Vat Room Operator - 2nd shift

Post Holdings, Inc.; Lenox Township (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Foods, Inc. in Lenox, Iowa, is seeking a production operator to ensure safe, efficient processing of egg products. You will load, monitor and adjust lines, inspect samples, and maintain quality with proper cooling and sanitation. The role requires teamwork, adherence to GMPs, and flexibility for weekend shifts.

You will coordinate with maintenance, operate CIP, and participate in regulatory compliance while supporting a clean, safe facility dedicated to high-quality food production.

Qualifications

• Must be safety minded and follow all safety procedures.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent leadership and problem-solving abilities.
• Solid math skills and basic reading/writing.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures and wear PPE; uphold GMPs.
• Load, connect, inspect product lines for daily production.
• Pull lab samples from each product shipped.
• Monitor solids, quality and proper cooling of products.
• Operate CIP system and load/unload tanker.
• Coordinate line setup and silo assignments during production.
• Complete HACCP paperwork and coordinate with maintenance.
• Work weekends/holidays as needed; maintain a safe workplace.

Skills

Safety mindset

Independent worker

Time management

Leadership skills

Math skills

Problem solving

Team player

Written communication

Physical stamina

Mechanical knowledge

Troubleshooting

Education

Less than high school education

Tools

Forklift trained

Job description

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Location Description

Michael Foods, Inc. located in Lenox, Iowa and often called the "Pearl of the Prairie" is where you can find small town living, focused on family and friends, with big city amenities not far from reach in Des Moines, Omaha, and Kansas City. Located in southwest Iowa, Taylor county, with a population of around 1400, the Lenox area reaches far beyond the city limits with beautiful and productive fields of corn, beans, and other croplands. Lenox holds an amazing four day Rodeo every July and is home to a beautiful 36-9 hole golf course, several fishing and boating lakes, great area hunting, a beautiful city park with swimming pool, and many picnic parks. The MFI location in Lenox produces primarily pre-cooked egg patties. With its friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and progressive spirit, Lenox is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

Responsibilities

Assures proper pumping, mixing of numerous egg products simultaneously. This position has the responsibility to comply with Safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce Safety as a Core Value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities, related to Food Safety & Quality, are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Follow all safety procedures, use all PPE’s and follow Basic Principle Guide.
2. To follow proper SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures).
3. To hook up, connect, inspect all product lines for days production
4. To load tanker with correct product and accurate weight, while in production.
5. Pull samples for Lab from each product shipped.
6. To achieve correct solids for each product shipped.
7. Continually monitor solids, quality and proper cooling of numerous products.
8. Know maximum pounds per hour per product.
9. To understand ice builder and cooling procedures for summer/winter.
10. To set up silo assignment on Panel View.
11. Coordinate silo selection, switching silos while in production.
12. Complete and file all necessary paperwork for HACCP.
13. To hook up, connect pipe lines for vat.
14. To hook up and load and unload tanker.
15. To operate CIP system on Panel View.
16. To hook up lines to CIP silo, tanker, load out line and cooling press.
17. To hook up, connect and operate cooling press.
18. Demonstrate proper use and handling of chemicals.
19. Able to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed or scheduled.
20. Able to walk on cement and climb stairs excessively for most of shift.
21. Practice above average GMP’s.
22. Work with USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
23. Conducts self in a professional manner to ensure quality of product and to lead by example for fellow employe
24. To work as a team with fellow employees.
25. Communicate with maintenance department.
26. Prepare liquid schedule for daily production and shipping of product and direct communication to shag drivers
27. Forklift trained.
28. Assume personal responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for everyone. Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and incorporate safety and healthy in all jobs and tasks.
29. Adhere to Quality work practices, follow all GMP’s, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety and quality.
30. Ensure regulatory compliance at all times.
31. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

EDUCATION:

Less than high school education.

EXPERIENCE:

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Licenses, certificates, and registrations required:

None required

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Must be safety minded and have thorough knowledge of all safety procedures
2. Able to work independently.
3. Must be motivated, have time management and organizational skills.
4. Must be punctual and alert.
5. Possess excellent leadership skills.
6. Must have General Math skills.
7. Must have problem solving skills.
8. Must be able to work in wet environment
9. Have some mechanical knowledge.
10. Have some good trouble-shooting skills.
11. Able to work as a Team Player.
12. Able to handle more than one assignment at a time.
13. Possess good written and communication skills.
14. Good physical ability for lifting and connecting lines.
15. Able to analyze work situations and establish priorities.
16. Excessive walking and standing on hard surfaces.
17. Relate well with employees, other departments and supervisors.
18. Ability to assist Lead Person with daily tasks.
19. Ability to fill out USDA PEB’S. Changed from PEA to PEB
20. First Aid Team.
21. Assist lead on completing USDA certificates, such as typing to complete certificate and giving information on product information.
22. Advanced knowledge of troubleshooting problems.
23. Advanced knowledge in assisting other locations with troubleshooting problems.