Retort Operator - Night Shift at Simmons Pet Food Inc in Dubuque, Iowa

Job Description:

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To load retorts with uncooked pouched product to be cooked to the proper product sterilization levels.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Verify that the retorts you want to start-up on are empty.

Check incoming water temperature and write down the results on the retort downtime sheet.

Make sure that steam and air is present at the retorts. Make sure system is in Auto.

Ensure the retorts are loaded and unloaded properly. Enter that data on the retort sheet.

Chlorine test is required one time per shift and recorded on the retort log sheet.

Incoming water temperature is checked at the beginning of each shift and mid-way through shift and recorded on the retort log sheet and downtime sheet.

Final stage is to unload sterilized pouched product to the arrival lanes to be unloaded.

Able to track and document readings on up to 8 retorts as needed.

Demonstrates and understanding of the cook cycle.

Participates as a member of the team. Participates in ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and works with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the Retort Operator and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Steel toed shoes, Ear Plugs, Hair Net.

Travel: N/A

Technical Experience: Experienced within a manufacturing/process environment with knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.

Industry Experience: Background in manufacturing.

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Must be able to read, write and understand English.

Preferred Education: Some college and/or Tech School.