5AM - 3PM (Monday - Thursday)

$24.17/HR

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

Extruder Operator

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties:

• Review and follow daily production schedule verifying against their product information sheets for accuracy 

• Communicate with dry ingredient personnel as to which materials should be used for their immediate production needs 
• Coordinate with slurry operators to verify which liquid products are being made 
• Operate the extruder and monitor ancillary equipment to produce products that meet the desired specifications set forth by the Quality Assurance Department 
• Visually inspect and save samples throughout all runs to be taken to the Quality Control Lab for final analysis 
• Responsible to record operation parameters and turn in at the end of each shift 
• Monitor all feed formulas presented to them for color, odor and grind notifying supervisor of anything that looks out of specification 
• Cleaning systems as required between production runs 
• Setting up die plates for each different run and monitoring knife wear 
• Proficient in using batch logic system 
• Able to operate cutters, grillers, ovens and other equipment used in the extrusion department 
• Calibrate process flow monitors prior to each run 
• Daily clean up and sanitation of extruder area 
• Involved in weekly cleaning of extrusion area 
• Notify maintenance of any unusual equipment noises or failures 
• Train new departmental employees 
• Will perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by Supervisor 

Additional Responsibilities

• Cross train in dry ingredient receiving on operation of dry ingredient system
• Cross train in slurry room 

SAFETY

• Attend safety trainings
• Follow all safety instructions and policies
• Report any injuries or near miss accidents to supervisor
• Report any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisor
• Wear required PPE that is determined by site

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Keep work area clean and free of debris

FOOD SAFETY

• Assist in maintaining all sanitation schedules
• Attend food safety trainings
• Follow all GMPs and food safety instructions

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• General mathematical ability
• Self-motivation
• Learning, memorizing and executing a sequence of procedures
• Good hand – eye coordination
• Willing and able to get along with others
• Good judgement and reasoning abilities
• Basic Leadership Skills
• Can lift up to 80+ pounds
• Ability to drive a forklift and pass certification exam

Benefits

• Holiday pay
• Paid Time Off, with an additional day for your birthday!
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• FSA, Medical & Dependent Care
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401K with company match