Mill Operator I

Position Summary

The primary function of this position is to safely operate mill and warehouse equipment to manufacture, package, store, and ship high-quality feed efficiently. This role supports production by completing assigned batching, packaging, receiving, loading, inventory, and housekeeping duties while proactively identifying issues that may impact safety, quality, or production uptime.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate feed mill and warehouse equipment in accordance with company procedures, safety requirements, and quality standards.

• Complete micro batch hand adds for the mixer accurately and in accordance with production instructions.

• Package and palletize 20-60 lb. bags of feed and load super sacks while ensuring proper labeling, stacking, and product rotation.

• Restock, organize, and rotate warehouse inventory, including site products, ingredients, medications, and pellets.

• Receive, inspect, and rotate incoming ingredients and supplies according to established procedures.

• Pick, stage, and load outbound products for customers, other United facilities, and United delivery trucks.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the mill, warehouse, and surrounding work areas.

• Repair or repackage broken bags as appropriate and report product quality concerns.

• Perform basic inventory control tasks, including product counts, rotation, and reporting discrepancies.

• Monitor equipment performance and communicate maintenance or production concerns to the appropriate supervisor.

• Follow all feed safety, quality, and regulatory requirements when handling ingredients, medications, and finished products.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain quality wood pallets and packaging materials for shipping.

• Assist with basic troubleshooting and routine operational checks as trained.

• Support a team-oriented work environment by communicating clearly with supervisors, drivers, customers, and coworkers.

• Participate in required training, safety meetings, and continuous improvement activities.

• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted in a feed mill, warehouse, and outdoor environment.

• Work may include exposure to dust, noise, moving equipment, uneven surfaces, and extremes in temperature.

• Employees are expected to maintain awareness of surroundings and follow all site safety procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• H.S. diploma, GED, or equivalent professional experience.

• Education, training, or experience necessary to manufacture, process, pack, or hold safe animal food appropriate to the individual’s duties.

• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

• Ability to work safely around machinery, equipment, ingredients, and finished feed products.

Preferred Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in a warehouse, manufacturing, agriculture, feed mill, or production environment.

• Experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, or similar material handling equipment.

• Basic understanding of inventory rotation, housekeeping standards, and safe product handling practices.

Technical Skills

• Basic mechanical aptitude for identifying and communicating equipment issues.

• Ability to operate production, packaging, and material handling equipment as trained.

• Familiarity with safety protocols, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and general manufacturing processes.

• Ability to accurately follow batching, packaging, receiving, loading, and inventory procedures.

• Basic math and recordkeeping skills.

Non-Technical Skills

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Dependable, punctual, and able to work assigned schedules.

• Organizational skills and ability to maintain a clean work area.

• Effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced production environment.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid driver’s license preferred but not required.

•Forklift certification preferred or ability to obtain certification, if required by the site.

Physical & Safety Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds frequently.

• Ability to sit or stand for an 8-hour shift while performing repetitive motions.

• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach in all directions.

• Ability to climb ladders and stairs as needed.

• Hand-eye coordination for operating equipment.

• Ability to work in confined spaces, if required and properly trained.

• Ability to work in dusty, noisy, hot, cold, indoor, and outdoor conditions.

• Strictly adhere to all company safety procedures and regulations to ensure a safe working environment.

•Use required PPE, including masks, gloves, breathing apparatus, and eye/ear protection, based on task needs.

• Participate in safety training programs and drills to enhance workplace safety awareness.

• Report any safety hazards, equipment concerns, product quality issues, or incidents immediately to the Feed Mill Manager or designated supervisor.

Disclaimer

Adherence to all food safety procedures as per FDA regulations, including the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) or any other applicable federal, state, or local food safety regulations.