·Helps assemble, calibrate, operate, and monitor extruder and all auxiliary equipment systems.

· Inspects and evaluates equipment hourly; adjusts equipment variables to meet equipment and product requirements.

· Frequently dumps/weighs, carries, and stacks up to 50-pound bags of ingredients and/or product.

· Assists in evaluating orders; ensures paperwork is complete and accurate on all processing conditions; completes status reports.

· Calculates rates and performance percentages for product runs.

· Distinguishes colors and duplicates those colors in the extrusion process.

· Establishes and maintains an effective line of communication with the Quality Assurance department.

· Thoroughly understands all quality assurance procedures and programs; ensures all products are within individual client specifications.

· Monitors and manages to shrink losses to acceptable limits/standards.

· Responsible for all product quality attributes.

· Evaluate product quality attributes; make immediate adjustments to correct out-of-specification products.

· Anticipates technical problems; proactively troubleshoots (where appropriate) and makes technical adjustments and/or notifies maintenance.

· Responsible for maintaining a safe and clean work area and environment.

· Participate in a full facility and equipment clean-up between each product run as directed.

· Ensures required changeovers are completed accurately and efficiently.

· Responsible for becoming familiar with GMPs and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all products.

· Complete simple production reports

· Required to notify a supervisor or a lead employee of any situation or observation that may adversely affect food safety and/or quality.

· Ensure the requirements of the CCP are met, and if a deviation occurs, notify the Supervisor and Quality departments to hold all affected products.

· Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required).

· Education level: High school diploma and/or GED preferred.

· Experience: Entry level

· Willing to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals.

· Excellent communication skills

· Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner.

· Ability to communicate both verbally and in written form.

· Basic math skills to include addition, subtraction, and percentages.

· Ability to multi-task.