PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Operates dry mixing, extruding, grinding and transfer system equipment to produce products in the form of pellets or other shapes that may be ground to specific granulation profiles. Cleans and installs perforated metal die plate, containing openings of various shapes onto the barrel. Attaches blade, using hand or pneumatic tools, that rotates around the die plate, shearing off extruded material that is forced through the holes. Adjusts controls to set temperature of steam, start flow of dry mix, water, and other ingredients into pre-conditioner, and regulates pressures forcing mixture through the extrusion die to maintain specified moisture connect, color, bulk density, and cellular structure of pellet.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate all equipment pertaining to the Extrusion operation including the mixing conditioning, extrusion, drying, grinding, binning and transfer of products and all other equipment related to the extruder’s performance.
• Perform all necessary on-line quality checks, such as moistures, pH, bulk density and sieving and the use of the lab equipment for the tests. This will also include the use of statistical data to make decisions around the process quality.
• Complete various shift reports, including outputs, quality data as well as documentation of issues/changes made on the process during the operation on shift.
• Perform basic Maintenance and PM responsibilities on Extrusion equipment, which may include the oiling of equipment, sieve repair and screen replacement, belt changing and various repairs to extrusion equipment. These duties will also include documentation of changes as well as work orders and other related paperwork.
• Perform cleaning responsibilities which will include GMP expectations for daily, weekly and monthly requirements. This will include completion of all Master Sanitation requirements including documentation as well as general clean-up duties for daily sanitation and fumigations.
• Responsible for safe work practices as well as helping to create a safe work environment through the use of OSHA-required programs and the necessary documentation. These will include LOTO, Machine Guarding and Personal and Protective Equipment guidelines as well as other pertinent safety requirements.
• General written, verbal and computer skills to be able to communicate effectively with other plant personnel. This will include data tracking, reporting, follow-up work and correspondence as needed.
• Participation in a team environment which will include participation in meetings, working with other team members to solve problems and identify issues and accept a leadership role when necessary to ensure peak mill performance and results. This may include participation in testing, troubleshooting systems and equipment as well as working with outside vendors and/or consultants to continuously improve the extrusion process.
• Understand all areas of the Extrusion operation. This will include the interrelationship of all of the extrusion flows and processes as well as all other requirements of the position. The Extruder Operator will also be a key person in the training of all incoming personnel, which will include documentation of progress for performance assessment.
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary to ensure the overall performance of the extrusion operation and/or the needs of Lifeline Foods.
• Responsible for Food Safety and quality.
• Lifeline Foods’ philosophy is to maintain a flexible, cooperative and collaborating work environment; in that regard, this position will be expected to perform duties outside the key responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment is manufacturing.
• Frequently exposed to airborne particles (dust) and/or toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Frequently exposed to hot/cold and/or humid conditions.
• Frequently works near machinery with moving parts.
• Occasionally exposed to high, precarious places.
• Frequently exposed to fumes and risk of electrical shock and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High School education or equivalent is preferred, or at least 2 years of manufacturing experience (preferably in a milling environment); or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Basic math skills are required.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures.
• Technology proficient to include use of computers and two-way radio communications.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion.
• Ability to read, write and speak fluently in English is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently required to walk and move about the facility.
• Required to sit; use hands to finger; handle, feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; speak; hear, taste and smell.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to safely work at heights over 20’, including manlifts, ladders, platforms, equipment tops and scaffolding.
• Must be able to climb ladders and platforms, enter confined spaces and wear all safety equipment.
• Must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time.