Process Operator at Darling Ingredients in Knoxville, TN

The Process Operator is responsible for the operation of the computer controlled process equipment, cooker, machinery, and evaluation of any process problems in addition to performing product quality testing.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Oversees rendering process from raw material bin to finished goods storage.
• Maintain steady flow of material to cooker.
• Maintain cooker temperature, rate, and steam at peak operating levels.
• Monitor evaporation rate to maintain rate per hour according to requirements.
• Control flow of material to presses and to finished goods storage.
• Monitor control panel and various gauges to accomplish process.
• Operate pollution control system including air/odor control system and wastewater control.
• Responsible for boiler start up and operation.
• Perform periodic preventative maintenance on all equipment in process.
• Monitor machinery; bring all problems to attention of manager.
• Assures equipment and work area is clean after each shift.
• Maintains safety as top priority in accordance with all company safety rules and regulations.
• As trained, be aware of and responsible for their role in Darling's food safety program.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Manufacturing, industrial, or agricultural experience preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in a rendering facility or production environment preferred.
• Knowledge of mechanical rendering and or process equipment.
• Good mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting; skilled in general mechanics and safe operation of equipment.
• Ability to deal with minor problems involving equipment or various situations.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends as needed.
• Works well with others in a team environment.

Working Environment

Job functions will be carried out in a rendering facility which requires tolerance for wet and/or slippery floors, and high heat and/or cold temperatures.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to walk, stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crawl, and crouch.
• Occasionally push, pull, move or lift up to 50 lbs.
• Regularly required reach with hands and arms.

About the Team

Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local law. Know Your Rights: If you would like more information, please click on the link and paste into your browser: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster of this job.

About the Company

We’re one of the world’s leading practitioners of circularity, transforming materials from the animal agriculture and food industries into valuable ingredients. Ingredients that nourish people, feed animals and crops, and fuel the world with renewable energy.