Process Operator

Company Details

Darling Ingredients repurposes and recycles materials from the animal agriculture and food industries, transforming them into essential ingredients that feed animals, fertilize crops, fuel planes, and nourish people. We are the number one publicly traded company of our kind, operating a global family of brands and businesses with more than 260 facilities in over 15 countries. Our scale allows us to help industries become less wasteful and more sustainable, advancing a circular economy.

Full‑time employees receive a comprehensive benefits suite including 401(k), health insurance, dental and vision insurance, and paid time off.

The Process Operator is responsible for operating computer‑controlled process equipment, managing the cooker, machinery, and addressing process issues while performing product quality testing.

• Oversee rendering process from raw material bin to finished goods storage.
• Maintain steady flow of material to cooker.
• Maintain cooker temperature, rate, and steam at peak operating levels.
• Monitor evaporation rate to meet hourly rate requirements.
• Control flow of material to presses and finished goods storage.
• Monitor control panel and gauges to drive the process.
• Operate pollution control system including air/odor and wastewater systems.
• Responsible for boiler start‑up and operation.
• Perform periodic preventative maintenance on all process equipment.
• Monitor machinery; raise any problems to manager.
• Ensure equipment and workspace are clean after each shift.
• Maintain safety as top priority in accordance with all company safety rules and regulations.
• As trained, support Darling’s food safety program.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Manufacturing, industrial, or agricultural experience preferred.

• Prior experience in a rendering facility or production environment preferred.
• Knowledge of mechanical rendering or process equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills; general mechanics and equipment operation.
• Ability to resolve minor equipment or operational problems.
• Availability to work nights and/or weekends as needed.
• Team‑player with good interpersonal skills.

Employees will be exposed to the following conditions for a significant portion of the work schedule:

• High noise levels, strong odors, heat and cold—experienced 21% to 50% of the time.
• Biohazardous conditions—experienced 21% to 50% of the time.
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals—experienced 21% to 50% of the time.
• Electrical hazards (risk of shock)—experienced 21% to 50% of the time.
• Handling or working with dangerous equipment—experienced 21% to 50% of the time.
• Occasional travel to offsite locations—occurs but is not a primary requirement.

Lifting requirements: employees may lift up to 50 pounds frequently and occasionally up to 100 pounds; 10–25 pounds may be handled regularly. Vision: no special vision requirements.

Darling Ingredients is an equal‑opportunity employer and offers consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. For further information, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..