Vat Room Operator - Food Safety & Process Lead

Michael Food

Lenox Township (IA)

On-site

USD 21,000 - 30,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Michael Foods, Inc. in Lenox, Iowa produces pre-cooked egg products in a safety-focused food production environment. The role covers setting up and monitoring lines, loading tankers, sampling, solids control, and ensuring GMP, HACCP and food safety standards are met.

Collaboration with maintenance and cross‑functional teams is essential. Willingness to work weekends/holidays and overtime as needed, with strong communication, leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

Must be safety minded and have thorough knowledge of all safety procedures
Able to work independently
Must be motivated, have time management and organizational skills
Must be punctual and alert
Possess excellent leadership skills
Must have General Math skills
Must have problem solving skills
Must be able to work in wet environment
Have some mechanical knowledge
Have some good trouble-shooting skills
Able to work as a Team Player
Able to handle more than one assignment at a time
Possess good written and communication skills
Good physical ability for lifting and connecting lines
Able to analyze work situations and establish priorities
Excessive walking and standing on hard surfaces
Relate well with employees, other departments and supervisors
Ability to assist Lead Person with daily tasks
Ability to fill out USDA certificates
First Aid Team
Advanced knowledge of troubleshooting problems
Advanced knowledge in assisting other locations with troubleshooting problems

Responsibilities

Follow all safety procedures, use all PPE’s and follow Basic Principle Guide
To follow proper SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures)
To hook up, connect, inspect all product lines for days production
To load tanker with correct product and accurate weight, while in production
Pull samples for Lab from each product shipped
To achieve correct solids for each product shipped
Continually monitor solids, quality and proper cooling of numerous products
Know maximum pounds per hour per product
To understand ice builder and cooling procedures for summer/winter
To set up silo assignment on Panel View
Coordinate silo selection, switching silos while in production
Complete and file all necessary paperwork for HACCP
To hook up, connect pipe lines for vat
To hook up and load and unload tanker
To operate CIP system on Panel View
To hook up lines to CIP silo, tanker, load out line and cooling press
To hook up, connect, inspect and operate cooling press
Demonstrate proper use and handling of chemicals
Able to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed or scheduled
Able to walk on cement and climb stairs excessively for most of shift
Practice above average GMP’s
Work with USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
Conducts self in a professional manner to ensure quality of product and to lead by example for fellow employe
To work as a team with fellow employees
Communicate with maintenance department
Prepare liquid schedule for daily production and shipping of product and direct communication to shag drivers
Forklift trained
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.
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.
Ensure regulatory compliance at all times.
Perform other duties as assigned.