Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Feed Mill Operator

🎯 Role Definition

As a Feed Mill Operator, you are the cornerstone of our animal nutrition supply chain. You will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of transforming raw ingredients into precisely formulated feed products that nourish livestock and support our agricultural partners. This role requires a hands-on approach, a keen eye for detail, and a steadfast commitment to safety and quality. You will operate and maintain a variety of complex machinery, from batching systems to pellet mills, ensuring every batch meets our stringent standards. This position is perfect for an individual who thrives in a dynamic, production-oriented environment and takes pride in contributing to a vital industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer (Manufacturing or Agricultural)
Farm Hand / Agricultural Technician
Warehouse Associate / Forklift Operator

Advancement To:

Lead Mill Operator / Shift Lead
Feed Mill Supervisor
Plant Manager

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Technician
Maintenance Technician
Logistics / Inventory Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate complex, computer-controlled batching systems to accurately weigh and mix raw ingredients according to precise nutritional formulas.
Manage and monitor the operation of key production equipment, including grinders, mixers, pellet mills, coolers, and automated bagging/packing lines.
Skillfully operate a forklift, front-end loader, and other heavy equipment to safely handle and transport raw materials and finished goods throughout the facility.
Conduct routine quality control checks and collect samples of raw ingredients, in-process materials, and finished feed for laboratory analysis to ensure they meet quality and safety specifications.
Execute the receiving process for all incoming grain and ingredient shipments, including probing trucks, assessing quality, and accurately recording data into the inventory system.
Perform preventative and routine maintenance on mill equipment to ensure operational efficiency, minimize downtime, and prolong the lifespan of machinery.
Systematically troubleshoot and diagnose operational or mechanical issues with production equipment, performing minor repairs or escalating to the maintenance team as needed.
Strictly adhere to all company, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA safety protocols, FDA guidelines, and HACCP/SQF food safety plans.
Meticulously maintain a high level of cleanliness and organization throughout the mill, performing regular housekeeping duties to prevent contamination and ensure a safe work environment.
Efficiently and safely load finished feed products onto bulk trucks or into bags, ensuring accurate weight, proper documentation, and adherence to customer order specifications.
Monitor and manage inventory levels of raw ingredients, packaging materials, and finished products, communicating reorder needs to supervisors to prevent production delays.
Precisely document all production and quality control activities, maintaining accurate and legible records for batching, flushing, sequencing, and inventory movements.
Regulate and control auxiliary systems, such as boilers and steam conditioners, to maintain optimal temperature and moisture levels required for the pelleting process.
Implement proper feed sequencing and flushing procedures to prevent cross-contamination between different feed types, particularly medicated and non-medicated formulas.
Collaborate effectively with team members, supervisors, and truck drivers to coordinate production schedules, shipping, and receiving activities.
Actively participate in all scheduled safety meetings and training sessions, contributing to a proactive and positive safety culture within the facility.
Assist in the organization and management of the warehouse, ensuring proper stock rotation (FIFO) and clear labeling of all products.
Utilize basic computer skills to interface with control systems, enter data into spreadsheets, and manage production orders.
Visually inspect finished pellets and crumbles for consistency, durability, and overall quality before they are moved to storage or loaded for delivery.
Calibrate scales, meters, and other measurement devices on a regular schedule to ensure the continued accuracy of all production processes.

Secondary Functions

Assist the maintenance department with more extensive repairs or equipment installation projects during scheduled downtime.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback and suggestions for enhancing safety, quality, and efficiency.
Support facility groundskeeping and general maintenance tasks as required to maintain a professional and safe site.
Participate in periodic, full-scale inventory counts to reconcile physical stock with system records.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating manufacturing machinery such as pellet mills, batching systems (e.g., WEM, Repete), mixers, and grinders.
Heavy Machinery Operation: Certified or experienced in operating forklifts, skid steers, and front-end loaders for material handling.
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong ability to understand, troubleshoot, and perform basic maintenance on mechanical and automated systems.
Quality Control Testing: Experience with collecting samples, performing basic quality checks, and using testing equipment.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with FDA, OSHA, HACCP, and/or SQF standards within a manufacturing or agricultural context.
Inventory Management: Competency in tracking inventory levels, performing cycle counts, and using inventory software.
Basic Computer Proficiency: Ability to interact with HMI/SCADA control panels and use basic office software for record-keeping.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in following complex formulas, procedures, and quality standards.
Problem-Solving: Resourceful in identifying the root cause of equipment or process issues and implementing effective solutions.
Safety-Conscious: A strong, unwavering commitment to following safety protocols and maintaining a safe work environment for oneself and others.
Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
Teamwork & Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with colleagues across different departments.
Physical Stamina: Capable of lifting and carrying up to 55 lbs, working in varying temperatures, and standing for extended periods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or Associate's degree in a relevant technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Agricultural Mechanics
Manufacturing Technology
Animal Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a relevant environment.

Preferred:

Direct experience as an operator in a feed mill, grain elevator, or similar bulk material processing facility is highly preferred. Experience in any manufacturing, production, or agricultural setting will be strongly considered.