Reports to:  Shift Production Manager  

 Direct reports: n/a

 Back up position: Extruder Operator III / Extrusion Lead  

 Exempt/Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt  

  I - Job Purpose and Summary: 

Responsible for operating all extrusion equipment in accordance with provided documentation and written procedures. This includes setup, operation, and cleanup of machinery. Perform all post quality checks to provide the highest quality product with the least amount of waste, while maintaining or exceeding standard line run rates.  

  II - Key Accountabilities:  

 HSE: Promote a safe work environment at all times through the adherence to all PGPI’s Health & Safety and Environmental policies and procedures as well as to all relevant California OSHA regulations in order to achieve ZERO workplace incidents and injuries.  

 Food Safety & Quality: Promote exceptional food safety and product quality standards at all times through the adherence to, and improvement of, GMP and food safety and quality policies and standards, in order to have highest quality product for external customers.  

 Production Activities: Complete set up of all extruders, including setting up screw configurations cutter box alignments. Operation of Evolums, Clextrals and Buhler’s according to published parameters. Ensure correct and adequate dry batch is available before startup. Prepare Liquid batches per standard manufacturing practices. Minimize changeover times to increase equipment utilization. Ensure proper package weights, materials and labeling as required. Conduct quality checks every 30 minutes to ensure quality specifications are met. Provide information to Extrusion Packers and Batch Makers regarding the progress of production, so that product is reduced with minimum overrun and waste. Assist Extrusion Packaging Lead on disposition of non-conforming product. Responsible for performing sanitation and cleaning of equipment. Replace bag house filters, clean, and sanitize cyclones, act as a back-up to batch maker and packaging positions when needed. Other tasks as assigned by supervisor.  

 Record Management: Complete all production paperwork in a timely manner with greater attention to accuracy.  

 Problem Solving/Reporting/Continuous Improvement: Promptly relay information to Shift Production Manager/Extrusion Operations Lead regarding shift accomplishments, problems, or suggestions for improvements.  

 Training & Development: Participate in all training related to his/her job in order to gain knowledge/skills/abilities needed for exceptional performance. Assist in training employees and new hires (buddy program). Train new Batch Makers and packaging positions as needed. 

 III - Internal and External Contacts:  All employees in Extrusion, Maintenance, HSE, QA and Logistics department, R&D  

   IV - Job Requirements (Required and Preferred): 

 Education:  High School diploma or related experience  

 Related Experience: Minimum 3 years’ experience in Extrusion Operation (food or food related manufacturing preferred)  

 Competencies: Initiating Action, Priority Setting, Problem Solving, Planning, Standing Alone, Compelling Communication, Comfort Around Higher Management, Composure, Listening, Conflict Management, Interpersonal Savvy, Organizational Agility, Continuous Learning, Self-Knowledge, Building Trusted Relationships 

 Technical Skills:  

• ERP transactions 
• Touch screen tablets/PLC 
• Basic math skills 
• Use of pneumatic and small hand tools 
• Mechanical troubleshooting 
• Forklift and Aerial Lift 
• Lock out tag out (LOTO) system 
• Confined space entry experience 
• Evolums, Clextrals and Buhler’s 
• Operation and cleaning Batching equipment including but not limited to rotary valves, blender, etc. 
• Operation and cleaning of packaging equipment, including but not limited to: Sweco, cyclone, oven, bucket elevator, etc. 

 Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Forklift and Aerial Lift 
• OSHA 10   

 Language(s):

• Fluency in English - preferred 
• Fluency in Spanish - preferred 

 Other Qualifications:  HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)  

  V – Work/Employment Conditions and Other Requirements:  

  Work Environment: This job operates in a manufacturing warehouse environment. This role routinely uses manufacturing equipment. The environment is hot, cold, wet, dusty, and loud. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment on the manufacturing floor (hearing protection, hard hat, safety glasses, beard/hair nets, safety shoes).   

 Physical and Sensory Demands:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms overhead and grip; climb stairs, work from heights up to 40 feet; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move products and supplies, up to 55 pounds.  

 Position Type and Working Schedule:  RFT - Regular Full Time, working schedule based on production demands

 Travel Requirements: n/a

 VI - Other Duties:   Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.