$21 Press Operator, Rotating Schedule ($1,000 Sign-on Bonus Available!) - 8th Ave Food & Provisions

8th Avenue Food & Provisions is a growing organization made up of businesses that produce and sell quality products including pasta, peanut butter, granola, and fruit and nut trail mixes to retail, foodservice and ingredient customers. The company was formed in October 2018 through a combination of Post Holdings’ private brands businesses and is owned by Post Holdings and funds affiliated with Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (“THL”), a private equity firm.

Dakota Grower’s started out as a grower-owned cooperative built by farmers in the early 1990s and today we are the third largest pasta manufacturer in North America. Our entrepreneurial spirit drives our innovative culture and passion to bring premium quality pasta to your table. At Dakota Growers, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic, challenging and inspiring environment in one of our state-of-the-art food manufacturing facilities.

Our employees’ well-being comes first. That’s why we offer excellent wages and a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation and holidays, healthcare, dental and vision insurance, short-/long-term disability, company-paid life insurance, 401(k) with up to 6% company match, and annual incentives. 

Position Summary:

Press Operator is a valuable role for our organization. As a Press Operator at Dakota Growers Pasta Co., you would be responsible for pasta production equipment operation to drive maximum product output while maintaining DGPC quality and safety standards. Additionally, you play a key role in preparing for shape changes according to the production schedule and ensure the proper blends of raw ingredients are used

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Review press and dryer machines for correct operational settings according to standard operating procedures; monitor and adjust production settings in order to achieve a scheduled poundage goal for each production run. Evaluate and correct machine stoppages without close supervision. Reports issues to Senior Press Operators

· Continuously monitor and maintain lengths in short goods and patterns in long goods according to DGPC specifications. Inform the Senior Operator and Silo operators of any non-spec pasta that may require regrinding

· Prepare for shape changes according to the production schedule and ensure the proper blends of raw ingredients are used

· Assist in, or conduct, ingredient changeovers as directed by the Senior Press Operators

· Assist in maintaining a detailed log of production events during each shift; maintain and review quality check sheets consistently during each shift

· Partner with Press Utility roles to clean-up machines issues during operation, as requested

· Report safety and food safety issues to the Senior Press Operator or Lead Press Operator

· Assist Lab Technicians with pasta samples for moisture testing by removing long goods products from machine process points three times per day

· Conduct inspections, record, and report findings in the semolina tailings (mill scalpings), and report findings back to Mill via Senior Press Operator

· Maintain dies (selecting, preparing, washing, storing) and perform additional die room duties (preparing ingredient hoppers, recording ingredient usage, proper disposal of containers, and superstack machine operation) in the absence of the die room attendant

· Partner with company leadership to proactively identify and execute on continuous improvement opportunities in the areas of: safety, food safety, quality, productivity, and sanitation

· Other duties, as assigned

Education and Experience Required:

· Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution OR 1-year experience in manufacturing in lieu of education

· Must be able to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills:

· Previous experience operating equipment in a manufacturing setting

· Previous experience working with production line control computers

Physical Requirements: Qualified candidates must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation:

· Must be able to balance, bend, crouch, kneel, sit, stand, stoop, and reach above shoulders for 3+ hours per shift

· Must be able to walk for 6+ hours per shift

· Must be able to climb and work off ladder for 3+ hours per shift

· Must be able to work in a dusty environment for 3+ hours per shift

· Must be able to work in high heat and humidity for 6+ hours per shift

· Must be able to perform simple grasping, push, pull, and perform fine manipulation for 3+ hours per shift

· Must be able to lift up-to 10 pounds for 6+ hours per shift

· Must be able to lift up-to 50 pounds for 3+ hours per shift

· Must be able to make fine distinctions in sound

· Must be able to express ideas by spoken and written word

· Must be able to distinguish objects and equipment visually