Extruder OperatorKLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that "We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others.
We challenge. We grow. We inspire."Some companies have to "fudge the story" a little. Some need the extra "spin" to shine a positive light on themselves.
That's not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that's not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we're a pretty amazing company.The OpportunityExtruder OperatorAn Extruder Operator is the engine behind the pet treat-making process. They operate and optimize extrusion equipment that mixes, cooks, shapes, and cuts ingredients into finished treats.
Through careful monitoring and adjustments, they keep the process running efficiently while producing high-quality products that meet safety and quality standards.Essential Duties:Review and follow daily production schedule verifying against their product information sheets for accuracyCommunicate with dry ingredient personnel as to which materials should be used for their immediate production needsCoordinate with slurry operators to verify which liquid products are being madeOperate the extruder and monitor ancillary equipment to produce products that meet the desired specifications set forth by the Quality Assurance DepartmentVisually inspect and save samples throughout all runs to be taken to the Quality Control Lab for final analysisRecord operation parameters and turn in at the end of each shiftMonitor all feed formulas presented to them for color, odor and grind notifying supervisor of anything that looks out of specificationCleaning systems as required between production runsSetting up die plates for each different run and monitoring knife wearProficient in using batch logic systemAble to operate cutters, grillers, ovens and other equipment used in the extrusion departmentCalibrate process flow monitors prior to each runDaily clean up and sanitation of extruder areaInvolved in weekly cleaning of extrusion areaNotify maintenance of any unusual equipment noises or failuresTrain new departmental employeesWill perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by SupervisorAdditional ResponsibilitiesCross train in dry ingredient receiving on operation of dry ingredient systemCross train in slurry roomSafetyAttend safety trainingsFollow all safety instructions and policiesReport any injuries or near miss accidents to supervisorReport any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisorWear required PPE that is determined by siteEnvironmentalKeep work area clean and free of debrisFood SafetyAssist in maintaining all sanitation schedulesAttend food safety trainingsFollow all GMPs and food safety instructionsJob Qualifications & Physical SpecificationsGeneral mathematical abilitySelf-motivationLearning, memorizing and executing a sequence of proceduresGood hand – eye coordinationWilling and able to get along with othersGood judgement and reasoning abilitiesBasic Leadership SkillsCan lift up to 80+ poundsAbility to drive a forklift and pass certification examBenefitsHoliday payPaid Time Off, with an additional day for your birthday!Medical, Dental, & Vision InsuranceFSA, Medical & Dependent CareShort Term & Long Term DisabilityLife InsurancePet Insurance401K with company match