Koji Operator-G5-1st Shift

Kikkoman Foods, Inc; Town of Walworth (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Kikkoman Foods, Inc is seeking a Koji & Shikomi Operator to join the fermentation team at the Walworth, WI facility. This is the first step in the soy sauce making process, focusing on yeast creation and fermentation preparation.

High attention to detail and adaptability are essential for this hands-on role. Responsibilities include charging/discharging, accurate material weighing, culture maintenance, tank operations, sanitation, and adherence to food safety policies.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and ability to adapt to various situations.
• Ability to perform simple mathematics accurately.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Willingness to operate in high temp and high humidity.

Responsibilities

• Charge and discharge materials and ensure correct moistening and weighing.
• Maintain a clean and food-safe work area and bed washing.
• Ensure proper cultures of yeast and lactic acid bacteria.
• Assist with seed mold processes and integration.
• Oversee brine clarification and standardization.
• Fill and discharge Shikomi tanks and monitor fermentation stages.
• Be on call for emergencies or special requisitions (Shikomi).
• Disassemble/re-assemble charging assemblies and move between areas.
• Assist with sanitation and follow food safety policies.

Skills

Basic mechanics

Problem solving

Math skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Kikkoman Foods Inc HQ and Walworth Plant - Walworth, WI 53184

Job Shift: First Shift

Summary

The Koji & Shikomi Operator reports to the Utility Operator. This role is the first step in the soy sauce making process. Koji begins the process by creating natural yeast that will then move into Shikomi where fermentation occurs. These two roles are critical to the final product and as such requires an individual with high attention to detail and the ability to adapt to various situations. Below are various responsibilities that may be expected depending on the role an individual is assigned to.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Charging and discharging.
• Proper moistening of raw materials.
• Ensuring accurate weight of product.
• Maintaining a clean and food safe bed (bed washing).
• Ensuring proper cultures of product; including yeast and lactic acid bacteria.
• Assisting with seed mold process and integration.
• Ensure proper brine clarification and standardization.
• Responsible for filling and discharging Shikomi tanks.
• Controlling/monitoring various stages of the fermentation process.
• On call for emergencies or any special job requisitions (Shikomi).
• Must be able to independently disassemble and re-assemble charging assemblies and transfer to various areas in Shikomi.
• Remove and install sections of charging pipelines (Shikomi)
• Assist with sanitation activities.
• Comply with all departmental & company-wide food safety policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities

• Understanding and knowledge of basic mechanics
• Must be able to recognize problems and respond quickly to resolve issue
• Must be able to quickly and accurately do simple mathematics (addition/subtraction, multiplication/division, and figure percentages)
• Ability to effectively communicate
• Highly detail oriented
• Ability to adapt and learn
• Understanding and knowledge of basic mechanics

Physical & Behavioral

• Frequently is required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear
• Frequently required to reach above shoulders, climb, work at heights, crouch, stoop or kneel
• Ability to see and read digital readouts on panels
• For Shikomi-must have a keen sense of taste and smell
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds usually from floor to waist level, and able to lift 25 pounds repetitively at or above shoulder height
• Ability to work under conditions of high temperature and high humidity for extended periods of time
• Kikkoman expects all employees to behave and communicate in a manner which will facilitate good relations with customers, clients, co‑workers and supervisors; maintaining a positive work atmosphere.

Qualifications