Production Operator

Darling Ingredients; Maquoketa (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Darling Ingredients is seeking a Production Operator to support safe and efficient production processes. You will operate equipment, monitor performance, and ensure quality while adhering to safety and sanitation standards.

This role emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and strict compliance with SOPs and food safety programs. Candidates should be able to read instructions, complete records, and participate in TPM activities as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Ability to work required schedules, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.
• Basic math, reading, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment, including separating, drying, conveying, and bagging systems, safely and efficiently.
• Monitor equipment performance and production processes to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Perform process adjustments and respond to deviations, alarms, and equipment issues.
• Complete production records and documentation accurately.
• Read and interpret written instructions and SOPs.

Skills

Basic math

Reading skills

Problem solving

Written and verbal instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

The Production Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of the production process while maintaining quality and compliance standards. This role operates and monitors equipment, works collaboratively with team members, and helps achieve production goals through a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Maintain safety as the top priority by following all company safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Operate production equipment, including separating, drying, conveying, and bagging systems, in a safe and efficient manner.
• Monitor equipment performance and production processes to ensure product quality and operational efficiency.
• Perform process adjustments and respond appropriately to process deviations, alarms, and equipment issues.
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and quality standards.
• Accurately complete production records, checklists, and other required documentation.
• Read, understand, and interpret written instructions, operating procedures, and process information.
• Conduct routine inspections and basic troubleshooting of equipment.
• Participate in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) activities, including equipment cleaning, inspection, and minor maintenance tasks.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with housekeeping and sanitation standards.
• Safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment as required and when properly trained.
• Participate in safety, quality, food defense, and food safety training programs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, Lean Manufacturing activities, and internal audits.
• Understand and fulfill responsibilities related to the company's food safety and quality programs.
• Work collaboratively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to achieve production goals.
• Cross train to perform duties in multiple production areas as business needs require.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to work required schedules, including weekends, overtime, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Basic math, reading, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to three years of manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, or related experience.
• Forklift certification or previous forklift operating experience.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic knowledge of industrial equipment.
• Ability to identify and resolve routine operational issues.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset and willingness to learn new processes and equipment.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Frequent exposure to manufacturing conditions, including elevated noise levels, strong odors, varying temperatures, dust, and biohazardous materials.
• Regular standing and walking throughout the facility during the work shift.
• Frequent use of stairs, ladders, platforms, and elevated work areas.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and climb as required.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, and hard hats. Ability to communicate effectively and recognize workplace hazards to maintain a safe working environment.

About Us

We’re one of the world’s leading practitioners of circularity, transforming materials from the animal agriculture and food industries into valuable ingredients. Ingredients that nourish people, feed animals and crops, and fuel the world with renewable energy.

About The Team

Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local law. Know Your Rights: If you would like more information, please click on the link and paste into your browser: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster of this job.