Senior Operator M/W

InnovaFeed is a biotech company that produces natural and sustainable ingredients for animal feed and plant nutrition from insect rearing (Hermetia illucens). 

We contribute to the growth of a high-quality fish farming sector by providing a new source of sustainable, natural and high-performance protein. We also produce high-quality insect oil than can be used in poultry and swine feed, as an alternative to imported oils. Our oil is rich in lauric acid, known for its anti-microbial properties. Finally, insect dejections are used as an organic fertilizer, closing the nitrogen loop in a circular way. 

InnovaFeeds’ innovating insect rearing process is deployed on an industrial scale to address the strain on natural resources in a responsible and sustainable way. 

Leveraging expertise at the forefront of biotech research, our unique model is supported by many key actors in the scientific, political and financial fields.

Do you want to contribute to building a more natural and sustainable food system? Do you want to work for a company that cares about its employees and its social and environmental impact?

 

Our Decatur based company is the affiliate of a French parent company who is a world leader in alternative animal proteins. We breed and process Black Soldier Flies, insects that are used as a new, environmentally friendly ingredient in pet food 🐟 🐤 and as an organic fertilizer 🌱.  The success of our project depends on having a team that shares our values and goals.

 

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Operator to join our team. The Senior Operator will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring the smooth operation of our production processes, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. This role requires a proactive individual with strong technical skills and leadership abilities.

 

We are looking for candidates who would be available to start as early as July-1st 2024 at our Decatur facility in Illinois. The regular shift would be Monday to Friday 7AM-3:30PM.

 

If you feel that you share our values and have the skills and experience described here, we’d love to hear from you!

 

●      Operate and monitor production machinery, equipment, and processes in accordance with the site standards (SOP’s and instructions) to ensure optimal performance. This may include but is not limited to sorting machines, conveyor systems, packaging equipment, forklifts, and manual operations.

●      Be hands-on in operations (manual tasks) while supporting the Jr. Operators on their tasks as well in order to meet daily objectives.

●      Perform first level (operational) maintenance routine (e.g.: inspection / monitoring, cleaning, tightening / adjustment, consumables replacement, basic repair, safety checks, etc…) and equipment troubleshooting.

●      Work alongside the Production Manager to coordinate resources, tasks and planning to meet daily, weekly and monthly production goals.

●      Be hands-on in production leading by example providing guidance and clear communication.

●      Work alongside the Production Manager to prepare planning, training and site organization (e.g.: 5s, Cleaning, etc…) .

●      Perform meetings with the Junior Operation team to align on daily tasks as well as to provide guidance and orientation.

●      Self starter.

●      Be hands-on in production ensuring compliance with safety and quality regulations as well as company policies.

●      Conduct regular inspections in production as well as quality checks to maintain high standards of production.

●      Collaborate with other departments (e.g.: maintenance, quality, technology, R&D, etc…) to optimize production processes and resolve issues.

●      Maintain accurate production records.

●      Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement solutions.

●      Respond to emergencies and equipment malfunctions promptly and report appropriately.

●      Continuously monitor production processes to ensure equipment is functioning correctly and production targets are being met.

●      Identify and address any issues that may lead to production delays or quality concerns.

●      Participate and be engaged in providing inputs to improve production processes.

●      Perform training and instruction to the team on SOPs or other procedural changes when needed or required by your manager.

●      Carry out checks and sampling on the line for quality control.

●      Adhere to all safety guidelines, procedures, and regulations while operating machinery and equipment, and report any safety hazards or incidents immediately to supervisors.

●      Handle raw materials, intermediate components, and finished products in a safe and organized manner by using appropriate tools and equipment for material handling tasks.

●      Being a fairly small team, there may be times where “all hands on deck” are needed at the factory site which may require conducting tasks outside of the operations scope.

 

●      High school diploma or GED (preferred).

●      More than 10 years of experience as Senior Operator or Team Lead in the manufacturing environment (preferably in food or farming). 

●      Strong technical skills on team lead while being hands on in operations/production.

●      Experience in agri-food industry is a plus

●      Familiarity with automated equipment and supervision systems.

●      Proven leadership and team management abilities.

●      Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

●      Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

●      Ability to work in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment.

●      Good communication and interpersonal skills.

●      Problem-solving skills and the ability to work well under pressure.

●      Basic computer skills for data recording and equipment control interfaces.

●      Knowledge of safety protocols and practices related to industrial settings.

 

 

●       Leadership: Ability to lead, mentor, and supervise a team of operators, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

●       Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify issues, troubleshoot problems, and implement effective solutions quickly and efficiently.

●       Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in production processes and maintenance tasks.

●       Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information, provide clear instructions, and collaborate with team members and other departments.

●       Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

●       Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, new technologies, and evolving production demands.

●       Technical Proficiency: Strong technical skills and the ability to understand and operate complex machinery and equipment.

●       Safety Awareness: Keen awareness of safety protocols and the ability to enforce and adhere to safety standards to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.

●       Team Player: Cooperative attitude and the ability to work well within a team, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive work culture.

●       Critical Thinking: Ability to think critically and make sound decisions under pressure.

●       Reliability: Dependable and consistent in performing duties, with a strong work ethic and commitment to active attendance.

●       Initiative: Proactive in identifying areas for improvement and taking the initiative to implement enhancements in processes and procedures.

 

●      Must be able to lift heavy objects (up to 50lbs).

●      Able to climb ladders, steps or stairs, and perform physically demanding tasks.

●      Able to stand / walk on concrete & uneven surfaces throughout the shift.

●      Able to bend and kneel for routine / non-routine tasks.

●      Able to work in a variety of extreme weather conditions (e.g.: hot/cold temperatures, humidity variations, etc…) as well as smelly environments.

●      Ability to work with repetitive tasks.

 

 

This full-time hourly position of $27 per hour. Due to the fluidity and nature of this role, working overtime and on-call duty on weekends/holidays may be required in the future. Fair compensation at a regular rate of 1.5x will be ensured for any overtime worked and 2x for holidays worked. Alternate work schedules will be coordinated with you by your manager.

 

●        Health Insurance

●        Retirement Benefits

●        Paid time off: 20 days of vacation, paid sick leave and paid holidays.

 

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe, productive, and drug-free workplace, job offers are conditional upon candidates passing a drug test before finalizing their employment. The test will encompass screenings for illegal drugs and controlled substances.

Innovafeed is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, work authorization status, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, genetic information, order of protection status, marital status, arrest record, conviction record (unless there is a substantial relationship between the previous criminal offenses and the position or the employment would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public), or other protected classes recognized by applicable federal or local law.