JOB REQUIREMENTS: KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Set up, start, operate, monitor, and shut down single-screw extrusion equipment and supporting food-processing systems according to established procedures and production schedules. Prepare, stage, weigh, verify, and feed raw materials according to approved formulas, batch sheets, and work instructions. Monitor and control extrusion process parameters such as feed rate, moisture, steam, temperature, pressure, screw speed, and product flow to maintain consistent processing conditions. Operate and monitor preconditioning and steam-induced expansion processes used to cook, condition, and form fish food products. Monitor extrudate characteristics including size, shape, density, expansion, texture, moisture, and overall appearance, and make routine process adjustments when results begin to trend outside established specifications. Perform product and equipment changeovers, including die changes and other routine setup activities, following standard operating procedures and required safety practices. Monitor downstream drying, cooling, conveying, and product-transfer equipment to ensure stable flow and proper product condition before packaging. Perform required in-process quality checks and accurately document process settings, production results, downtime, scrap, material usage, and other required manufacturing information. Identify process or equipment abnormalities, perform basic troubleshooting, and promptly communicate maintenance or quality concerns that require additional support. Maintain compliance with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, allergen controls, and established food-safety requirements. Safely handle ingredients that may include fish meal, shellfish, grains, proteins, vitamins, minerals, oils, and other raw materials used in fish food production. Perform routine cleaning and sanitation of extrusion equipment, dies, preconditioners, conveyors, surrounding equipment, and production work areas. Follow OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, machine-guarding requirements, and all required personal protective equipment (PPE) practices. Support preventive maintenance activities and operator basic-care expectations by inspecting equipment condition and reporting wear, leaks, abnormal noise, or other developing concerns. Work collaboratively with Quality, Maintenance, Production, and other team members to meet daily safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals. Support continuous improvement activities focused on process stability, throughput, product quality, waste reduction, equipment reliability, and safe work practices. Perform other duties as assigned to support fish food manufacturing operations. QUALIFICATIONS Previous pet food, animal feed, fish food, cereal, snack food, or other food-extrusion manufacturing experience (preferred). Experience operating dryers, coolers, conveyors, feeders, and other equipment supporting an extrusion process (preferred). Experience supporting preventive maintenance, operator basic care, or equipment reliability activities (preferred). Experience with HMI/PLC-based process controls and electronic production monitoring systems (preferred). ERP/SAP or similar electronic production-system experience (preferred). MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION High school diploma or GED preferred. Minimum 23 years of experience operating extrusion equipment in a production environment, preferably within food, pet food, animal feed, cereal, snack food, or a similar process-manufacturing operation. Demonstrated hands-on experience operating single-screw extrusion equipment is required. Working knowledge of steam-assisted or steam-induced expansion/extrusion processes, including the relationship between steam, moisture, temperature, pressure, feed rate, screw speed, and finished-product characteristics, is required. Experience monitoring a d adjusting extrusion process parameters to maintain product quality, throughput, density, moisture, shape, and consistency is required. Experience with ingredient batching, blending, feeding, and/or other upstream food-processing operations supporting an extrusion process is required. Experience performing equipment startups, shutdowns, product changeovers, die changes, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting is required. Ability to recognize process deviations and make appropriate adjustments before they result in significant scrap, downtime, or out-of-spec product. Experience working within established food safety, GMP, sanitation, and production documentation requirements. Mechanical aptitude with the ability to recognize abnormal operating conditions, troubleshoot process and equipment issues, and communicate effectively with Maintenance and Quality. Ability to understand and follow formulas, batch sheets, work instructions, production schedules, process specifications, and standard operating procedures. Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety, product quality, equipment care, and accurate documentation. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. ***** APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply Online: https://talentwire.org/AKRbov