Processing Operator

Extrusion Operator

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.

Essential Duties

• Helps assemble, calibrate, operate, and monitor extruder and all auxiliary equipment (pumps, micro-motions, dry coating applicator, tanks, agitators, etc.) of one extrusion system.
• 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.
• Assists in evaluating orders; ensures paperwork is complete and accurate on all processing conditions; completes status reports.
• Calculates rates and performance percentages for product runs.
• Distinguishes colors and duplicates those colors in the extrusion process.
• Establishes and maintains an effective line of communication with 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 out-of-specification products.
• Anticipates technical problems; proactively troubleshoots (where appropriate) and makes technical adjustments and/or notifies maintenance.
• 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.
• Knowledge & proficiency in Alphia Business Systems as it relates to Position.
• Responsible for becoming familiar with GMP's and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for all products.
• 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.

Qualification Requirements

• Education level: High school diploma and/or GED preferred.
• Experience: Entry level
• Willing to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals.
• Excellent communication skills
• 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, and percentages.
• Ability to multi-task.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The phrases "occasionally," "regularly," and "frequently" correspond to the following definitions: "occasionally" means up to 25% of working time, "regularly" means between 26 and 75% of working time, and "frequently" means 76% and more of working time.

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.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

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.

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.