Operations Technician

Operations Technician

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food. Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods. We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life. A career at Hill's Pet Nutrition or Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Purpose of Role: The role functions as a member of an area team that is directly responsible for the efficient production of quality products in the required quantities. This role will operate/change over specified machinery in the assigned area. Production Operators must ensure safety, efficiency, operational conformance, product quality and continuous improvement. Production Operators must have the skill set to train and/or perform the tasks of other associates in the area as needed. This job requires strong communication, interpersonal and team building skills to support site objectives.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Properly extrude and mix the formulas and fulfill all their duties in the absence of either operator.
• Properly operate the extruders, dryers, mixer, receiving and coating application system and other related.
• Adjust equipment as necessary to ensure a quality product is produced.
• Properly lubricate equipment to ensure guaranteed life of all parts.
• Practice the Lock-Out Tag-Out program when doing maintenance and/or repair.
• Maintains accurate records of QC checks, production numbers or waste performance
• Performs QC tasks such as metal checks, inspection of date codes, item numbers, dump logs, etc.
• Ensure finished product meets all quality standards and run documentation completed.
• Ensure finished product is properly formed and coated.
• Ensure equipment is run efficiently and dies set up and are ready for the next run.
• All other duties as assigned.

Ingredients:

• Assure quality ingredients are being extruded.
• Collect samples for Quality Assurance as required.
• Check product density as needed.
• Perform analysis for fat, moisture, and protein as needed.
• Continually check product size, shape and color.
• Ensure the formulated amount of fat, acid and dry coating is being properly applied.
• Ensure the finished product bins are cleaned between product runs.
• Safety of all employees and equipment.
• Keep all equipment in a safe operating condition.
• Practice safety Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures.
• Keep area in a clean and neat manner.
• Be aware of and follow all plant safety rules. (Wear bump hats, ear protection, no rings, etc.). Wear dust mask when weighing and dumping hand-add ingredients.

Key Functional Skills/Knowledge:

• Team player
• Action oriented
• High level of mechanical aptitude and knowledge, with good skills in troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Good math, reading, writing skills and ability to set bin strategies.
• Strong communication skills
• Continuous self-development
• Must be capable of working at elevated heights and or confined space
• Wearing proper personal protective equipment (hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform)
• Bending, stooping, twist, turn, standing for extended time periods, reaching, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 55 lbs.
• Must be able to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot to cold, dust dirt and chemicals
• Knowledge of local, federal, and industry regulations with regards to: Food Safety (GMP, HACCP) Food Quality (Product and Process) Q&FS testing practices and procedures, QMP policies and SPC

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have a High school diploma or GED
• Must be willing and able to work and accept varying shifts and schedules
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language
• Working knowledge of Safety, Quality and Material Management Systems and procedures
• Ability to read and understand the daily production run schedule, and execute to that plan
• Ability to communicate to managers and team members any production, quality/food safety or other business critical information vital to operations and customer service
• Must be willing and able to work and accept varying shifts and schedules
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language
• Successful completion of a substance screening and background check

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience operating a variety of machines
• 2 years of work experience within manufacturing, or a technical and/or trade discipline
• Working Knowledge of food safety, GMP, GHOP, HACCP, SPC
• Demonstrated competency in computer and pc software including MS Office and email
• Knowledge of inventory control principles
• Ability to operate a forklift/OSHA certification
• Experience with JD Edwards and SAP

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Range $22.10 - $26.00 USD Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles. Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion:

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business. Equal Opportunity Employer Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation. For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.