REPORTS TO: Shift Lead (and/or) Plant Manager
PURPOSE: The Utility Operator is responsible for maintaining plant cleanliness, monitoring equipment and process flow, and assisting with routine maintenance activities to support safe and efficient plant operations. This position plays a key role in ensuring housekeeping standards, operational reliability, and production efficiency throughout the facility.
Plant Cleaning & Housekeeping
-
Maintain cleanliness of production, processing, and utility areas throughout the facility.
-
Perform routine cleaning of floors, equipment, platforms, conveyors, and work areas.
-
Remove waste, spills, and debris in accordance with company safety and environmental standards.
-
Assist with sanitation activities as required.
-
Ensure housekeeping standards meet regulatory and company requirements.
Equipment Monitoring & Process Support
-
Monitor operating equipment and production processes for proper performance.
-
Conduct routine inspections of machinery, conveyors, pumps, motors, and other plant equipment.
-
Identify and report abnormal operating conditions, leaks, unusual noises, or equipment malfunctions.
-
Assist operators in maintaining efficient product flow throughout the plant.
-
Record operational observations and communicate issues to management.
Maintenance Assistance
-
Assist maintenance personnel with basic repairs and preventive maintenance activities.
-
Perform simple mechanical tasks such as replacing belts, hoses, filters, gaskets, and lubricating equipment as needed.
-
Assist with equipment teardown, cleaning, and reassembly.
-
Use hand and power tools safely and effectively.
-
Support maintenance shutdowns and startup activities.
Safety & Compliance
-
Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and lockout/tagout requirements.
-
Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
-
Report unsafe conditions, accidents, and near-miss incidents immediately.
-
Participate in safety meetings and/or training programs.
-
Maintain compliance with company quality, environmental, and food/feed safety standards.
Physical Requirements
-
Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and lift throughout the workday.
-
Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, dusty, and noisy environments.
-
Ability to climb ladders and work around industrial machinery as needed.
-
Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
Key Competencies
-
Dependability and attendance
-
Mechanical aptitude
-
Safety awareness
-
Problem-solving skills
-
Teamwork and communication
-
Attention to detail
-
Initiative and willingness to learn
JOB REQUIREMENTS (cont.):
-
Ability to troubleshoot malfunction and situations as they arise, notifying appropriate staff of problems beyond scope of normality.
-
Ability to cooperate with all staff.
-
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
-
Ability to assist in all work areas.
-
Ensure principles of animal food hygiene and animal food safety are followed and maintained.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND EXPOSURES:
General manufacturing working conditions exist. Exposures include, but are not limited to chemicals, odor, caustics, temperatures ranging from freezing to extreme heat, high noise levels, dust, moving equipment/machinery and extended work hours. Will be required to stand for an extended period of time on concrete floors. Will be exposed to chemicals used during production and cleanup.
Education:
High School Diploma or GED certificate preferred.
Experience:
Previous work experience in agriculture, production, or manufacturing preferred.
“Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of the job duties and requirements associated with this job but is intended to represent an accurate reflection of the current job.”
