Mill Utility Operator

Ivy & Karma, Inc.; Albert Lea (MN); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement benefits

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

Ivy & Karma, Inc. is seeking a Mill Utility Operator to support oat milling processes and related systems. The role involves hands-on training to build the skills needed for coverage and growth into an Assistant Miller position.

Responsibilities include sanitation, equipment checks, and adherence to food safety, health, safety, and environmental policies while working with Milling, Quality, and Packaging teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in grain milling, food manufacturing, or industrial operations preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine housekeeping activities across the facility and grounds.
• Inspect, clean, and perform basic maintenance on process equipment.
• Identify issues and report to the Director of Operations.
• Follow food safety, HACCP, and sanitation policies.
• Comply with occupational health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Assist with handling raw materials and finished products.
• Collaborate with Milling, Quality, and Packaging teams.
• Provide operational support for the Assistant Miller role when needed.

Skills

Safety awareness

Mechanical aptitude

Basic troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Reading and following instructions

Valid driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Mill Utility Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of oat milling processes and related systems. Through structured, hands‑on training, this role develops the technical skills necessary to provide operational coverage and advance into an Assistant Miller position. The Mill Utility Operator also helps maintain facility sanitation and cleanliness while ensuring compliance with applicable food safety, occupational health and safety, and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine housekeeping activities, including using compressed air, sweeping, vacuuming, wiping down equipment, removing waste, and controlling debris throughout the facility, including outdoor grounds and roofs.
• Inspect, clean, and perform basic maintenance on process equipment.
• Identify operational or mechanical issues and promptly report concerns to the Director of Operations.
• Follow all food quality, HACCP, and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Comply with occupational health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Assist with handling raw materials and finished products as needed.
• Collaborate with Milling, Quality, and Packaging teams.
• Provide operational support and coverage for the Assistant Miller role as needed.

This job description is not all-inclusive. The employee may be asked to perform other related duties as needed to support the organization’s ongoing needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in grain milling, food manufacturing, or industrial operations preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to operate mobile equipment.

Work Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Exposure to outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Ability to perform elevated work from platforms, ladders, and scaffolding as required.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in all production areas of the facility.
• This position requires extended periods of walking, standing, and moving throughout the facility.
• Occasional extended hours, weekends, and/or on-call availability may be required to support plant operations and workforce needs.
• Employees must be clean-shaven when performing tasks that require respiratory protection.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for advancement and professional development.