Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Feed Operator

🎯 Role Definition

As a Feed Operator, you are the hands-on expert at the heart of our production facility, forming the critical link in the agricultural supply chain. You will be entrusted with transforming raw ingredients into high-quality, nutritious feed products that our customers rely on. This role requires a sharp eye for detail, a commitment to safety and quality, and the technical skill to operate and maintain sophisticated manufacturing equipment. You are not just running machines; you are a key contributor to the health and performance of livestock and a guardian of our company's reputation for excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Worker or General Laborer
Farm Hand or Agricultural Technician
Warehouse Associate

Advancement To:

Lead Feed Operator or Shift Lead
Production Supervisor
Feed Mill Manager

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Technician
Maintenance Technician
Inventory Control Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Expertly operate and monitor sophisticated, computer-controlled batching systems to accurately mix raw ingredients and micro-nutrients according to precise feed formulations.
Manage the end-to-end operation of key production machinery, including pellet mills, mixers, and grinders, making real-time adjustments to optimize quality and output.
Conduct rigorous in-process and final product quality control checks, including sampling, testing for moisture and durability, and visual inspection to ensure all feed meets strict company and regulatory standards.
Skillfully operate mobile equipment, such as forklifts, skid steers, and front-end loaders, to safely and efficiently transport raw materials and finished goods throughout the facility.
Oversee the receiving and unloading of bulk and bagged ingredients from trucks and rail cars, verifying bills of lading and performing initial quality assessments.
Perform routine preventative maintenance, lubrication, and minor repairs on production equipment like elevators, conveyors, and mixers to minimize downtime and ensure operational reliability.
Maintain meticulous and accurate records of production runs, ingredient usage, and inventory levels using our facility's management software to ensure data integrity and traceability.
Champion a safety-first culture by strictly adhering to all OSHA, FDA, and site-specific safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and proper use of PPE.
Manage the flow of finished feed from production to the appropriate storage bins or directly into bulk transport trucks for shipment.
Execute precise sequencing, flushing, and cleaning procedures between different feed runs to meticulously prevent cross-contamination and ensure product purity.
Troubleshoot operational and mechanical issues as they arise, applying critical thinking to identify root causes and implement effective, timely solutions.
Monitor and control all critical process variables, including temperature, moisture, and amperage, from a centralized control room to maintain consistent product quality.
Load bulk feed trucks with the correct product and quantity, ensuring all shipping documentation is accurate and complete for seamless delivery.
Actively participate in continuous improvement projects, providing valuable frontline insight to enhance safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
Manage ingredient and finished feed bin levels, coordinating with the supply chain and scheduling teams to ensure uninterrupted production flow.
Calibrate scales, meters, and other measurement equipment on a regular schedule to guarantee batching accuracy and compliance with all regulations.
Collect, prepare, and properly document feed samples destined for internal or third-party laboratory analysis, maintaining the chain of custody.
Perform daily housekeeping duties across all work areas to maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready production environment.
Assist in the onboarding and hands-on training of new team members, sharing knowledge of standard operating procedures and best practices.
Ensure all finished products, whether bagged or bulk, are correctly identified and labeled to maintain 100% traceability from ingredient to end-user.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
Assist the maintenance team with more extensive repairs or equipment installation projects during scheduled downtime.
Participate in inventory cycle counts and physical inventory audits to ensure system accuracy.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Feed Mill Equipment Operation: Proven ability to operate pellet mills, hammer mills, mixers, and automated bagging lines.
Computerized Batching Systems: Experience with industry-specific software such as Repete, Beta Raven, WEM, or similar control systems.
Mobile Equipment Operation: Certified or experienced in operating forklifts, skid steers, and front-end loaders in an industrial setting.
Preventative Maintenance: Basic mechanical aptitude for performing routine maintenance, lubrication, and minor repairs.
Quality Control Testing: Ability to perform standard QC tests (e.g., moisture analysis, PDI) and accurately record results.
HACCP/FSMA Knowledge: Understanding of food and feed safety principles, particularly hazard analysis and preventative controls.
Data Entry & Record Keeping: Proficiency in maintaining accurate digital and paper records for production and inventory.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Demonstrable knowledge and application of LOTO procedures for equipment safety.
Basic Math & Measurement: Strong skills in arithmetic for formula calculations and inventory management.
Process Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve common operational issues with production equipment.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous in following formulas, procedures, and quality standards without deviation.
Problem-Solving: Resourceful in identifying issues and implementing effective solutions under pressure.
Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, self-motivated, and committed to completing tasks efficiently and to a high standard.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively with supervisors, maintenance, and other operators to achieve common goals.
Adaptability: Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, including dust, noise, varying temperatures, and at heights.
Safety-First Mindset: A non-negotiable commitment to personal safety and the safety of coworkers.
Communication: Clearly communicates operational status, issues, and needs to team members and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or Technical Certificate in a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Agriculture or Animal Science
Manufacturing Technology or Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or agricultural setting.

Preferred: Direct experience working in a feed mill, grain elevator, or similar bulk material processing facility. Experience in a role governed by FDA or other strict regulatory standards is a significant asset.