Description

Batching Operator

Shift:

12 hour rotating shift that rotates between days and nights every other week.

Purpose of Role

The Batching Operator is a core position in the conversion of raw materials into finished pet food by safely and efficiently receiving, analyzing, and processing raw ingredients. This position also completes preventative maintenance and mechanically troubleshoots system equipment and is responsible to train other processing associates.

Principal Accountabilities

• Responsible for the total operation of any combination of the following unit operations.
• Operation includes operating all system, performing all quality checks, maintaining conformance reports and systems logs, troubleshooting all aspects of each system, and maintaining area in a clean, orderly manner.
• Manage the batching schedule, and batch to assure accurate batches of mixed meal delivered through the hammer mill and screening system.
• Coordinate flexible workforce activities as needed for recipe specific requirements.
• Participate in setting strategy for the processing system to ensure meeting of exceeding production schedule in the most efficient manner possible.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment to promote associate safety and product integrity.
• Troubleshoot processing system to optimize performance and take corrective action to ensure product quality while minimizing unnecessary downtime.
• Perform preventative and downtime maintenance of area equipment and helps make incremental improvements.
• Improve operations through individual and group problem solving and provide leadership in solving problems on the floor and in meetings.
• Promote high quality team environment through effective teamwork and self-management with a positive attitude.
• Assist Research and Development on new products improving current ones.
• Prepare and maintain SOP's and training modules.
• Participate in problem solving groups as appropriate.
• Train other area associates in operation of all areas and systems.
• Participate in site safety program and actively look for ways to improve site area safety.
• Associate is responsible for communicating and elevating any quality and food safety concerns to site management.
• Other similar duties as assigned.

Key Functional Skills/Knowledge

• Mechanical aptitude
• Housekeeping skills and knowledge of GMP's
• Knowledge of personal computers
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to lift 52 lbs.
• Ability to work 12 hour rotating shifts under fast paced conditions such as heat, cold, high and/ or confined spaces and possesses mobility with the ability to climb ladders and stairs
• Hearing and speaking ability both in person and on the phone
• Ability to recognize colors
• Interpersonal skills to work in a team environment with a positive attitude and minimal supervision.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 2-3 years' work or military experience (manufacturing environment preferred)
• Basic math, reading and writing skills

Working Conditions

• Work at times, with extreme temperatures (heat/humidity in extrusion; cold/wind/rain in Wet and Dry receiving; and varying degrees of heat and noise around dryers and hammer mills.