Extrusion Process Operator - Fish Food

The Extrusion Process Operator is a skilled production position responsible for the safe and efficient operation of fish food extrusion equipment and associated upstream and downstream processing systems. This position requires previous hands‑on extrusion experience and will serve as a key technical resource in establishing and maintaining consistent extrusion operating conditions, troubleshooting process deviations, and producing finished product that meets established quality and food safety requirements.

The role supports the full extrusion process, including raw material preparation and batching, preconditioning, steam‑induced expansion, extrusion, drying, product inspection, and transfer to downstream packaging operations.

Shift Details:
Monday - Thursday, 5:00 am - 3:30 pm (Potential Overtime on Friday)

Location:

Franklin, WI

Hourly Rate of pay: $28.25

• Set up, start, operate, monitor, and shut down single‑screw extrusion equipment and supporting food‑processing systems according to established procedures and production schedules.
• Prepare, stage, weigh, verify, and feed raw materials according to approved formulas, batch sheets, and work instructions.
• Monitor and control extrusion process parameters such as feed rate, moisture, steam, temperature, pressure, screw speed, and product flow to maintain consistent processing conditions.
• Operate and monitor preconditioning and steam‑induced expansion processes used to cook, condition, and form fish food products.
• Monitor extrudate characteristics including size, shape, density, expansion, texture, moisture, and overall appearance, and make routine process adjustments when results begin to trend outside established specifications.
• Perform product and equipment changeovers, including die changes and other routine setup activities, following standard operating procedures and required safety practices.
• Monitor downstream drying, cooling, conveying, and product‑transfer equipment to ensure stable flow and proper product condition before packaging.
• Perform required in‑process quality checks and accurately document process settings, production results, downtime, scrap, material usage, and other required manufacturing information.
• Identify process or equipment abnormalities, perform basic troubleshooting, and promptly communicate maintenance or quality concerns that require additional support.
• Maintain compliance with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, allergen controls, and established food‑safety requirements.
• Safely handle ingredients that may include fish meal, shellfish, grains, proteins, vitamins, minerals, oils, and other raw materials used in fish food production.
• Perform routine cleaning and sanitation of extrusion equipment, dies, preconditioners, conveyors, surrounding equipment, and production work areas.
• Follow OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, machine‑guarding requirements, and all required personal protective equipment (PPE) practices.
• Support preventive maintenance activities and operator basic‑care expectations by inspecting equipment condition and reporting wear, leaks, abnormal noise, or other developing concerns.
• Work collaboratively with Quality, Maintenance, Production, and other team members to meet daily safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.
• Support continuous improvement activities focused on process stability, throughput, product quality, waste reduction, equipment reliability, and safe work practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support fish food manufacturing operations.

• Previous pet food, animal feed, fish food, cereal, snack food, or other food‑extrusion manufacturing experience (preferred).
• Experience…