Flake Line Operator

Idaho Pacific Holdings; Rigby (ID); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho Pacific Holdings seeks a Flake Line Operator to monitor and operate the flake line, ensuring products stay within specifications and quality standards. You will work with QA and Drum Operators, delegate tasks, train others, and identify maintenance needs, reporting to the Shift Manager.

The role emphasizes safe, efficient line operation, accurate data recording in logbooks, maintaining cleanliness, and cross-training on other production lines as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of flake line production policies and procedures.
• Ability to instruct and train others on processes and equipment.
• Ability to complete paperwork and reports; basic math skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to monitor processes and implement improvements.
• Capability to work with staff at all levels and maintain safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Follow standard operating procedures to produce products within specifications.
• Assist in training personnel and directing line helpers during cleanups and shutdowns.
• Operate the line to maximize output with minimal waste; start and stop the line as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness from flume to packaged goods area; keep logs precise and in English.
• Coordinate with QA and line operators; identify maintenance needs and report to supervisors.
• Record timings, temperatures, and moisture, and adjust as required to maintain product quality.
• Log date codes/lot numbers; log additive usage and adjustments carefully.
• Ensure knife adjustments and slabber knife checks meet quality standards.
• Adhere to safety policies, lockout/tagout, and forklift procedures; cross-train as required.
• Communicate daily with other line operators to ensure smooth shift transitions.

Skills

Flake line policies

Instruction & teaching

Paperwork & math

Communication (written & oral)

Time management

People skills

Process improvement

Team collaboration

Safety & quality mindset

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Flake line equipment

Job description

The Flake Line Operator's position involves monitoring and operating equipment on the product line. Responsibilities include keeping the product within specifications and maintaining high quality - will be required to work with the Quality Assurance department and Drum Operators to accomplish this. Must be able to professionally delegate duties; assist other operators / positions where needed; and assist in the training of personnel. Will identify any maintenance needs on the flake line and communicate this to the Shift Manager and/or shift mechanic.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow the approved Standard Operating Procedures of the flake line to produce products within their appropriate specifications.
• Assists with the training and direction of personnel who may be assigned to assist on the line for clean-ups and shutdowns, etc.
• Operates the line to maximize the output of good, finished product with minimal waste.
• Responsible for starting and stopping the line at appropriate times.
• Area of responsibility begins at the flume and continues through to the packaged goods area.
• Ensure the holding tank is kept clean and well maintained. Ensure all other equipment (including the flake slide, knife bars and snifter tubes), floors, and all area of responsibility is kept in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.
• Directs the periodic clean-ups of all equipment within the area, works with the sanitation supervisor to ensure a thorough cleaning and sanitizing of equipment is successfully completed at regularly scheduled intervals.
• Take timings, readings, and temperatures hourly and record the results. Make any necessary changes to temperature, etc. so that the quality of the product is maintained. Record in detail all changes and line adjustments in the log book. Records must be legible, accurate, and complete, in English.
• Properly mix the additive as necessary for the product being produced.
• Check additive rates at least once an hour, more often as needed. Ensure the correct additive level is added to the mash. Record exact amounts of additives when checked, and record any additive adjustments made. This should be done every time the additives are checked.
• Log date codes and lot numbers of additive(s) used in the log book.
• Adjust the knife on the drums so it cuts properly, without exceeding 30 psi. If cutting is difficult, the knife will need to be changed.
• Work with the QA Lab to ensure the product being produced is in grade and complies with the specifications for the product. Advise the Shift Manager or other appropriate authority if the product is out of grade.
• Know moisture limits for each product and maintain consistent moisture without exceeding moisture limits.
• Communicates on a daily basis with other shift Flake Line Operators to assure proper transition between shifts.
• Keep the yield and peel time as low as possible. Verify with the Drum Operator that all dirty mash is removed.
• Check the slabber knife and ensure the slice thickness is correct. Verify the slabber knife is cutting cleanly.
• Follows safe working practices at all times. Abides by all Lock Out, confined space, fall protection and forklift policies. Ensures all safety policies are followed by anyone who may be assigned to the line or assisting with periodic clean-ups.
• Keep Shift manager informed of progress and/or problems.
• Completes all other duties as necessary. Will likely be cross trained on other production lines.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of flake line production policies and procedures to ensure the safety of product and personnel.

• Ability to give instruction and teach others regarding processes and equipment operation.
• Ability to complete paperwork and reports; basic math skills needed.
• Good communication skills, both written and oral.
• Good time management skills.
• Good people skills.
• Ability to monitor self and processes to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Ability to work well with all levels of staff.
• Must be safety and quality conscious.

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. High school diploma/equivalent or higher education preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand, bend, sit or move repetitively for up to 12 hours.
• Must be able to lift on a regular basis up to 50 lbs. without assistance and up to 100 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to tolerate dust or chemicals.
• Ability to work safely around moving parts and equipment.
• Bending, stretching, lifting, reaching, climbing, crawling, and fingering required. Must be able to see and hear sufficiently to operate equipment safely in an environment with high levels of noise and low-lit areas.
• Willing to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.