Extrusion Process Operator - Fish Food

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Position Summary

The Extrusion Process Operator is a skilled production position responsible for the safe and efficient operation of fish food extrusion equipment and associated upstream and downstream processing systems. This position requires previous hands-on extrusion experience and will serve as a key technical resource in establishing and maintaining consistent extrusion operating conditions, troubleshooting process deviations, and producing finished product that meets established quality and food safety requirements. The role supports the full extrusion process, including raw material preparation and batching, preconditioning, steam-induced expansion, extrusion, drying, product inspection, and transfer to downstream packaging operations.

Shift Details: Monday – Thursday, 5:00 am – 3:30 pm (Potential Overtime on Friday)

Location: Franklin, WI

Hourly Rate of pay: $28.25

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up, start, operate, monitor, and shut down single-screw extrusion equipment and supporting food-processing systems according to established procedures and production schedules.
• Prepare, stage, weigh, verify, and feed raw materials according to approved formulas, batch sheets, and work instructions.
• Monitor and control extrusion process parameters such as feed rate, moisture, steam, temperature, pressure, screw speed, and product flow to maintain consistent processing conditions.
• Operate and monitor preconditioning and steam-induced expansion processes used to cook, condition, and form fish food products.
• Monitor extrudate characteristics including size, shape, density, expansion, texture, moisture, and overall appearance, and make routine process adjustments when results begin to trend outside established specifications.
• Perform product and equipment changeovers, including die changes and other routine setup activities, following standard operating procedures and required safety practices.
• Monitor downstream drying, cooling, conveying, and product-transfer equipment to ensure stable flow and proper product condition before packaging.
• Perform required in-process quality checks and accurately document process settings, production results, downtime, scrap, material usage, and other required manufacturing information.
• Identify process or equipment abnormalities, perform basic troubleshooting, and promptly communicate maintenance or quality concerns that require additional support.
• Maintain compliance with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, allergen controls, and established food-safety requirements.
• Safely handle ingredients that may include fish meal, shellfish, grains, proteins, vitamins, minerals, oils, and other raw materials used in fish food production.
• Perform routine cleaning and sanitation of extrusion equipment, dies, preconditioners, conveyors, surrounding equipment, and production work areas.
• Follow OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, machine-guarding requirements, and all required personal protective equipment (PPE) practices.
• Support preventive maintenance activities and operator basic-care expectations by inspecting equipment condition and reporting wear, leaks, abnormal noise, or other developing concerns.
• Work collaboratively with Quality, Maintenance, Production, and other team members to meet daily safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.
• Support continuous improvement activities focused on process stability, throughput, product quality, waste reduction, equipment reliability, and safe work practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support fish food manufacturing operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous pet food, animal feed, fish food, cereal, snack food, or other food-extrusion manufacturing experience (preferred).
• Experience operating dryers, coolers, conveyors, feeders, and other equipment supporting an extrusion process (preferred).
• Experience supporting preventive maintenance, operator basic care, or equipment reliability activities (preferred).
• Experience with HMI/PLC-based process controls and electronic production monitoring systems (preferred).
• ERP/SAP or similar electronic production-system experience (preferred).

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience operating extrusion equipment in a production environment, preferably within food, pet food, animal feed, cereal, snack food, or a similar process-manufacturing operation.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience operating single-screw extrusion equipment is required.
• Working knowledge of steam-assisted or steam-induced expansion/extrusion processes, including the relationship between steam, moisture, temperature, pressure, feed rate, screw speed, and finished-product characteristics, is required.
• Experience monitoring and adjusting extrusion process parameters to maintain product quality, throughput, density, moisture, shape, and consistency is required.
• Experience with ingredient batching, blending, feeding, and/or other upstream food-processing operations supporting an extrusion process is required.
• Experience performing equipment startups, shutdowns, product changeovers, die changes, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting is required.
• Ability to recognize process deviations and make appropriate adjustments before they result in significant scrap, downtime, or out-of-spec product.
• Experience working within established food safety, GMP, sanitation, and production documentation requirements.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to recognize abnormal operating conditions, troubleshoot process and equipment issues, and communicate effectively with Maintenance and Quality.
• Ability to understand and follow formulas, batch sheets, work instructions, production schedules, process specifications, and standard operating procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety, product quality, equipment care, and accurate documentation.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

• Must be able to stand/walk for a 10-hour shift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Work in a food production environment with exposure to dust, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Potential exposure to allergens such as fish and shellfish.
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS  

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2023 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California and has 6,700 employees across North America and Europe. Visit to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.