Production Associate

Job Title: Production Associate
Location: Ames, IA
Duration: 5 months+
 
Days, Monday-Thursday 7 AM - 5.30 PM (4-10 hour shifts)
 
Job description:
Conduct production activities and operate production equipment in accordance with the plant capacity and meet order shipment requirements in conformity with SHE requirements, SOP's and Quality standards. Perform all duties associated with the production of custom premixes. If necessary, receives, unloads, stores, delivers and ships raw and finished materials.

Working shift patterns: According to production requirements.

• 175 different products for feed premixes
• A volume of approx. 22000 metric tons/year (depending on production planning)
• Batch processing
• 100 products
• 2 packaging lines (manual and automatic)
• Main operations used:
• Mixing, packaging, blending, packaging equipment
• Certification of the plant: ISO 9001: 2008 / FAMI-QS

 
Position content:
Key areas of accountability/responsibility:

• Handle raw materials, transport from storage to dispenser room, weigh raw materials as required per the batch requirements and add to required dump station/mixer. Production operators conduct inspection and reconciliation of batch labels for premixes, fill silos, complete final packaging activities, sample per batch requirement, complete incoming 3PRM sampling and visual inspection and release activities, finished goods visual inspection and release activities, sample preparation for homogeneity, carryover, process monitoring and quality
• Run lab submissions as well as safely palletize and store raw materials and/or finished goods.
• Able to work unsupervised in pre-weigh, batch build, and production areas.
• Monitor equipment and production process parameters, record process conditions and actions.
• Report deviations found with the process, 3PRM and finished goods. Assist in quality related deviation investigations and corrective actions taken in response.
• Advise Lead Utility Mechanic of maintenance issues to ensure continuous efficient operation of process.
• Complete housekeeping activities, including completion of tasks noted on the Master Sanitation Schedule within area of responsibility, in compliance with guidelines, orders and instructions, cGMPs, 5S and other programs / requirements fall into housekeeping requirements and must be followed.
• Communicate relevant information regarding production to incoming shift supervisor/colleagues.
• Conduct batch label printing and label reconciliation activities for each batch.
• Complete all required computer-based training modules on Training Compass.
• Attend formal training classes (e.g. safety, quality, problem solving, SDS, etc.).
• Participate in site SHE culture including Behavior Based Safety and Safe Start programs on site.

 
Duties & Responsibilities:
 

• Display and always promote positive safety behaviors, use proper personal protective equipment, appropriate safety tools, equipment and procedures that ensure self and others go home safe each day; that area and equipment operate to highest safety levels, that all people in area (Maintenance, quality, visitors, contractors, etc.) comply with safety directives and keep area neat and clean.
• Participate in inventory cycle counts.
• All employees to be aware of and follow all Client Life Saving Rules.
• Acts in a way that safety awareness, accident prevention, quality and feed/food safety are considered in performing all tasks.
• Shows leadership by working to SHE and quality standards and encouraging employees to work to the same standards.
• Performs receiving, shipping and warehouse duties as assigned by Plant Manager.
  Authorities
• Incoming 3PRM sampling, visual inspection & release activities.
• Inspection and reconciliation of batch labels for premixes.
• Finished goods visual inspection & release activities. Document any irregularities noted and follow-up with plant management.
• Sample preparations for homogeneity & carryover activities, process monitoring and quality plan lab submissions.
• Report deviations and assist in quality related deviation investigations and corrective actions.
  Projects/special as assigned.

Complexity of the position:
The position requires the ability to work with minimal supervision, to apply good judgment, to work safely and responsibly, to be able to adapt to change, and be reliable & conscientious when coming to work. Production volume, number of formulas and raw material have a direct impact on position's complexity

Educational level:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Must be able to read, write and perform simple math calculations.

 
Required level of experiences:

• Minimum 6-month related experience preferred.
• Ability to operate computers.
• Must be able to operate forklift.
• Knowledge of, adherence to and enforcement of Client Corporate policies addressing Safety, Health, and
• Environmental and Quality requirements.