Dryer Operator

Department: Production

Location: Main Plant, Jerome, Idaho

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Employment Status: Full time

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Shifts: Day Shift

Number of openings: 1

Shift details: Day Shift (6:00am-6:30pm) — Subject to change according to business needs.

The Dryer Operator is a key member of the production team. At Idaho Milk Products, you will operate and maintain the drying equipment used to convert liquid milk products into powder form. This position requires a keen eye for detail, a strong commitment to safety, and a dedication to producing high-quality dairy products. The Dryer Operator must have knowledge of all production lines and equipment and possess the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues;

take responsibility for system efficiencies, operation of manufacturing equipment, and cleaning and maintaining the production process equipment. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are required. The Operator assists the Production Supervisor in the development and training of team members as assigned. You will ensure that all documentation is timely, accurate, and complete, and that GMPs, sanitation requirements and performance measures are tracked and met.

• Completes pre-operational checks on all equipment before starting a process.
• Checks components of raw materials and finished product in accordance with published SOPs.
• Reviews department and system performances daily. Offers ideas and suggestions on how to improve the quality of the product or process.
• Follows published SSOPs for equipment and processes.
• Collects all samples in accordance with SOPs.
• Completes all work instructions, production log sheets, and sanitation log sheets accurately and promptly.
• Operates equipment in accordance with SOPs. Makes corrections-based system outputs and captures operational data.
• Monitors and documents chemical additions and consumption compared to standards. Informs supervisor of any issues or concerns.
• Verifies CIP systems performance.
• Supports the “Dry Floor” program. Continuously monitors all aspects of the production process for leaks and spills; takes immediate corrective action and informs the supervisor.
• Arrives for work on time and ready to help operate the business successfully.
• Operates and cleans equipment in accordance with the production plan.
• Offers ideas and suggestions on how to improve the process and System SOPs, SSOPs, and Sanitation Program.
• Complies with all OSHA and plant-published safety regulations.
• Submits ideas and suggestions on how to improve safety.
• Communicates safety issues and concerns to the Production Supervisor.
• Participates as a team member and treats others with respect.
• Supports greater employee involvement and actively participates in operating the shift.
• Uses shift pass-down and plant meetings to communicate ideas and suggestions for improving plant operations.
• Willing to learn new concepts, embrace change, and actively participate in operating the business.
• Prepares for yearly performance review.
• Completes other projects as assigned.

Education:

• Required:
  
  High School Diploma/GED or equivalent work-related experience.

Experience:

• Production plant environment experience is a plus.
• Industrial production operator experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Excessive ascending and/or descending of ladders and stairs; body agility is emphasized.
• Walking, standing, and repetitive motions typical of production work.
• Repetitive motions of wrists, hands, and fingers; occasional heavy lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Talking and communication of instructions clearly.
• Occasional crawling and bending in confined spaces.
• Subject to high noise levels (up to at least 92 dB) and extreme heat (above 100 degrees) on a regular basis.

• Dryers, bagging and bulk bagging equipment, palletizers, scales, CIP systems, miscellaneous manufacturing equipment, PCs, copy machines, calculators, analytical equipment, phones, forklifts, hand tools, and lifts.