Processing Operator

Job Description:

JOB PURPOSE:

Operate extrusion / processing equipment and perform all associated processing activities while maintaining product quality.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Set up, calibrate, operate, monitor and perform basic trouble shooting of extrusion and auxiliary equipment; adjust equipment variables to meet equipment and product requirements
• Calculate rates and performance percentages for product runs
• Ensure required changeovers are completed accurately and efficiently
• Assist clients through research and development/test work
• Safely operate forklift and scissor lift; ability to obtain Alphia Foods certification
• Accountable for maintaining and sustaining FIFO program
• Perform QA duties as necessary, to include, but not limited to:
  • Responsible for immediately reporting all quality issues to Extruder Lead or Supervisor
  • Collect samples and perform analysis using provided equipment
  • Know and monitor HACCP compliance in-Process
  • Distinguish colors and duplicate in the extrusion process
  • Thoroughly understand all quality assurance procedures and programs that relate to the position; ensure all products are within individual client specifications
  • Responsible for following microbial control and regulatory/temperature requirements; ACS, burnout, etc.
• Must complete required paperwork accurately and completely
• Proficiency in Alphia. Foods Business Systems (i.e. JDE, IQS, Sage, etc) as it applies to the position
• Anticipate technical problems; proactively troubleshoots (where appropriate) and makes technical adjustments and/or notifies maintenance
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance on assigned equipment
• Work with Maintenance and Supervisor to identify potential line improvements
• Acknowledge and adhere to the requirement to work only in job-specific designated area
• Participate in a full facility and equipment clean-up as directed
• Accountable for personal safety, behavior and performance
• Responsible for following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) and Job Safety Analyses (JSA’s), as well as following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
• Responsible for communicating work status to the following shift for a smooth transition
• Responsible for maintaining a clean work and organized work area, and leaving a clean and organized work area for the following shift
• Ensure the requirements of the CCP are met, and if a deviation occurs, notify Supervisor and Quality departments to hold all affected product.
• Safely operate forklift (must obtain Alphia Foods certification)
• Other duties as assigned or directed

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  (To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required).

• High school diploma and/or GED required
• Previous extrusion experience preferred
• Basic math skills to include addition, subtraction and percentages
• Basic computer skills
• Willing to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in written form, and via radio
• Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner
• Ability to obtain Alphia Foods Lock Out / Tag Out certification 
• Ability to multi-task
• Model behaviors that support Alphia Company values of Safety, People, Courage, Team, Speed

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  (The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.  The phrases “occasionally,” “regularly,” and “frequently” correspond to the following definitions: “occasionally” means up to 25% of working time, “regularly” means between 26 and 75% of working time, and “frequently” means 76% and more of working time.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, walk, and move from place to place.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, use foot/feet to operate machine, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl or reach above shoulders.  The employee is frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle or touch.

The employee must exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and / or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

The employee may be frequently exposed to allergens and/or airborne particles in the production area.  Production employees are exposed to temperatures ranging from 0 to 115 degrees, depending on the season and workstation, and may be working near moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions may occur.

The noise level in the work environment may be loud while production equipment is running.

Personal Protection Equipment (including, but not limited to, boots, gloves, safety glasses, and/or face shields) is required during various processes in the production area. Ear plugs and bump caps are required at all times in the production area.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

Employee                                                                                 Date

Supervisor                                                                               Date

Alphia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.