Processing Operator

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.

• Assembles, calibrates, operates, and monitors extruder and all auxiliary equipment (pumps, micro‑motions, dry coating applicator, tanks, agitators, etc.) of both extrusion systems.
• Inspect 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.
• 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.
• Responsible for all product quality attributes.
• Evaluates product quality attributes; makes immediate adjustments to correct products that are found to be out of specification.
• Anticipates technical problems; proactively troubleshoots (where appropriate) and makes technical adjustments and/or notifies maintenance.
• Good working knowledge and ability to operate Meat Room, Mixing, Coating and Batching if applicable system for product runs.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe and clean work area and environment.
• Participates 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.
• Completes simple production reports.
• Other duties as assigned or directed.

• Education level: high school diploma and/or GED required.
• Experience:
  
  Extrusion experience strongly preferred; previous machine experience can be substituted.
• 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 including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages.
• Ability to multi‑task.
• Ability to read and follow simple written instructions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, walk, and move from place to place. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use foot/feet to operate machine, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl or reach above shoulders. The employee is frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle or touch.

The employee must exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

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 100 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.

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 required at all times in the production area.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

Alphia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.