Position Summary:

The Production Operator is responsible for running and operating equipment used in the throughput and refinement of colostrum and colostrum-based products using company guidelines and standards along with customer specifications.  The incumbent monitors and manipulates various production equipment while adhering to production schedules and ensures a steady flow of product is maintained at all times.  Maintaining a clean and safe work environment is a primary responsibility for the Production Operator.

Reports To:                Production Supervisor or Production Manager

FLSA Status:             Non-Exempt

Revised Date:             April 2017

Prepared By:             Human Resources Manager

Essential Functions

1. Monitors and adjusts equipment and settings to ensure the production of colostrum is running efficiently and within specifications.
2. Takes steps to ensure product loss/waste is at a minimum.
3. Maintains a clean working environment at all times.
4. Heats and regulates temperature of product using HTST and ensures that product production is completed within time and quality standards.  Once HTST processing is complete, clean equipment using SOP guidelines as assigned.
5. Completes curding colostrum in a cheese vat as assigned.  This process includes monitoring temperatures and processing time within established standards/guidelines, and adding rennet to complete the curding process.
6. Runs and monitor filtration equipment to finish product based on customer specifications.
7. Completes/monitors pasteurization of product in processing tank within time and temperature specifications.
8. Lifts, moves, and pours 44-55 lb. bags of dry powders into liquid product during processing.
9. Transfers product into finishing vessel for drying and packaging.
10. Completes established clean-in-place (CIP) processes to ensure tanks and vessels are properly cleaned after processing. 
11. Operates forklift to transport product within the plant.
12. Promotes and complies with all safety standards of Sterling Technology to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
13. Performs other duties as assigned and when needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty.  The requirements listed below are representative of these knowledge, skills, and/ abilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of the production process is required
2. Safety and sanitization skills are required
3. The ability to maintain company confidentiality is required
4. The ability to remain on task, focused and vigilant at all times is required
5. General knowledge of machines, equipment, production lines, and processing is required
6. Previous production skills and experience preferred

Electronic/Computer Skills

Automated controls and electronic system monitoring is required.  Specific computer program experience is not required.

Physical Demands and Efforts

The physical demands described here are representative of those that could be expected of an employee in the performance of the essential functions of this job.  Incumbents will be expected to alternate between standing, and walking throughout the course of an 8-12 hour shift.  Must be capable of communicating with others both verbally and in writing; will be expected to use hands or fingers to manipulate equipment.  Frequently required to reach below and/or above waist level and below and/or above shoulders or head.  Frequently required to lift & carry up to 55 lbs.  Frequently climbs ladders to get to elevated platforms.

Vision Requirements

Vision requirements include close, distance, and midrange vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus near and far frequently.     

Work Environment

The work environment is moderately noisy and includes running machines, frequent interruptions and moderate traffic.  Incumbents will have extended exposure to wet, dry, humid, hot, cold, and/or hazardous conditions, including occasional entry into confined spaces.  Frequent manipulation of hazardous chemicals and knowledge of how to deal with these chemicals is required.