Evaporator Operator

Evaporator Operator

The Evaporator Operator plays a vital role in our production team, serving as a knowledgeable steward of our evaporator production line and equipment. This position empowers you to troubleshoot and resolve challenges, drive system efficiencies, and maintain the operational integrity of our manufacturing equipment. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential. You will ensure that all documentation is timely, accurate, and compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation standards, and performance metrics.

The essential functions, duties, and performance responsibilities include:

• Performing thorough pre-operational checks on all equipment prior to initiating processes.
• Assessing raw materials and finished products according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintaining targeted solids percentages in finished products to uphold quality.
• Monitoring and reporting on Clean in Place (CIP) chemical usage daily.
• Assisting with the loading of bulk Liquid Milk Permeate.
• Reviewing departmental and system performance, proactively suggesting ideas for product or process improvement.
• Adhering diligently to Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs).
• Collecting samples in accordance with SOPs and ensuring all production logs and sanitation records are completed accurately and promptly.
• Verifying the performance of CIP systems.
• Operating and cleaning manufacturing equipment as per the production plan.
• Contributing innovative ideas to enhance process efficiency and system protocols.
• Following OSHA and plant safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
• Willingness to be an engaged team member.
• Participating in initiatives that promote greater employee involvement and operational success.
• Completing additional projects and tasks as assigned.

Position specifications/qualifications include:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent work-related experience.
• Experience in a plant environment and as a production operator is preferred.
• Knowledge of production lines and equipment preferred.
• Ability to effectively collaborate in teams and foster a supportive working atmosphere.
• Problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to troubleshooting.
• Excellent communication capabilities, ensuring documentation accuracy and completeness.

Physical requirements and working conditions include:

• Occasional ascending and/or descending of ladders and stairs using feet and legs and/or hands and arms on a regular basis. Body agility is emphasized.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances on a regular basis.
• Repetitive motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time on concrete.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist on a regular basis.
• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees occasionally.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Lifting: Able to lift up to 50lbs daily, up to 60lbs occasionally.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Includes activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Subject to up to at least 92db's.
• Occasionally subject to high temperatures up to 120 degrees F.

Equipment operated includes evaporators and miscellaneous manufacturing equipment, along with personal computers, copy machines, calculators, analytical tools, telephones, and hand tools.