Mill Operator – Tuffy’s Pet Foods

 Hours: 6am-2pm M-F

Compensation:

• All in hourly compensation: $24.54/hr
  • Base Pay: $23.32/hr
  • Sign on Bonus: $1.22/hr worked
• Profit Sharing Eligibility: Begins after completing 1 year of employment ($7.7 Million in Profits Paid to Profit Sharing Pool in 2025)

Our Coolest Benefit - Profit Sharing!

In our most recent fiscal year, KLN Family Brands paid out over $7.7 million into our profit sharing pool for employees!!

Our Story

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships, and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

The Opportunity

Tuffy’s Pet Food is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the Day Shift Mill Operator position. The person in this role will be tasked to operate the Mill Room functions of unloading, batching, mixing and grinding feed following all quality and safety requirements set forth in company policies

Essential Duties: 

• Coordinate with dry extrusion areas to assure timely production changeovers.
• Work with the dry production schedule to assure production requirements are met on a daily basis.
• Coordinate with raw ingredient purchaser to schedule incoming loads of raw ingredients.
• Follow production schedule and enter requirements into the auto batching system.
• Coordinate with Assistant Operator which minor ingredients are needed for the batch.
• Add minor ingredients to batch and properly record their usage.
• Set product path for proper flow to proper bin. This must be double checked by the Assistant Operator.
• Take samples for Quality Control of each run to assure quality.
• Monitor raw ingredient inventories versus daily inventory reports.
• Double check all process flow settings made by Assistant Mill Operator.
• Daily inspections of hammer mill screens.
• Daily cleaning of Mill Room Area.
• Weekly inspections of Rotex, leg and mill magnets.
• Notify maintenance of any unusual equipment noises or loss of proficiencies.
• Train new department employees.
• Take monthly and semi-annual inventories.

Qualifications

• Must not be afraid of heights or manlift, ability to climb 150 feet
• General mathematical ability and basic computer skills
• Learning, memorizing and executing a sequence of procedures
• Must be able to read, speak, write and understand English
• Willing and able to get along with others. Be willing to fill in on other shifts as required by supervisor.
• Good judgment, communication skills and reasoning abilities.
• Ability to drive forklift and pass certification exam
• Ability to handle weights of up to 100lbs and 50lbs on a routine basis

Benefits

• Health, Dental, & Vision
  • Wellness program discounts - up to $150 discounted towards health insurance monthly
• 80 Hours of PTO Accrued in First Year of Employment
• 7 Paid Holidays
• KLN Clinic - Free doctor visits & more than 300 free prescriptions
• 401k Match Opportunity
  • Opportunity to meet with our onsite financial advisors 
• $10,000 Forgivable Home Grant Program
• Tuition Assistance

 *This opportunity is contingent upon successful completion of a drug test and background check.*