Extruder Operator

**Job Description:** **Extruder Operator** **Primary Responsibilities** * Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and set up of all extruding, drying, and coating equipment to meet or exceed daily production requirements. * Must observe proper Lockout/Tagout and all safety procedures as required * Must be able to operate and control extruders, so that all food safety temperatures and gelatinization requirements are met. * Proficient in completing all required food safety/quality checks and understand the consequences of out of compliance. * Report or take appropriate action when food safety/quality checks do not meet set specifications such as, temperature, kibble size, moisture, density, color, texture, or foreign materials. * Monitor running efficiency of processing equipment including downtime, through-put and food safety requirements. * Ability to read and understand the daily production run schedule and execute to that plan. * Clearly communicate to manager and/or others any disruptions to production plan, quality failures or issues, equipment downtime and material deficiencies * Maintain functional knowledge of all equipment in milling/processing area * Cross train and train others in functional area * Improve operations through individual and group problem solving. Provide leadership in solving problems that disrupts the daily production goals * Maintain a clean, safe work environment that promotes associate safety and product integrity * Other duties and/or responsibilities as assigned by the lead or supervisor **Physical Requirements** * Must be capable of working at elevated heights * Must be able to lift 50lbs repetitively * Must be able to lift to 65 lbs. occasionally * Must be able to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot to cold, dust dirt and chemicals **Other Requirements** * Position will be on days, but may require a flexible working schedule, including different rotations, shifts, overtime hours, weekends, and holidays based on business demands. **Education, Experience and Skills Required** * Minimum of three years manufacturing experience * Certified in Forklift operation * High school diploma or equivalent * Good basic math, reading and writing skills * Basic knowledge of personal computers * Good problem solving and/or troubleshooting skills * Ability to work in a self-directed manner with minimal supervision and a positive attitude * Working knowledge of Safety, Quality and Material Management Systems and procedures * Working Knowledge of food safety, GMP, GHOP, HACCP, SPC * Complex problem solving, communication skills Decision Making Authority and Impact * The Extruder Operator is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the line to meet and /or exceed production objectives. Operations Manager and Shift Supervisor provide guidance and or assistance when needed. **What can you expect from Mars?** * Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles. * Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. * Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. * An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.