Job Description

This position is 3rd Shift.

Job title: Extruder Operator

About the Wellness Pet Company

The Wellness Pet Company crafts and produces premium natural pet food, treats, dental chews, and supplements. We believe that natural, premium nutrition focused on proven health outcomes is the foundation of creating a mutual wellbeing for pets and their families. As a community of people, Wellies are positively obsessed about how to win for pets and their parents. We believe in the difference we make every single day, and we know that when we work collaboratively, Wellies are unstoppable -- Not only in providing the best nutrition to pets, but in building a better tomorrow for pets, their parents, and the world.

Your #lifeatwellnesspet

When you join Wellness Pet, you join a team whose aligned values and purpose create a unique and exciting place to work every day. Join us on our adventure to fulfill a life of wellbeing together with pets and their parents.

Our manufacturing facilities are committed to nutritional innovation, product quality, and safety. To ensure our product quality, we control the entire manufacturing process, from consistent quality checks on all raw materials coming into the plant, to the shipment of our finished product to customers. Our employees take pride in the natural products we produce for the pets who depend on us. We offer our employees a positive, friendly work environment where you can develop your skills, receive competitive pay, and excellent benefits – Come for a walk with us today!

What You’ll Accomplish

The Production Operator position is involved in all aspects of the production of our premium pet food. They are responsible for setting-up, operating, and disassembling processing equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). They will operate multiple types of processing equipment, including but not limited to extrusion, injection molding, dryers, cutting, and packaging machinery according to scheduled production needs. In addition, operators maintain their assigned production area, following safety procedures and cleanliness standards. The operator will also troubleshoot equipment issues and complete required food safety checks to ensure first-time right production.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Responsible for set-up, operating and monitoring ingredient levels according to recipe and in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and GMPs.
• Responsible for setting up and staging in preparation for changeovers according to the production schedule.
• Troubleshoot basic production system applications as needed.
• Review and follow production schedule throughout shift.
• Monitor product levels for extruders and ensure product is running according to job specifications.
• Maintain batching room cleanliness according to sanitation sign-offs throughout work shift.
• Operate forklift to stage ingredients according to production schedule.
• Other duties as assigned Performs and documents in-process quality checks on a periodic basis on representative samples to ensure that product is correctly produced/packaged.
• Cleans, disassembles and reassembles line equipment to prepare machines for inspection and/or deep cleaning.
• Changeover/sets up machine for run by loading product, components, printer material, etc.; adjusting settings; checking the line; and obtaining line clearance to prepare equipment for next run.
• Actively follows safety procedures and policies in all job tasks.
• Follows and holds others accountable for following all company GMPs.
• All other duties as assigned.

Workplace Safety:

• Completes safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to Supervisor.
• Participates in mandatory safety trainings and adheres to all safety policies
• Required to report all safety issues, near misses, and injuries

Quality & Food Safety:

• Completes quality & food safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to Supervisor.
• Participates in mandatory food safety and quality training program requirements
• Preserves the integrity of the BRC system through adherence to the policies and procedures outlined. Takes actions necessary to resolve food safety and quality system deficiencies
• Required to report food safety and quality system failures and take actions necessary to preserve the BRC system.

Career Growth Opportunities

At Wellness Pet, we want our Wellies to progress in their careers, gaining knowledge and skills that prepare them for the next level. There are four levels of Production Operators, so as you gain skills you can advance to earn higher pay and take on more responsibility.

Production Operator I:

• Entry-level position requiring limited or no prior experience.
• Responsible for performing basic production tasks under direct supervision.
• Follows standard operating procedures and instructions closely.
• Operates simple machinery or equipment and performs routine assembly tasks.
• Assists with material handling, cleaning work areas, and basic quality control checks.
• Focuses on learning and acquiring the necessary skills for production operations.

Production Operator II:

• Mid-level position requiring some experience and demonstrated proficiency.
• Performs more complex production tasks and operates intermediate-level machinery or equipment.
• Follows established procedures but may have some autonomy and decision-making authority.
• Conducts setup, calibration, and minor troubleshooting of equipment.
• Assists in training and providing guidance to less experienced operators.
• Contributes to process improvement initiatives and may participate in problem-solving activities.

Production Operator III:

• Senior-level position requiring extensive experience and advanced technical skills.
• Responsible for performing complex production tasks and operating advanced machinery or equipment.
• Exhibits a high level of independence and may have authority over process adjustments and decisions.
• Conducts detailed setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance of equipment.
• Monitors production performance, quality control, and process optimization.
• May assist in training, mentoring, or supervising junior operators.

Production Operator Lead:

• Leadership position overseeing a team of production process.
• Manages and coordinates the activities of the production team.
• Provides guidance, training, and support to operators.
• Monitors production schedules, assigns tasks, and ensures targets are met.
• Acts as a liaison between management and the production team.
• Collaborates with other departments to resolve issues and drive process improvements.
• May be responsible for training programs and enforcing safety protocols.
• Possesses strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Who We’re Looking For

Team Wellie is a group of people who are truly obsessed in all the best ways about winning for the consumer and the pets they love. And so we are seeking an individual who:

• Is consumer focused in all they do
• Continually challenges themselves to go the extra mile to get the job done, and ensures it’s done the right way as opposed to the easy way
• Hold themselves and others accountable
• Embraces continual development through the sharing of feedback and investment in learning opportunities.
• Is a true collaborator, sharing resources, and engaging in healthy debate
• Celebrates differences and strives to learn from others who are different from themselves
• Gives back to their community and supports sustainable practices
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude
• Ability to work in an environment which includes frequent exposure to elements such as odor, noise, heat, cold, dust and chemicals
• Ability to read and understand process operating procedures

Why Work for Wellness Pet

We care about the wellbeing of our people, their families, and their pets. So we treat every Wellie to a comprehensive benefits package full of extras to support their health, pets, passions, and professional Development. More information about our benefits can be found on our website.

The Wellness Pet Company is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

Ready to leash up and take a walk with us? Apply at https://www.wellnesspet.com/careers/

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