Flexible Pre-Operator: Plant-Wide Roles & Growth

MGP Ingredients; Atchison (KS); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

MGP Ingredients in Atchison, Kansas is seeking a pre-operator responsible for sanitation and assisting operators. This role is essential for monitoring equipment and conducting product testing.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma, strong mechanical and communication skills, and the ability to handle hazardous materials safely. This position requires flexibility in shifts and may involve working in high places or confined environments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2 years post-secondary education or military experience preferred.
• Must pass general aptitude and mechanical testing.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain equipment.
• Conduct in-plant testing on production samples.
• Handle raw and dry materials.
• Meet sanitation requirements.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance.

Skills

Ability to operate multiple tasks simultaneously

Strong verbal & written communication skills

Mathematical skills

Mechanical skills

Knowledge of computers

Ability to handle hazardous chemicals

Ability to work in high places

Ability to work in confined spaces

Ability to work in temperature extremes

Current license for trucks, bobcats, and forklifts

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2 years post-secondary education or military experience

Job description

MGP Ingredients is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and food ingredient solutions. Its Distilling Solutions segment provides bourbons, whiskeys, ryes, gins, and vodkas to craft and multinational brands. MGP's own Branded Spirts business is growing following the 2021 acquisition of Luxco, a top spirits producer, bottler, supplier, and importer as well as the 2023 acquisition of Penelope Bourbon, known for its wide range of uniquely blended expressions. Ingredient Solutions delivers nutritional, functional wheat- and pea-based ingredients aligned with consumer trends. The company operates in locations across the Midwestern U.S., and overseas in Northern Ireland and Mexico.

The Opportunity

A pre-operator is used for sanitation purposes and assisting operators until such time as an operator position becomes available. Schedules for pre-operators are flexible shifts assigned on a weekly basis by the Company. Pre-operators can fill in for vacancies on bid jobs as a packer, sweeper and feed & grain handler. A pre-operator can work anywhere plant wide. When awarded an operator position, an operator processes wet or dry product through liquid and air conveyance systems. Operators handle raw material, process material, dry products and package product for shipment.

What You Will Be Doing

• Monitor and maintain equipment. Operate equipment within established limitations
• Conduct in-plant testing on production samples to verify product is within established specification
• Handle raw material, process material, dry products and package product for shipment
• Take correction action if product is found to be out of specification
• Meet sanitation requirements for assigned area
• Perform routine maintenance as needed. Perform preventive maintenance as scheduled. Meet lubrication requirements for assigned equipment
• Handle chemicals for plant processes and cleaning
  
  

Who We Are Looking For

• Ability to operate multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work under pressure of deadlines
• Strong verbal & written communication skills. Ability to interpret and follow written & verbal instructions. Operators are required to maintain manual and automated records and must be able to communicate over a radio.
• Mathematical skills required
• Mechanical skills required.
• Knowledge of computers. Ability to enter required data on computers. Ability to operate computer controlled features in the plant.
• Ability to handle hazardous chemicals such as alcohol, caustic, acids, etc.
• Ability to climb and work in high places and/or from ladders, roofs, etc.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and dusty environments
• Ability to work in temperature extremes, both hot and cold, not only due to weather, but also due to plant processes
• Ability to obtain and maintain current license for trucks, bobcats and forklifts
• Must operate in a safe, efficient and productive manner
  
  

Experience Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 years post secondary education, military experience or related work experience preferred.
• Requires passing score on general aptitude testing and mechanical testing conducted at MGP Ingredients.
  
  

If the above speaks to you, we’re excited to learn more about you! At MGP, we know that our people are our greatest strength. With different perspectives and unique ways of thinking, our employees are as varied as our products. We believe that inclusivity strengthens the organization and champions a company culture that is evolving to reflect all of us. Culture results from our behaviors, our personal commitment, our curiosity, how we collaborate, and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and expect others to do the same. Each of us can make a difference by fostering thinking and actions that empower us to connect, belong and grow together. Compensation is competitive and is commensurate with experience.

MGP offers exceptional medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) Match and PTO.

All successful candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.