Retort Operator EM: (Floater Line 1) Wed-Sat 5PM-5AM

Simmons Pet Food, Inc.; Emporia (KS); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Simmons Pet Food, Inc. in Emporia, KS is seeking a Retort Operator to load uncooked pouched product and cook it to sterilization levels. You will verify empty retorts, manage water temperature, steam and air, and ensure the system remains in Auto.

You will document readings for up to eight retorts, perform chlorine tests each shift, and record on the retort and downtime sheets. The role emphasizes teamwork, GMP adherence, and clear communication.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Strong reading, writing and spoken English skills.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Verify that the retorts to start-up are empty.
• Check incoming water temperature and record results.
• Ensure steam and air are present and system is in Auto.
• Load and unload retorts properly and record data.
• Perform chlorine tests once per shift and log results.
• Record water temperature at shift start and mid-shift.
• Unload sterilized pouched product to arrival lanes.
• Track and document readings on up to 8 retorts and understand the cook cycle.

Skills

Good Manufacturing Practices

English proficiency

Manufacturing experience

Teamwork

Education

Basic math, reading, writing, computer knowledge

Job description

To load retorts with uncooked pouched product to be cooked to the proper product sterilization levels.

Essential Position Responsibilities

• Verify that the retorts you want to start-up on are empty.


• Check incoming water temperature and write down the results on the retort downtime sheet.


• Make sure that steam and air is present at the retorts. Make sure the system is in Auto.


• Ensure the retorts are loaded and unloaded properly. Enter that data on the retort sheet.


• Chlorine test is required one time per shift and recorded on the retort log sheet.


• Incoming water temperature is checked at the beginning of each shift and mid-way through shift and recorded on the retort log sheet and downtime sheet.


• Final stage is to unload sterilized pouched product to the arrival lanes to be unloaded.


• Able to track and document readings on up to 8 retorts as needed.


• Demonstrates an understanding of the cook cycle.

Participates as a member of the team . Participates in ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and works with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the Retort Operator and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities : While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Steel toed shoes, Ear Plugs, Hair Net.

Travel: N/A

Technical Experience: Experienced within a manufacturing/process environment with knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.

Industry Experience: Background in manufacturing.

Minimum Education: Basic math skills, reading, writing, computer knowledge and will need to have good communication skills in English. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.