The Mill Technician is an integral and important part of a team responsible for manufacturing feed in accordance with operating procedures. To accomplish this, they will operate the manual and computer automated systems required to receive ingredients, mix feed through hand adds, batching and pelleting and potentially engage in the operation of certain equipment. In addition to feed manufacturing the operator will perform inventory management, appropriate maintenance and repair on production related equipment as well as housekeeping activities. Mill technicians are responsible for compliance with all company policies, local, state and federal policies, laws and regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Milling Operations

Develop and maintain knowledge in animal nutrition and how ingredients interact with milling and grinding process through formulation to produced defined feed types
Grain tester - DON testing; dockage; moisture and bushel weight and foreign material; auto and manual truck probing
Perform the function of "hand-adds," the manual addition of feed ingredients and accurately recording medication and vitamin usage.
Clean and perform routine housekeeping of the mill
Perform general mechanical duties
Control and monitor feed production through the computer center. Routing. Batching.
Effectively operate multiple pellet mill lines
Effectively operate grinding equipment
Receive daily shipments of grain and ingredients by truck & rail
Be able to operate a forklift, skidloader and payloader
Effectively operate specific equipment at individual locations, extruder, corn dryer, transload

Ingredient and Inventory Management

Maintain bag inventories, stacked and orderly
Monitor and keep accurate ingredient/grain inventories

Administrative and Other

Navigate, use and understand software such as Laserfiche, The Wenger System, Microsoft Word, Excel and the WEM platform
Complete training in a timely manner
Maintain usage reports and operational records as needed
Perform other duties as determined by the Regional Mill Manager.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

A minimum requirement of a high school degree or equivalent
Accumulated solid foundation of general work experience
Minimum of 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
Minimum of 1 year of experience in a feed mill preferred
Background in agriculture through education and/or experience preferred
Knowledge of feed manufacturing equipment operation and maintenance preferred
Ability to operate various types of machinery and heavy equipment preferred

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to work both with close supervision and independently
Ability to understand and follow Food Safety Standards - FSMA and SQF, Federal and State regulations
Knowledge of feed manufacturing techniques
Demonstrated math and critical thinking skills
Ability to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed
Ability to work in an effective and efficient manner
Ability to work well with others
Promotes teamwork
Positive attitude
Adaptable to change
Demonstrates safe behavior and ability to follow policies and procedures
Demonstrated mechanical ability
Demonstrates Wenger's Core Values
Demonstrated problem solving skills
Demonstrated computer skills, including MS Word and Excel
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
Ability to operate various types of machinery and heavy equipment
Must be able to be medically cleared to wear all required PPE including but not limited respirator and ARC Flash

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. repeatedly and up to 100 lbs. on occasion
Ability to climb ladders and work in high places
Ability to work in confined spaces
Ability to work in dusty conditions

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

Supervised by: Mill Shift Supervisor
Supervises: None

DEPARTMENT: Operations