Fryer Operator-3rd shift

ApplicantPool; Burgaw (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardinal Foods in North Carolina is seeking a Fryer Operator to safely and efficiently run the continuous fryer for sweet potato fries. You will monitor temperature, oil level, product flow and cooking time to meet established quality and food-safety specifications.

The operator works closely with the Batter Operator, Production Supervisor, QA, Maintenance and downstream operators to maintain consistent product quality while maximizing production throughput in a fast-paced plant environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in food processing or manufacturing preferred.
• Experience operating a commercial fryer or continuous frying system preferred.
• Basic math and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to read and follow recipes, SOPs, production instructions and specifications.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills preferred.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to recognize changes in product quality and equipment performance.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the continuous fryer according to established procedures.
• Maintain fryer temperature within the specified operating range for each product.
• Monitor fryer oil level, flow, temperature, and condition throughout production.
• Adjust fryer settings as needed to maintain proper product cooking.
• Monitor conveyor speed and product residence time in the fryer.
• Maintain consistent product flow into and out of the fryer.
• Monitor the appearance, color, texture and doneness of sweet potato fries.
• Perform routine product checks according to established quality standards.
• Communicate with the Batter Operator to maintain proper product flow and batter coverage.
• Coordinate with downstream operators to maintain continuous product flow.
• Monitor oil quality and report changes in oil condition to the Production Supervisor or Quality Assurance.
• Perform or assist with oil filtration, oil replenishment and fryer oil management according to plant procedures.
• Monitor fryer screens, conveyors, pumps, burners/heating systems and other related equipment.
• Watch for abnormal equipment conditions, leaks, alarms or unusual noises.
• Report equipment problems immediately to the Production Supervisor and/or Maintenance Department.
• Make authorized adjustments to fryer settings to maintain product specifications.
• Complete required production, quality, oil and equipment records accurately.
• Assist with production startups, shutdowns, product changeovers and line transitions.
• Minimize product waste and maintain efficient production rates.
• Follow all GMP, HACCP food safety, allergen-control and sanitation requirements.
• Wear all required PPE and follow plant safety procedures.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures when required and authorized.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Supervisor.

Skills

Food processing experience

Fryer operation

Math and recordkeeping

Reading recipes and SOPs

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork and communication

Attention to quality

Fast-paced production handling

Job description

Cardinal Foods a domestic Marketer, Manufacturer and Distributor of traditional, specialty and value-added fruit and vegetable ingredients. These products are currently manufactured in North Carolina with a short-term eye on growth in the southeast and then to other concentrated growing areas nationally. CF may also be engaging in other complimentary business ventures as the opportunities arise in the future.

Job Summary

The Fryer Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the continuous fryer used to produce sweet potato fries. The operator monitors and controls fryer temperature, oil level, product flow, cooking time, and overall fryer performance to ensure the product meets established quality and food safety specifications.

The Fryer Operator works closely with the Batter Operator, Production Supervisor, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and downstream production operators to maintain consistent product quality and efficient production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the continuous fryer according to established procedures.

• Maintain fryer temperature within the specified operating range for each product.

• Monitor fryer oil level, flow, temperature, and condition throughout production.

• Adjust fryer settings as needed to maintain proper product cooking.

• Monitor conveyor speed and product residence time in the fryer.

• Maintain consistent product flow into and out of the fryer.

• Monitor the appearance, color, texture and doneness of sweet potato fries.

• Perform routine product checks according to established quality standards.

• Communicate with the Batter Operator to maintain proper product flow and batter coverage.

• Coordinate with downstream operators to maintain continuous product flow.

• Monitor oil quality and report changes in oil condition to the Production Supervisor or Quality Assurance.

• Perform or assist with oil filtration, oil replenishment and fryer oil management according to plant procedures.

• Monitor fryer screens, conveyors, pumps, burners/heating systems and other related equipment.

• Watch for abnormal equipment conditions, leaks, alarms or unusual noises.

• Report equipment problems immediately to the Production Supervisor and/or Maintenance Department.

• Make authorized adjustments to fryer settings to maintain product specifications.

• Complete required production, quality, oil and equipment records accurately.

• Assist with production startups, shutdowns, product changeovers and line transitions.

• Minimize product waste and maintain efficient production rates.

• Follow all approved operating procedures and product specifications.

• Keep the fryer area clean and organized during production.

• Perform required cleaning and sanitation activities during scheduled downtime and shutdowns.

• Follow all GMP, HACCP food safety, allergen-control and sanitation requirements.

• Wear all required PPE and follow plant safety procedures.

• Follow lockout/tagout procedures when required and authorized.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Supervisor.

Quality Responsibilities

The Fryer Operator is responsible for monitoring the cooking process and helping ensure that sweet potato fries meet established quality standards.

The operator should routinely monitor:

• Fryer temperature.

• Cooking/residence time.

• Product color.

• Product texture and appearance.

• Product moisture or doneness, as required.

• Oil temperature and condition.

• Product flow through the fryer.

• Fryer oil level.

• Product weight or yield, when applicable.

• Burnt, undercooked, broken or otherwise defective product.

Any product or process that falls outside established specifications must be reported immediately to the Production Supervisor and/or Quality Assurance Department.

Fryer Oil Management

• Monitor fryer oil level throughout production.

• Monitor oil temperature and maintain it within established specifications.

• Monitor oil quality according to plant testing procedures.

• Perform required oil filtration or filtering procedures.

• Add fresh oil according to established procedures.

• Report excessive foaming, dark oil, unusual odors, excessive sediment or other changes in oil condition.

• Record required oil-quality measurements and additions.

• Follow proper procedures for fryer draining and oil disposal.

• Prevent water or unauthorized materials from entering hot oil.

Food Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all GMP and HACCP requirements.

• Follow established critical control point procedures, when applicable.

• Monitor and document required cooking parameters.

• Report any deviation from established cooking specifications immediately.

• Follow allergen-control procedures.

• Maintain proper personal hygiene and handwashing practices.

• Prevent cross-contamination.

• Follow product hold and disposition procedures when required.

• Immediately report potential food safety hazards.

Safety Responsibilities

Because this position involves hot oil and high-temperature equipment, safety is a critical responsibility.

• Follow all fryer safety procedures.

• Wear required heat-resistant PPE and other designated PPE.

• Use caution around hot oil, steam, hot surfaces and moving equipment.

• Never introduce water or unauthorized materials into hot fryer oil.

• Maintain clear access around emergency equipment and exits.

• Report oil leaks, spills, equipment failures and unsafe conditions immediately.

• Follow emergency shutdown procedures.

• Follow lockout/tagout procedures when performing or assisting with authorized maintenance or cleaning.

• Participate in required safety training.

Qualifications

• Previous food-processing or manufacturing experience preferred.

• Previous experience operating a commercial fryer or continuous frying system preferred.

• Experience in frozen-food processing is a plus.

• Ability to read and follow recipes, SOPs, production instructions and specifications.

• Basic math and recordkeeping skills.

• Ability to monitor multiple process conditions simultaneously.

• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills preferred.

• Good communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.

• Ability to recognize changes in product quality and equipment performance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull and perform repetitive movements.

• Ability to lift and move materials within established company weight limits.

• Ability to work around hot oil, steam, conveyors, pumps and other processing equipment.

• Ability to work in wet, humid and temperature-controlled processing areas.

• Ability to wear required PPE throughout the shift.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a commercial food-processing facility. The Fryer Operator may be exposed to hot surfaces, hot cooking oil, steam, water, wet floors, food ingredients, cleaning chemicals, moving machinery and elevated noise levels.

Strict adherence to safety, food safety, sanitation and PPE requirements is required.

Performance Expectations

The Fryer Operator is expected to maintain safe and consistent fryer operation while producing sweet potato fries that meet established product specifications. The operator should maintain proper fryer temperature and cooking time, monitor oil quality, minimize waste, maintain accurate records, identify problems promptly and communicate effectively with other production employees.