Starch Plant Operator

Idaho Potato Starch; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho Potato Starch is seeking a Starch Plant Operator to operate, monitor, and maintain equipment for starch production while ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. You will work closely with maintenance and QA teams to meet production goals.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and preferred experience in manufacturing or food processing. Candidates should read gauges and procedures, perform basic data entry, and follow strict safety standards. Forklift certification is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing, food processing, or starch production environment preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot equipment.
• Ability to read gauges, operating procedures, and production documentation.
• Basic computer skills for recording production data.
• Forklift certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor starch processing equipment, including mixers, separators, centrifuges, dryers, pumps, and conveyors.
• Start up, adjust, and shut down processing systems according to standard operating procedures.
• Monitor production parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and moisture content.
• Collect product samples and perform routine quality checks to ensure specifications are met.
• Record production data, equipment readings, and process adjustments accurately.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues and notify maintenance when repairs are required.
• Perform routine cleaning, sanitation, and preventive maintenance on production equipment.
• Follow all food safety, GMP, HACCP, OSHA, and company safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Assist with inventory of raw materials and finished products.
• Work collaboratively with maintenance, quality assurance, and production teams to optimize plant performance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Industrial safety

Mathematics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

The Starch Plant Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining equipment used in the production of starch. This position ensures the manufacturing process runs safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards while meeting production goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor starch processing equipment, including mixers, separators, centrifuges, dryers, pumps, and conveyors.
• Start up, adjust, and shut down processing systems according to standard operating procedures.
• Monitor production parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and moisture content.
• Collect product samples and perform routine quality checks to ensure specifications are met.
• Record production data, equipment readings, and process adjustments accurately.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues and notify maintenance when repairs are required.
• Perform routine cleaning, sanitation, and preventive maintenance on production equipment.
• Follow all food safety, GMP, HACCP, OSHA, and company safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Assist with inventory of raw materials and finished products.
• Work collaboratively with maintenance, quality assurance, and production teams to optimize plant performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing, food processing, or starch production environment preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot equipment.
• Ability to read gauges, operating procedures, and production documentation.
• Basic computer skills for recording production data.
• Forklift certification is a plus.

Required Skills

• Strong attention to detail.
• Mechanical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of industrial safety practices.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders, work on elevated platforms, and enter confined spaces when authorized.
• Comfortable working in hot, humid, dusty, and noisy industrial environments.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, overtime, and holidays as required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with potato, corn, wheat, or tapioca starch manufacturing.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled processing equipment and automated production systems.
• Understanding of CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems and food-grade sanitation procedures.