Kitchen Operator - Days

Simmons Pet Food; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Simmons Pet Food in Dubuque, IA is seeking a Kitchen Operator to support our manufacturing line. The role involves batch scheduling, weighing ingredients, recording data, and ensuring quality checks are followed on each batch.

You will work with the team to follow procedures, maintain sanitation, and support continuous improvement. A high school diploma and basic math skills are required, with English literacy essential. This is a full-time, on-site role with PPE provided and no travel required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; basic math skills required.
• Must be able to read, write and understand English.
• Experience in manufacturing or food production is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Follow the schedule and batch calls from the meat room as required.
• Weigh ingredients and record weights for batching.
• Record batch information on kitchen sheets including weights and temps.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation during can size changeovers.
• Follow safety and PPE requirements.

Skills

Team player

Basic math skills

Reading/writing English

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Essential Position Responsibilities

• Follow the order of the schedule and call for batches from the meat room, as required.
• Follow the order of the schedule and call for batches from the meat room, as required.
• Weigh all ingredients and record weight before batching.
• Record lot numbers and supplier for each ingredient used.
• Kitchen operator is a final check for Q.C and supervisor- must notify Q.C and supervisor of anything unusual; i.e. batch too thick, too thin, off-color, off odor.
• Follow formula guidelines, which are listed, on each batch sheet.
• Record batching information for each batch made on formula kitchen sheets. These include gravy weight, water level, water temp, tri-blender R.P.M.'s final batch weight, fill temps and additives.
• Clean and sanitize entire kitchen during can size changeovers or when notified by Supervisor.
• Follow rinse procedures for cleaning the emulsifier and tanks 1, 2, & 3.
• Regulate the dropping temperature, as required. Follow batch sheet guidelines or Supervisor instructions.

Participates as a member of the Team

Participates in ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs, and policies; coordinates work to ensure B.E.S.T practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforces actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives:

Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives:

This position description is intended to guide the activities of the kitchen operator and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describes all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities:

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, must be able to stand on feet for the entire shift.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Safety Glasses, Rubber Gloves, Rubber boots, Safety boots, Rubber Apron, Hearing Protection

Travel:

No travel.

Technical Experience:

NA

Industry Experience:

Background in manufacturing.

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or equivalent. Must have basic math skills. Must be able to read, write and understand English.