Production Operator Extrusion-Support Role

Mars (New); Kentucky; On-site; USD 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Champion Petfoods is seeking an Extrusion Support Technician for the 2nd shift to assist in set-up and operation of the extrusion process, including cooking and shaping ingredients into kibble, drying, fat coating, and cooling. You will monitor quality and CCP measures and maintain a clean work environment in a pet-food production facility.

The role reports to the Extrusion Supervisor and requires a high school diploma or GED, 2–3 years’ experience with food processing machinery, forklift

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience operating food processing machinery (2–3 years).
• Mechanical aptitude and safe forklift operation.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift up to 25 kg.

Responsibilities

• Consult with the Extrusion Process Technician to determine priorities for the shift.
• Perform CCP product testing and maintain Product Log Sheets.
• Utilize ERP system to issue, document, and inventory items.
• Manage dry and liquid dosing systems.
• Assist in set-up and tear-down of equipment.
• Identify food-safety concerns and resolve them.
• Participate in annual physical inventory.
• Maintain a neat and organized work area.
• Comply with health, food safety and environmental policies.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Computer skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Ability to lift up to 25 kg

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Job Description: Manufacturing, innovation, and happy pets too. We are excited to announce that we are looking for an Extrusion Support Technician – 2nd Shift to join our rapidly growing company. With thirty years of growth in the global pet food sector, our ORIJEN and ACANA brands define our vision of being The Global Leader in Advancing Premium Food for Pets. If you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success by working in our award‑winning company – we would love to hear from you.

Summary

The position of Extrusion Support Technician has responsibility for assisting in the set‑up and operation of the extrusion process for the purpose of cooking and shaping ingredients into kibble, drying the kibble, fat coating, and cooling. This position is required to continually monitor quality and CCP measures to ensure product meets specified standards, as well as maintaining a clean work environment. This position will be responsible for tasks ancillary to and in support of the primary extrusion process.

Responsibilities

• Consult with the Extrusion Process Technician to determine priorities for the shift.
• Perform required CCP product testing and maintain required Product Log Sheets in an accurate and timely manner, according to established practices and SOPs.
• Utilize our ERP system to issue, document and inventory all relatable items in the Department.
• Manage the dry and liquid dosing systems.
• Assist the Extrusion Process Technician in set‑up and tear‑down of equipment.
• Identify food‑safety concerns and perform actions appropriate for resolving them.
• Participate in annual physical inventory as determined by the Company.
• Maintain a neat and organized work area according to established corporate policies, procedures and safety regulations.
• Commit to personal compliance with the Company’s policies, practices, and procedures related to health and safety, food safety, and the environment.

Requirements

• Reporting to the Extrusion Supervisor.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Two to three years’ experience operating food processing machinery.
• Mechanical aptitude and adept with tools and equipment, including ability to safely operate a forklift.
• Certification and/or ability to operate a forklift would be an asset.
• Strong sense of logic and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail in all areas of work.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to accurately complete required paperwork.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Ability to work successfully both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic good physical fitness with ability to lift heavy loads.

Working Conditions

Working conditions are within a pet food production environment, with exposure to dust, noise, odors, and fluctuating temperatures. Job duties require physical exertion, including the ability to manually lift up to 25kg while using established safe lift procedures.

Come as you are. We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring.

Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between the range listed above, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to, market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, if eligible, including variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Eligibility for these additional elements depend on the position offered and the employee’s work schedule (i.e., part‑time schedule, store associate). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

We’ve been making ORIJEN™ and ACANA™ food for dogs and cats since 1985, and we only make premium pet food. We source only the finest WholePrey animal ingredients – the most nourishing parts of the animal – from a carefully curated group of suppliers before our Ph.D.-level nutrition experts and veterinarians craft them into safe, quality foods in our state‑of‑the‑art kitchens. This is the best way we know to provide pets with peak nutrition, optimal nourishment and ultimate flavor. We sell our ORIJEN™ and ACANA™ pet foods in more than 90 countries and we couldn’t be more proud to see Pet Lovers around the world putting their trust in the high caliber, premium foods we craft.