Drum Operator

Permanent, year-round position working 12-hour shifts with scheduled days off and every other weekend off. The schedule is from 8:00am - 8:00pm AND rotates every three months to 8:00pm - 8:00am. We offer health insurance (medical, dental, Rx, Flex savings, and vision), retirement savings, great advancement opportunities, and you may qualify for a cash bonus! If you've got good attention to detail and are ready to work and learn, apply NOW!

Summary:

The Drum Operator's main function involves running a potato-dehydrating drum. The Drum Operator must always consider product quality and work towards producing a consistent product based on customer and company specifications. Personal safety must also be considered, and the Drum Operator should control the amount of potato mash he or she lifts, carries, or moves so the chance of personal injury is minimized.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for maintaining an adequate and consistent flow of mash. Monitor and adjust the speed of the feed auger and roller adjustments, as well as shoveling product as needed to accomplish this.
• Ensure the drum operates efficiently and effectively by keeping plenty of mash on all applicator rolls; work clean mash up and dirty mash down; ensure only clean mash is on the applicator rollers to minimize defects.
• Ensure the reduction or elimination of waste / defect / throw-away by adjusting the rolls and maintaining as thick a sheet of mash as possible.
• Utilize a bullhide knife to remove bullhides as soon as they are discovered.
• Advise the Flake Operator of any problems as quickly as possible. Assist in the replacement of the flake knife when required.
• The Drum Operator will be near the drum at all times while operating.
• Checks for product defects and ensures product quality standards are met. Notify the Flake Operator, Assistant Shift Manager or the Shift Manager immediately if product is out of grade.
• Use caution around moving parts and equipment.
• Keep areas of responsibility clean and well maintained during shift hours, and ensure area is clean for the next shift.
• Complete all sanitation responsibilities including (but not limited to): avoiding cross-contamination; keep all tools clean and sanitized; keep mash pan relatively empty and in good sanitary condition; keep catwalks clean and free of debris; ensure tools or shovels do not come in contact of catwalk or other contaminated areas.
• Clean tool dip tanks twice during shift; clean flake breaker covers every two hours; clean knives, slides, and snifter tube once a shift.
• Comply with all safety regulations; follow all plant and safety policies.
• Follows all company and regulated good manufacturing practices.
• Completes all other responsibilities as necessary.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiarity with the potato dehydration process helpful.
• Must be able to closely follow operational instructions.
• Previous experience working around processing equipment preferred.
• Knowledge of chlorine use and cleaning / sanitizing chemicals.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand, bend, or move repetitively for up to 12 hours.
• Must be able to shovel mash weighing 35-50 lbs on a regular basis.
• Must be able to lift on a regular basis up to 50 lbs without assistance, and 100 lbs with assistance.
• Able to tolerate dust or chemicals.
• Must not be affected by moving equipment and machinery.
• Bending, stretching, lifting, reaching, climbing, crawling, and crouching as required.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.