quality assurance procedures and programs; ensures all products are within individual client specifications.
• Monitors and manages shrink losses to acceptable limits/standards.
• Responsible for all product quality attributes
• Evaluates product quality attributes; makes immediate adjustments to correct products, which are found to be out of specification.
• Anticipates technical problems; proactively troubleshoots (where appropriate) and makes technical adjustments and/or notifies maintenance.
• Plan ahead for upcoming runs and communicate information with Ingredient Tech team.
• Good working knowledge and ability to operate Meat Room system for product runs.
• Responsible for training/coaching of team members at Extruder Operator I and II levels
• Responsible for completion of cycle counts on a weekly basis.
• Conduct business overview
• Ability to lead people and drive productivity of the team to meet daily/monthly/annual production goals.
• Serve as a backup to Extrusion Lead
• Responsible for maintaining a safe and clean work area and environment.
• Participate in a full facility and equipment clean-up between each product run as directed.
• Ensures required changeovers are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Responsible for becoming familiar with GMP's and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for all products.
• Preferred Operator for Client/product development
• Able to operate and process fully without supervision.
• Ability to solve extrusion problems without aid.
• Complete simple production reports
• Required to notify a supervisor or a lead employee of any situation or observation that may adversely affect food safety and/or quality.
• Ensure the requirements of the CCP are met, and if a deviation occurs, notify Supervisor and Quality departments to hold all affected product.
• Other duties as assigned or directed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required).

• Education level: high school diploma and/or GED required.
• Experience: Two to three years CJ Foods extrusion experience required.
• Willing 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 include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to read and follow simple written instructions.

Occasional extended work hours may be required. Moderate noise where PPE is required. The job is performed under a generally hazard free environment.

The employee may be frequently exposed to allergens and/or airborne particles in the production area. Production employees are exposed to temperatures ranging from 50 to 115 degrees, depending on the season and workstation, and may be working near moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions may occur. The noise level in the work environment may be loud while production equipment is running.

Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices, including appropriate safety equipment apply
Personal Protection Equipment (including, but not limited to, boots, gloves, safety glasses, and/or face shields) is required during various processes in the production area. Ear plugs and bump caps are always required in the production area.