2nd Shift

3PM - 1AM (Monday - Thursday)

$24.17/HR + 6% Shift Differential

Our Story

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

The Opportunity

Extruder Operator

What is an Extruder Operator? An Extruder Operator is the engine behind the pet treat-making process. They operate and optimize extrusion equipment that mixes, cooks, shapes, and cuts ingredients into finished treats. Through careful monitoring and adjustments, they keep the process running efficiently while producing high-quality products that meet safety and quality standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties:

Review and follow daily production schedule verifying against their product information sheets for accuracy

Communicate with dry ingredient personnel as to which materials should be used for their immediate production needs
Coordinate with slurry operators to verify which liquid products are being made
Operate the extruder and monitor ancillary equipment to produce products that meet the desired specifications set forth by the Quality Assurance Department
Visually inspect and save samples throughout all runs to be taken to the Quality Control Lab for final analysis
Responsible to record operation parameters and turn in at the end of each shift
Monitor all feed formulas presented to them for color, odor and grind notifying supervisor of anything that looks out of specification
Cleaning systems as required between production runs
Setting up die plates for each different run and monitoring knife wear
Proficient in using batch logic system
Able to operate cutters, grillers, ovens and other equipment used in the extrusion department
Calibrate process flow monitors prior to each run
Daily clean up and sanitation of extruder area
Involved in weekly cleaning of extrusion area
Notify maintenance of any unusual equipment noises or failures
Train new departmental employees
Will perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by Supervisor

Additional Responsibilities

Cross train in dry ingredient receiving on operation of dry ingredient system
Cross train in slurry room

SAFETY

Attend safety trainings
Follow all safety instructions and policies
Report any injuries or near miss accidents to supervisor
Report any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisor
Wear required PPE that is determined by site

ENVIRONMENTAL

Keep work area clean and free of debris

FOOD SAFETY

Assist in maintaining all sanitation schedules
Attend food safety trainings
Follow all GMPs and food safety instructions

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

General mathematical ability
Self-motivation
Learning, memorizing and executing a sequence of procedures
Good hand – eye coordination
Willing and able to get along with others
Good judgement and reasoning abilities
Basic Leadership Skills
Can lift up to 80+ pounds
Ability to drive a forklift and pass certification exam

Benefits

Holiday pay
Paid Time Off, with an additional day for your birthday!
Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
FSA, Medical & Dependent Care
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Life Insurance
Pet Insurance
401K with company match

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site