Extruder Operator

KLN Family Brands

Delano (MN)

On-site

USD 33,000 - 36,000

Full time

10 days ago

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday pay

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401K with company match

Pet Insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

KLN Family Brands in Delano, MN is hiring an Extruder Operator for the 3PM–1AM shift. You will operate and monitor extrusion equipment, follow daily production schedules, and ensure products meet quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities include sampling, recording parameters, coordinating with dry ingredients and slurry teams, and maintaining cleanliness and GMP compliance. Forklift certification and ability to lift 80+ lbs are required.

Qualifications

General mathematical ability and basic leadership skills.
Able to lift up to 80+ pounds and operate forklift with certification.
Willing to work on 3PM–1AM shift and follow safety/GMP rules.

Responsibilities

Review and follow daily production schedule verifying against product information sheets for accuracy.
Communicate with dry ingredient personnel for immediate production needs.
Coordinate with slurry room to verify liquids being made.
Operate the extruder and monitor auxiliary equipment to meet QA specifications.
Visually inspect and save samples for QA lab analysis.
Record operation parameters and submit at shift end.
Monitor feeds for color, odor and grind; notify supervisor if out of spec.
Clean systems between runs and set up die plates for runs.
Train new departmental employees and perform miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Skills

Math skills

Self-motivation

Procedure execution

Hand-eye coordination

Team player

Judgment & reasoning

Leadership basics

Heavy lifting

Forklift certification

Job description

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.

2nd Shift

3PM - 1AM (Monday - Thursday)

$24.17/HR + 6% Shift Differential

Our Story

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