Mix Trainee

Job Description

About the Job: Mix Trainee (2nd Shift)

This 2nd shift Mix Trainee position is a crucial support role within the Processing Department, focusing on the preparation and processing of product mixes essential for production. The successful candidate will be instrumental in assisting with pasteurization systems, ensuring rigorous cleaning and sanitation, managing raw material receiving, operating specialized equipment, and maintaining accurate documentation. These responsibilities are paramount to upholding product quality and stringent food safety standards.

The Mix Trainee will undergo comprehensive technical and safety training, with the ultimate goal of developing the necessary skills to independently operate the mix room systems efficiently and safely.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and operate High Temperature Short Time (HTST) pasteurization systems and maintain required pasteurization charts.
• Disassemble and reassemble HTST systems for required press inspections and assist inspectors during inspections.
• Set up presses, batchers, and blenders for sanitation and cleaning processes.
• Perform long wash procedures on press systems and monitor alkali and acid levels.
• Receive and unload tankers and railcars containing raw ingredients such as milk, cream, and sugar.
• Receive and unload powder delivery trucks.
• Operate Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems for washing lines and tanks.
• Wash and sanitize raw tanks, silos, and trucks while monitoring chemical levels for cleaning and sanitizing solutions.
• Maintain all charts and documentation related to mix department operations, including HTST and CIP charts.
• Maintain housekeeping and sanitation standards in the mix room and surrounding areas.
• Perform routine maintenance activities such as repacking homogenizers, disassembling HTST systems, and rebuilding pumps.
• Prepare mix according to established formulas while maintaining quality standards.
• Wash and sanitize all mix room circuits including receiving lines, rerun/cream lines, batchers, blenders, raw lines, and mix lines.
• Maintain accurate paperwork and operational documentation for the Mix Department.
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and operational procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Training Completion

Employees in this role must successfully complete the following mandatory training:

• HTST Operator Certification
• Sanitation and chemical handling training
• Confined Space Entry training
• Lockout/Tagout safety training
• Understanding and proper use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Compensation

The base pay range for this position is $24.92 per hour, plus a night shift premium of $1.25 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This pay range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

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Qualifications

• Must be able to read and write English, with good math skills (at least 9th grade level on both).
• Ability to lift 60 – 75 pounds regularly.
• Ability to move barrels weighing up to 500 pounds using appropriate equipment.
• Must have mechanical aptitude to assist Maintenance through identifying mechanical issues within the Mix Department.
• Have tow motor experience and be able to be tow motor certified.
• Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to operate production controllers and timing devices for accurate mix volumes.
• Ability to work at heights and confined spaces when required.
• Previous experience in a mix room or food manufacturing environment preferred.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated reliability and dependable attendance record.
• Able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Prior recent Mix Room knowledge.
• Must be able and willing to work various shifts and overtime as needed.