Pre-Side Operations Technician - Blue Buffalo

General Mills; Richmond (IN); On-site; USD 57,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

General Mills' Richmond, IN facility seeks a Pre-Side Operations Technician to support extrusion and batching, ensuring safe production of pet food. Starting pay is $27.57 per hour with a $1 per hour shift differential; 12-hour shifts with a 3 on/2 off or 2 on/3 off schedule.

Must be able to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed. The role emphasizes operating and maintaining milling equipment, recording data, and participating in continuous improvement efforts within a 24/7 plant

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year mechanical/technical experience in manufacturing.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Able to perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods.
• Willing to work overtime and varied shifts; hot/cold/noisy environment.

Responsibilities

• Process raw materials into finished products while safely supporting extrusion and batching.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain meat processing and milling equipment.
• Monitor batch system, formulas, and grind quality; collect and document test data.
• Inspect ingredients and packaging materials; assist with cleaning and sanitation.
• Cross-train on other positions and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Mechanical experience

Technical experience

PPE safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Meat processing equipment

Forklift certification

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEWWe exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.POSITION OVERVIEWPre-Side Operations Technician, Blue Buffalo - Richmond, INStarting Pay: $27.57 per hourAdditional $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 7 pm and 7 am (shift differential)12-hour shifts | 3 on / 2 off, 2 on / 3 off scheduleWhy Join Our TeamOur Richmond facility opened in 2018 and produces dry dog and cat food in large and small bags, making over 1.2 million pounds of pet food daily. Our Richmond Buffs are humble, hungry, and smart, and take pride in a unique and highly-engaged cohesive team culture. We foster a positive work culture where we promote our values and our employees are excited to come to work. We have a variety of committees at our plant to engage and connect our employees as a team and with our community. We host events throughout the year, as well as events for employees and their families. Our products include Blue Buffalo dry dog and cat food.What We Have to Offer$27.57 per hour starting payAdditional $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 7 pm and 7 am (shift differential)Up to 10 days (120 hours) of vacation annually11 paid company holidays401(k) with company matchHealth Insurance includes medical, dental, vision, and lifePet Parent Perks includes pet insurance and pet adoption reimbursementGreat paid time off benefits and much more!Your Work Schedule and Shift Information12-hour shiftsDay shift: 7:00 am – 7:00 pmNight shift: 7:00 pm – 7:00 am (currently hiring for night shift)Rotating crew pattern: 3 days on / 2 days off, 2 days on / 3 days offMust be willing to work overtime, any shift, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as neededPlant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIESAs part of our manufacturing team, you will:Be responsible for the processing of raw materials into finished products by safely supporting extrusion and batchingEnsure adherence to company policies, industry standards, and regulatory complianceCreate high-quality foods that are eaten EVERYDAY, NATIONWIDEUse TECHNOLOGY in an industry-leading facilityWork with HIGH-LEVEL operators on EXPERIENCED teams that are looking to pass down their knowledge to workers WILLING TO LEARN and get paid doing itCHALLENGE yourself to get the JOB DONE RIGHT and gain skills to take with you to your next opportunityOperate, troubleshoot, and maintain meat processing and milling equipmentManage and monitor batch system, formulas, and grind qualityBe responsible for collection and documentation of test data, sending/receiving analytical samples and results with process problem solving and troubleshooting capabilitiesPerform evaluation/inspection of physical, chemical, and sanitary characteristics of raw ingredients/materials; products produced and/or packaging or other materialsSupport operators with supplies and machine assembly/disassemblyAbility and willingness to cross-train on other positions and provide coverage when neededBe responsible for sanitation/sanitization of required areasParticipate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performanceAssist in training new employeesMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSHigh school diploma or GEDAt least 1 year mechanical and/or technical experience in a manufacturing or related industryAbility to lift up to 50 lbsAbility to perform physical tasks for extended periods of time including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting over surfacesAbility to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platformsAbility to wear protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment - PPE) such as safety shoes, face masks, safety glasses, hearing protection, a hard hat, a hair/beard net, and gloves (when required)Willing and able to adhere to all grooming requirements necessary for a food manufacturing environmentAbility to work in hot, cold, noisy, dusty, wet environmental working conditionsWilling to work around industrial high-speed moving machineryAbility to work with allergens that might be present in a food environmentAbility to work in a tobacco-free environmentPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience in a manufacturing/production environmentForklift license/certification or willing to obtain oneELIGIBILITYApplicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is a great place to grow a career: