Drum Operator

Idaho Pacific Holdings; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food processing company in the United States is seeking a Drum Operator responsible for operating a potato-dehydrating drum. This role involves maintaining product quality, ensuring safety protocols, and operating machinery efficiently. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and experience in food processing or similar environments. The job requires physical endurance and the ability to follow strict operational procedures while managing product flow. Availability for all shifts is necessary.

Qualifications

• Must accurately read, write, calculate, and communicate required materials and instructions.
• Previous experience in food processing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a consistent flow of mash while ensuring product quality.
• Monitor and adjust equipment as needed.
• Ensure safety and cleanliness in the work area.

Skills

Familiarity with the potato dehydration process

Ability to follow operational instructions

Experience with processing equipment

Knowledge of cleaning and sanitizing chemicals

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Summary

The Drum Operator's main function involves running a potato-dehydrating drum. The Drum Operator must always consider product quality and work towards producing a consistent product based on customer and company specifications. Personal safety must also be considered, and the Drum Operator should control the amount of potato mash he or she lifts, carries, or moves so the chance of personal injury is minimized.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for maintaining an adequate and consistent flow of mash. Monitor and adjust the speed of the feed auger and roller adjustments, as well as shoveling product as needed to accomplish this.
• Ensure the drum operates efficiently and effectively by keeping plenty of mash on all applicator rolls; work clean mash up and dirty mash down; ensure only clean mash is on the applicator rollers to minimize defects.
• Ensure the reduction or elimination of waste / defect / throw‑away by adjusting the rolls and maintaining as thick a sheet of mash as possible.
• Utilize a bullhide knife to remove bullhides as soon as they are discovered.
• Advise the Flake Operator of any problems as quickly as possible. Assist in the replacement of the flake knife when required.
• The Drum Operator will be on or near the drum at all times while operating.
• Checks for product defects and ensures product quality standards are met. Notify the Flake Operator, Assistant Shift Manager or the Shift Manager immediately if product is out of grade.
• Use caution around moving parts and equipment.
• Keep areas of responsibility clean and well maintained during shift hours, and ensure area is clean for the next shift.
• Complete all sanitation responsibilities including (but not limited to): avoiding cross‑contamination; keep all tools clean and sanitized; keep mash pan relatively empty and in good sanitary condition; keep catwalks clean and free of debris; ensure tools or shovels do not come in contact of catwalk or other contaminated areas.
• Clean tool dip tanks twice during shift; clean flake breaker covers every two hours; clean knives, slides, and snifter tube once a shift.
• Comply with all safety regulations; follow all plant and safety policies.
• Follows all company and regulated good manufacturing practices.
• Completes all other responsibilities as necessary.

Knowledge and Skills

• Familiarity with the potato dehydration process helpful.
• Must be able to closely follow operational instructions.
• Previous experience working around processing equipment preferred.
• Knowledge of chlorine use and cleaning / sanitizing chemicals.

Education

Education must be of such level as to allow for the accurate reading, writing, calculation and communication of the required materials and instructions to complete the job responsibilities of the Drum Operator. High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, bend, or move repetitively for up to 12 hours.
• Must be able to shovel mash weighing 35-50 lbs on a regular basis.
• Must be able to lift on a regular basis up to 50 lbs without assistance, and 100 lbs with assistance.
• Able to tolerate dust or chemicals.
• Must not be affected by moving equipment and machinery.
• Bending, stretching, lifting, reaching, climbing, crawling, and crouching as required.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Supervisor Duties

The Drum Operator has no supervisory authority. Will be required to report any problems to the Flake Operator, Assistant Shift Manager, or Shift Manager.

Working Conditions

Normal plant / manufacturing environment. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Drum Operator must be available all days and all hours. Position is very physical / hands on. Will be exposed to high levels of noise, extreme heat or cold, steam, dust, and wet, humid, and slick conditions, and all other environmental factors normally attributed to a manufacturing environment.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this Job Description is to document the major aspects of this position. This description should not be construed as all-encompassing or as an exhaustive list of the responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions necessary for this position. Idaho Pacific reserves the right to make changes and modifications to this description, associated duties, and requirements as necessary.