Extruder Operator I - III level

PGP International; Woodland (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

ABF Ingredients Limited in California is seeking an Extrusion Operator responsible for operating extrusion equipment, ensuring high quality and food safety standards, and promoting a safe working environment. The candidate should have a High School diploma, and at least 3 years of relevant experience in food manufacturing, with proficiency in various technical skills and tools mentioned.

Scheduled work will be full-time, based on production demands, and will take place in a manufacturing warehouse environment requiring personal protective equipment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Extrusion Operation preferred in food manufacturing.
• Fluency in English; Spanish preferred.
• Certifications in Forklift and OSHA 10 required.

Responsibilities

• Operate all extrusion equipment according to provided documentation.
• Complete production paperwork timely and accurately.
• Promote a safe work environment and adhere to HSE policies.

Skills

ERP transactions

Touch screen tablets/PLC

Basic math skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Forklift operation

Confined space entry experience

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Pneumatic tools

Batching equipment

Packaging equipment

Job description

Job Purpose and Summary

Responsible for operating all extrusion equipment in accordance with provided documentation and written procedures. This includes setup, operation, and cleanup of machinery. Perform all post quality checks to provide the highest quality product with the least amount of waste, while maintaining or exceeding standard line run rates.

Key Accountabilities

HSE: Promote a safe work environment at all times through the adherence to all PGPI’s Health & Safety and Environmental policies and procedures as well as to all relevant California OSHA regulations in order to achieve ZERO workplace incidents and injuries.

Food Safety & Quality: Promote exceptional food safety and product quality standards at all times through the adherence to, and improvement of, GMP and food safety and quality policies and standards, in order to have highest quality product for external customers.

Production Activities: Complete set up of all extruders, including setting up screw configurations cutter box alignments. Operation of Evolums, Clextrals and Buhler’s according to published parameters. Ensure correct and adequate dry batch is available before startup. Prepare Liquid batches per standard manufacturing practices. Minimize changeover times to increase equipment utilization. Ensure proper package weights, materials and labeling as required. Conduct quality checks every 30 minutes to ensure quality specifications are met. Provide information to Extrusion Packers and Batch Makers regarding the progress of production, so that product is reduced with minimum overrun and waste. Assist Extrusion Packaging Lead on disposition of non-conforming product. Responsible for performing sanitation and cleaning of equipment. Replace bag house filters, clean, and sanitize cyclones, act as a back-up to batch maker and packaging positions when needed. Other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Record Management: Complete all production paperwork in a timely manner with greater attention to accuracy.

Problem Solving/Reporting/Continuous Improvement: Promptly relay information to Shift Production Manager/Extrusion Operations Lead regarding shift accomplishments, problems, or suggestions for improvements.

Training & Development: Participate in all training related to his/her job in order to gain knowledge/skills/abilities needed for exceptional performance. Assist in training employees and new hires (buddy program). Train new Batch Makers and packaging positions as needed.

Internal and External Contacts

All employees in Extrusion, Maintenance, HSE, QA and Logistics department, R&D.

Job Requirements

Education: High School diploma or related experience.

Related Experience: Minimum 3 years’ experience in Extrusion Operation (food or food related manufacturing preferred).

Competencies: Initiating Action, Priority Setting, Problem Solving, Planning, Standing Alone, Compelling Communication, Comfort Around Higher Management, Composure, Listening, Conflict Management, Interpersonal Savvy, Organizational Agility, Continuous Learning, Self-Knowledge, Building Trusted Relationships.

Technical Skills:

• ERP transactions
• Touch screen tablets/PLC
• Basic math skills
• Use of pneumatic and small hand tools
• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Forklift and Aerial Lift
• Lock out tag out (LOTO) system
• Confined space entry experience
• Evolums, Clextrals and Buhler’s
• Operation and cleaning Batching equipment including but not limited to rotary valves, blender, etc.
• Operation and cleaning of packaging equipment, including but not limited to: Sweco, cyclone, oven, bucket elevator, etc.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Forklift and Aerial Lift
• OSHA 10

Language(s):

• Fluency in English - preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish - preferred.

Other Qualifications: HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

Work Environment

This job operates in a manufacturing warehouse environment. This role routinely uses manufacturing equipment. The environment is hot, cold, wet, dusty, and loud. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment on the manufacturing floor (hearing protection, hard hat, safety glasses, beard/hair nets, safety shoes).

Physical and Sensory Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms overhead and grip, climb stairs, work from heights up to 40 feet; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move products and supplies, up to 55 pounds.

Position Type and Working Schedule

RFT - Regular Full Time, working schedule based on production demands.

Travel Requirements

n/a