Extruder Apprentice at Mars, Incorporated in Rolla, Missouri

Job Description:

Job Purpose/Overview:

The apprentice Processing Technician role will be a developmental role to build the capability of future Processing/Extruder operators. This role will learn to safely and efficiently receive, analyze and process raw ingredients through four major areas/systems (batching, extrusion, coating, and digest) to make high-quality pet food that meets or exceeds all specifications set by Mars Petcare in the amount and schedule dictated by business needs. This role will rotate with the core production team on a rotating 12 hours shift. This role will also spend time in batching, receiving, and SKD process to fully develop the skill set.

Key Responsibilities:

This role will be an entry-level role into the Extrusion/Processing role and will develop the capability to perform the following responsibilities:

• Perform all of the following duties on a rotational basis in the processing area of the plant. This includes operating all systems, performing all quality checks, maintaining conformance reports and system logs, and troubleshooting all aspects of each system :

Batching - schedule, batch, and assure accurate dispersion of the correct commodities, control hardstock grinding and amounts into each recipe that is delivered to the mixed meal system.

Extrusion - extrude mixed meal and dry kibbles that meet all quality specifications and optimize plant capacity.

Coating - coat and blend kibbles with tallow and digest into the finished product according to recipe requirements; coordinate with packaging and extrusion to optimize product stream and bunker inventory levels.

• Manage and set strategy for the five processing systems to ensure it is meeting or exceeding production schedule in the most efficient manner possible.


• Maintain a safe and clean work environment to promote associate safety and product integrity.


• Ability to actively address food safety and quality concerns.


• Troubleshoot processing systems that are not performing properly and take corrective action to ensure product quality while minimizing unnecessary downtime.


• Obtain and maintain proficiency in job-specific business systems such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel systems. Remain current with facility utilized business systems.


• May have to perform special non-routine tasks associated with corporate requests, projects, and tests


• Participate in site action circles and focus groups as appropriate.


• Train other area associates in the operation of all areas and systems.


• Other duties as required.

Education & Professional Qualifications:

• Associates degree or equivalent of 2-3 years experience (manufacturing environment preferred).


• Good math, reading, and writing skills.


• High level of mechanical aptitude and knowledge with good skills in troubleshooting and problem-solving.


• Excellent housekeeping skills and knowledge of GMP's.


• Good knowledge of personal computers.


• Ability and willingness to develop and manage self, demonstrate self-directed workgroup leadership, and contribute to efficiency, quality, and cost optimization with minimal supervision and a positive attitude.


• The position will be physically demanding. The successful candidate must have:

• Ability to lift 50 lbs


• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shift


• Ability to work under variable conditions such as heat, cold, high, and /or confined spaces.


• Ability to climb ladders


• Ability to travel up and downstairs, repetitively


• Ability to do repetitive bending and twisting


• Ability to work with hazardous chemicals (phosphoric acid) and work with exposure to pressurized steam.


• Forklift certified

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