Operations Technician - Land O'Lakes Inc.

Job Summary:

This role will directly support/operate the Warby Trial system during scheduled trials. In addition to this, the person in this role will take on the responsibilities of an Ops Tech when not performing trials.

Ops Tech - Assist the Shift Lead and Production Manager in the daily operation of their designated team/shift. Assistance is provided by training associates, learning advanced operating functions, performing special assignments to support product or equipment trials, customer requests & process improvement activities, ensuring the master sanitation schedule is met & conducting operational preventative maintenance. Cover shift based staffing needs (generally at the classified job level) to ensure ability to meet production demands. Maintain a safe work environment & meet all established quality standards.

Warby Trial System Operator - train to and operate the trial system during scheduled trials. This includes all safety, quality, and operation activities related to sanitation and operation of the system. This role will work along side and partner with R&D and other technical resources in ensuring safe and successful trials. Communication, teamwork and operational skills are critical to this role. The person in this role will also be required to train in Sybil and act as a back-up operator for coverage.

Hours: 4:45pm - 5:15am

Rotating Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Wage Rate: $ 26.92

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performance of job duties may include any one or more operator roles as needed on the assigned team/shift
• Includes Sybil, Warby Trials, AM UF, RO,Silos, EXPECTATION Minimum to know or train into all 5 areas
• May also include Deck, DMC, Pan, Turbas, Intake, Backup Shift Lead, Starter
• Initiate startup, shutdown, teardown, CIP/COP and operation of all equipment in assigned work area
• Operator Care - basic lubrication, inspection adjustments, repairs, cleaning & maintenance
• Master Sanitation of operating areas, equipment and coolers as assigned
• LEAN Manufacturing - Contribute to a continuous improvement environment by participating in activities to include line side problem solving.
• Participate in 5S program to contribute to a safe and organized work environment.
• Participate in delivering training to all associates in assigned work area to build capability in meeting weekly production schedule staffing demands
• Assist in performing and coordinating any employee training required for operators to be effective and safe in the performance of their jobs
• Assist and support various areas of operations including but not limited to: AM; CM; Whey, Sybil, Shipping etc.
• Assists in the development of standardized work and ensures it is utilized, updated and an integral part of the work culture
• Assist production personnel in the attainment of established key performance indicators (KPI)
• Assist with department implementation of new processes, new equipment, and improved line layouts
• Ensure accuracy and timely completion of all department paperwork
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP guidelines and LQMS requirements
• Lead by example and support line activities to ensure employee safety, food safety, and quality assurance
• Actively contribute to a behavioral based safety culture by completing a minimum of one behavioral observation Safety Walk per month.
• Work in partnership with QA associates to address any identified process or customer issues
• Demonstrate working knowledge of machine operations and overall production process
• Ability to troubleshoot and identify root cause of problems in an operator/machine interface work environment.
• Assist in the implementation and control of product and process changes brought through R&D, Sales, Marketing, and others that offer added benefits to the customer and organization
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor, Shift Lead or Production Manager.

Sybil Responsibilities

• Responsible for properly setting up liquefier unit to run SYBIL. Check all pumps, valves, pipelines, hoses and connections for proper hook-up.
• Responsible for proper start up and shutdown of liquefier.
• Proper operation of liquefier so those specific temperature, solids, moisture and product consistencies are maintained.
• The ability to clearly communicate with plant personnel, R & D and Engineering regarding ideas, product variations, trial results, troubleshooting problems and trial successes.
• Responsible for proper chlorination and cleanup of liquefier (interior and exterior), pumps, floors and associated pipelines as required.
• Responsible for taking temperatures and performing moisture analysis.
• Maintain proper records (legible and accurate) of operation during shift, including Process Control Charts.
• Help in the operation, testing and monitoring of experimental equipment associated with SYBIL.
• Perform all sampling and testing as required.
• Be familiar and capable of doing CIP on the liquefier and associated pipeline. Initiate setup, teardown and troubleshoot of equipment.
• Certified forklift operator
• Inventories and orders ingredients

Warby Responsibilities

• Responsible for properly setting up equipment unit to run Warby Trials. Check all pumps, valves, pipelines, hoses and connections for proper hook-up.
• Responsible for proper start up and shutdown of Warby Equipment .
• Proper operation of equipment so those specific temperature, solids, moisture and product consistencies are maintained.
• The ability to clearly communicate with plant personnel, R & D and Engineering regarding ideas, product variations, trial results, troubleshooting problems and trial successes.
• Responsible for proper chlorination and cleanup of equipment (interior and exterior), pumps, floors and associated pipelines as required.
• Responsible for taking temperatures and performing moisture analysis.
• Maintain proper records (legible and accurate) of operation during shift, including Process Control Charts.
• Help in the operation, testing and monitoring of experimental equipment associated with Warby.
• Perform all sampling and testing as required.
• Be familiar and capable of doing CIP on the liquefier and associated pipeline. Initiate setup, teardown and troubleshoot of equipment.
• Certified forklift operator
• Inventories and orders ingredients

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent

Experience:

• 2+ years of manufacturing experience preferred
• Prior high speed, high tech manufacturing experience

Requirements:

• Ability to read and write effectively in English
• Ability to contribute in a teamwork environment
• Ability to perform basic math equations
• Ability to utilize computers & software programs proficiently
• Ability to communicate effectively to ensure product flow to next workstation
• Ability to perform problem solving skills, apply creative thinking, use resources, and make effective decisions
• Ability to effectively plan and organize
• Ability to contribute to a safe and organized work environment
• Ability to work variable shifts, weekends, and/or holidays
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position outlined in the Physical Demands Analysis (PDA)
• Ability to learn new skills and adapt to change as the organization continues to improve processes
• Ability to draw conclusions based on analysis of data from multiple sources
• Maintain prompt and regular job attendance
• Work schedule subject to change depending on Project Warby trial requirements

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.