Vatroom Operator

Michael Foods Inc. hiring for Vatroom Operator jobs in Walthill, NE, US

Business Unit Description:

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Location Description:

Wakefield is one of the largest production facilities within Michael Foods.  We serve as a flex plant and are able to produce everything from a whole pasteurized egg to liquid, dried, hardboiled and curds. 

Responsibilities:

POSITION SUMMARY:  Vat Room Operators are responsible for verifying ingredients, mixing product and collecting product samples for testing.  S/he accurately document and report data.  Operators load and unload tankers and are responsible for keeping machines running efficiently.   

This position has the responsibility to comply with Safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce Safety as a Core Value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities, related to Food Safety & Quality, are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs moisture testing as directed and keeps dryer operator informed of any and all changes.
• Pulls product samples for moisture, chem lab and micro lab.
• Operates and oversees densifier equipment.
• Operates forklift and pallet jack.
• Responsible for confirming and verifying final weights of finished products.
• Responsible for proper sealing and labeling of finished product containers.
• Stacks finished product on pallets.
• Assists dryer operator with dryer sanitation.
• Assists and communicates with dryer operator to maintain proper finished goods moistures.
• Maintains all required documentation. (Ex: moisture chart, metal detector, sifter checks, SAP tag logs, etc.)
• Responsible for minor adjustments of equipment and troubleshooting equipment problems.
• Maintains cleanliness of all production package areas, i.e., bulk loading bay, tote scale, bag packaging, etc.
• Assists in maintaining cleanliness/sanitation of all warehouse/rack areas.
• Runs the standard procedures for solids, color, and pH for eggstreme and Tec Whites.
• Calculates and completes batch records using squares.
• Performs and verifies mixing procedures and ingredients that may include salt yolk, weight, and mix egg recipes.
• Demonstrates an understanding of USDA loading and unloading procedures (of tankers), including the documentation for cage free egg tankers.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the OvaMay system for the sequencing flow of plates and start up and shut down operations and procedures.
• Understands how to tear down, rebuild, and hook up various lines, C-pumps, positives-pumps and centrifugal-pumps.
• Understands how to start up, shut down, and operate all three pasteurizers.
• Must time and check the temperature of all products for pasteurization.
• Follows proper SOP’s (Standard Operation Procedures)
• Adhere to safe work practices, follow GMP’s, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality or personnel safety.
• Able to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.
• Assumes personal responsibility to insure safe and healthy workplace for everyone. Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and, incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.
• Insures regulatory compliance at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE REQUIRED:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or equivalent.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Ability to load and unload egg and material trailers.
• Prior manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot minor mechanical issues.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a company forklift and pallet jack license. Experience with pallet jack and/or forklift preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals in English. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups, customers/vendors or employees of the organization.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram or schedule form.
• Must demonstrate open and honest communication.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain positive interpersonal relationships and work effectively with others to complete work assignments.
• Able to safely lift and carry 50lbs.
• Able to work independently or with others in a team environment depending upon the assignment.
• Self-motivated while also willing to ask questions and seek direction.
• Displays responsible behavior at work.
• Open to change.
• Ability to work in cold, wet, noisy, dusty and humid environments.
• Ability to work around required cleaning solutions.
• Possesses good hand-eye coordination.
• Able to stand on hard surface most of the shift, ascend and descend stairs, bend, stoop or crouch, grasp and reach.