Process Operator I: Food Processing & Equipment Tech

Darling Ingredients; Ravenna (NE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Darling Ingredients in Nebraska is seeking a Process Operator to operate computer-controlled process equipment, cooker, and related machinery, and to assess process problems while performing product quality testing. You will oversee rendering from raw material to finished goods, maintain cooker conditions, monitor evaporation, ensure safety, and support the food safety program as trained.

This hands-on role requires teamwork, reliability, and willingness to work nights or weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Manufacturing, industrial, or agricultural experience preferred.
• Prior experience in a rendering facility or production environment preferred.
• Knowledge of mechanical rendering and/or process equipment.
• Good mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting; safe operation of equipment.
• Ability to work nights/weekends as needed.
• Works well with others in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversees rendering process from raw material bin to finished goods storage.
• Maintain steady flow of material to cooker.
• Maintain cooker temperature, rate, and steam at peak operating levels.
• Monitor evaporation rate to maintain rate per hour according to requirements.
• Control flow of material to presses and to finished goods storage.
• Monitor control panel and gauges to operate process.
• Operate pollution control systems including air/odor control and wastewater control.
• Responsible for boiler start up and operation.
• Perform periodic preventative maintenance on all equipment in process.
• Monitor machinery; report problems to manager.
• Ensure equipment and work area are clean after each shift.
• Maintain safety as top priority per company safety rules and regulations.
• Be aware of and responsible for role in Darling's food safety program.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Night shift

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Darling Ingredients in Nebraska is seeking a Process Operator to operate computer-controlled process equipment, cooker, and related machinery, and to assess process problems while performing product quality testing. You will oversee rendering from raw material to finished goods, maintain cooker conditions, monitor evaporation, ensure safety, and support the food safety program as trained.

This hands-on role requires teamwork, reliability, and willingness to work nights or weekends as needed.