1st shift Mill Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Kaytee is seeking a  Class 5 Mill Operator Level I on 1st shift to be a part of the Central Specialty Pet Division based out of Chilton, WI.  In this role, you will be responsible for coordinating the receipt of rail cars and trucks, ensuring a high-quality product is cleaned and processed according to specifications. The position involves managing daily cleaning and maintenance tasks, coordinating equipment upkeep, and maintaining product quality. If you find your skills match the qualifications we are seeking below, we invite you to apply for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Demonstrate strong communication skills, including clear verbal and written communication, active listening, effective relationship-building, and appropriate responses to various communication situations.  
• Understand and operate Repete software and manage the setup and operation of six cleaning mills.  
• Set up and clean machinery according to production requirements, including installing appropriate screens and related mill components.  
• Start machines, monitor operations for malfunctions, and make necessary adjustments or repairs.  
• Accurately record all inventory transactions and receive delivery quantities in SAP.  
• Enter receiving routes for grains and pellets in the Repete system and manually activate required equipment.  
• Maintain open communication with Milling Department Operators and the Production Scheduler to ensure timely grain delivery.  
• Perform required process quality-control checks, including moisture, bushel weight, dockage, and other QC-determined tests; sample incoming loads as required.  
• Report any issues or concerns related to grain cleaning operations or equipment functionality.  
• Perform preventative maintenance and maintain a clean, safe work environment.  
• Understand departmental goals and objectives and work in alignment with them.  
• Comply with Confined Space policy and schedule silo cleanouts in accordance with quality standards.  
• Report safety concerns or hazards to the supervisor promptly.  
• Follow all LOTO, Fall Protection, GMP, food safety, and company safety policies.  
• Ensure adherence to food safety requirements and report any food safety issues to authorized personnel.  
• Perform additional tasks and assist with other duties in Plant 3 as assigned by management.  
• Communicate with coworkers in a manner that supports a positive, team-oriented work environment.  

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Mechanically inclined with strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Able to work independently in a safe, efficient, and accurate manner.
• Capable of consistently lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and comfortable with ladders and heights.
• Basic computer skills, including Repete Controls and SAP.
• Prior machine operator experience required.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage tasks effectively.
• Ability to perform basic math with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and calculate rates, ratios, and percentages.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Able to obtain Kaytee forklift certification.
• Able to operate a loader for rail cars unloading and a tractor for wagon transport between plants.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment; temperatures can vary due to outside temperatures.
• Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours (on each respective shift) and average at least 40 hours a week.   
• There may be some variation in work hours due to overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns. 

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS  

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• Free Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 
• 401k with 3% company match and annual profit-sharing bonus 
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time 
• Paid Parental Leave Program 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more! 
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications) 
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Onsite Wellness Center
• Onsite Employee 24-hour gym

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro?, Aqueon?, Best Bully Sticks?, Cadet?, C&S?, Farnam?, Ferry-Morse?, Kaytee?, Nylabone?, Pennington?, Sevin? and Zoёcon?. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. 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.