Pet Food Manufacturing Slurry Operator - 1st Shift

Kln-Family-Brand; Delano (MN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday pay

Paid Time Off (birthday)

Job summary

KLN Family Brands is hiring a Slurry/Feed Operator for the 1st shift (5 AM–3 PM, Monday–Thursday) in Delano, MN. Responsible for preparing and mixing slurry used in pet food production, following formulas, operating mixers and related equipment, and ensuring product quality.

Requires GMP and safety adherence and ability to lift up to 60 pounds. The position is full-time with hourly pay range $24.17–$24.83, plus holiday pay and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of slurry mixing and processing equipment.
• Willingness to lift up to 60+ pounds and operate forklift.
• Ability to follow GMPs, safety and PPE requirements.

Responsibilities

• Review and follow daily production schedule verified against product info sheets.
• Communicate slurry flavor needs to extrusion personnel for immediate production.
• Coordinate with Shift Supervisor on tanks for liquid storage of hydro products.
• Coordinate with dry extrusion personnel for digest tanks.
• Check scales at shift start and notify maintenance if off.
• Operate slurry, digest and hydro mixers to meet QA specs.
• Save samples for QC lab analysis and record parameters.
• Batch and record all slurry, digest and hydro for each run.
• Monitor formulas for color, odor and grind; report out-of-specs.
• Understand bulk liquid controls and operate liquid room controls.
• Clean between runs and end of shift; calibrate flow monitors.
• Daily clean up and weekly sanitation of slurry areas.
• Notify maintenance of unusual equipment noises or failures.
• Train new departmental employees.
• Perform sanitation duties at the line.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

General mathematical ability

Self-motivation

Sequencing procedures

Hand–eye coordination

Team collaboration

Judgement & reasoning

Basic leadership skills

Lift up to 60+ pounds

Forklift operation

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Pet Food Manufacturing Slurry Operator - 1st Shift

Full Time Tuffy's Pet Treats, Delano, MN, US

Salary Range: $24.17 To $24.83 Hourly

1st Shift 5AM - 3PM (Monday - Thursday) Our Story

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

The Opportunity

Slurry / Feed Operator

What is a Slurry Operator?

Responsible for preparing and mixing slurry used in pet food production by following product formulas, operating mixing and processing equipment, and monitoring the process to ensure product quality and consistency. Performs ingredient verification, process and quality checks, production documentation, equipment cleaning, and sanitation. Follows GMP, food safety, safety, and PPE requirements while working closely with Production and Quality teams to maintain safe and efficient operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review and follow daily production schedule verifying against their product information sheets for accuracy
• Communicate with extruded personnel as to which slurry flavor should be used for their immediate production needs
• Coordinate with Shift Supervisor to verify which tanks to use for liquid storage of hydro products.
• Communicate with dry extrusion personnel as to which digest tanks should be used for their immediate production needs.
• Check all processing scales at the start of each shift with certified weights, if scale is off, notify maintenance – Inform Shift Supervisor
• Operate slurry mixers, digest mixers and hydro mixers and monitor ancillary equipment to produce products that meet the desired specifications set forth by the Quality Assurance Department
• Visually inspect and save samples throughout all runs to be taken to the Quality Control Lab for final analysis
• Responsible to record operation parameters and turn in at the end of each shift
• Batch and record all liquid slurry, digest and hydro batches required for each run and turn in at the end of each shift
• Monitor all slurry, digest and hydro formulas presented to them for color, odor and grind. Notifying supervisor of anything that looks out of specification
• Understand bulk liquid controls and operations
• Able to switch minor ingredient totes and operate liquid room controls
• Cleaning systems as required between production runs and end of schedule
• Calibrate process flow monitors prior to each run
• Daily clean up and weekly sanitation of slurry, digest and hydro areas
• Notify maintenance of any unusual equipment noises or failures
• Train new departmental employees
• Perform all sanitation duties needed at the line
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

SAFETY

• Attend safety trainings
• Follow all safety instructions and policies
• Report any injuries or near miss accidents to supervisor
• Report any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisor
• Wear required PPE that is determined by site

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Keep work area clean and free of debris

FOOD SAFETY

• Assist in maintaining all sanitation schedules
• Attend food safety trainings
• Follow all GMPs and food safety instructions

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• General mathematical ability
• Self-motivation
• Learning, memorizing and executing a sequence of procedures
• Good hand – eye coordination
• Willing and able to get along with others
• Good judgement and reasoning abilities
• Basic Leadership Skills
• Can lift up to 60+ pounds
• Ability to drive a forklift and pass certification exam
• Holiday pay
• Paid Time Off, with an additional day for your birthday!