Extruder Operator

3PM - 1AM (Monday - Thursday)

$24.17/HR + 6% Shift Differential

KLN 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.

Extruder Operator

What is an Extruder Operator? An 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.

• Review and follow daily production schedule verifying against their product information sheets for accuracy
• Communicate with dry ingredient personnel as to which materials should be used for their immediate production needs
• Coordinate with slurry operators to verify which liquid products are being made
• Operate the extruder and monitor ancillary equipment to produce products that meet the desired specifications set forth by the Quality Assurance Department
• Visually inspect and save samples throughout all runs to be taken to the Quality Control Lab for final analysis
• Responsible to record operation parameters and turn in at the end of each shift
• Monitor all feed formulas presented to them for color, odor and grind notifying supervisor of anything that looks out of specification
• Cleaning systems as required between production runs
• Setting up die plates for each different run and monitoring knife wear
• Proficient in using batch logic system
• Able to operate cutters, grillers, ovens and other equipment used in the extrusion department
• Calibrate process flow monitors prior to each run
• Daily clean up and sanitation of extruder area
• Involved in weekly cleaning of extrusion area
• Notify maintenance of any unusual equipment noises or failures
• Train new departmental employees
• Will perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by Supervisor

• Cross train in dry ingredient receiving on operation of dry ingredient system
• Cross train in slurry room

• Attend safety trainings
• Follow all safety instructions and policies
• Report any injuries or near miss accidents to supervisor
• Report any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisor
• Wear required PPE that is determined by site

• Keep work area clean and free of debris

• Assist in maintaining all sanitation schedules
• Attend food safety trainings
• Follow all GMPs and food safety instructions

• General mathematical ability
• Self-motivation
• Learning, memorizing and executing a sequence of procedures
• Good hand - eye coordination
• Willing and able to get along with others
• Good judgement and reasoning abilities
• Basic Leadership Skills
• Can lift up to 80+ pounds
• Ability to drive a forklift and pass certification exam

• Holiday pay
• Paid
  Time Off, with an additional day for your birthday!
• Medical, Dent