Pea Protein Process Operator

Company Description

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 20,000 people globally.

Job Description

We are currently recruiting for Dry Process Operators and Wet Process Operators to join the Louis Dreyfus Company Pea Protein Isolate (“PPI”) Facility as part of LDC’s processing facility in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada.

We have several vacancies to fill, and encourage all applicants to carefully review the position summaries, job description, and experience sections below, then apply on this job posting for consideration if you meet the requirements.

If you have a preference for Dry or Wet Process, please indicate so in your cover letter, otherwise suitability and fit will be determined collaboratively through the review and interview process. Both positions require participation in shiftwork rotations and overtime, including day and night shifts, weekends, holidays, etc.

Position Summaries:

• The Dry Process Operator scope is from raw material receiving (yellow peas) through cleaning, dehulling and milling into pea flour. Responsibilities include monitoring of silo levels and feed components, milling operation, sampling, quality reviews of milling and cleaning process, to name a few. This position will also monitor industrial equipment such as bucket elevators, various sieving devices, dehullers, starch pelletizer, dedusting system, optical sorter and grinder.
• The Wet Process Operator is focused on operating wet processing equipment including the spray dryer and wet fractionation to extract, refine and concentrate pea protein through a continuous manufacturing process generating Pea Protein Isolate. Some of the equipment involved are Horizontal decanters, disc stack centrifuges, pumps, and reactor vessels. Responsibilities include in-process sampling and testing, calibration of testing equipment, chemical concentration checks during CIP, washdowns and housekeeping, process troubleshooting and optimization, to name a few.

Primary Responsibilities of both Dry Process Operators and Wet Process Operators:

• Follow production plans, work instructions, operating procedures, and shift priorities to meet safety, operational, and quality requirements.
• Close monitoring, operating and manual adjusting of process controls to ensure production meets required throughput and quality parameters, on controls such as the HMI, CCPs, OPRPs, food safety and quality instructions (Hygiene standards per zone, GMP, HACCP)
• Troubleshoot and strive for process optimization steps to maintain quality and production levels
• Continuous sampling and operator rounds as scheduled and required, as well as meticulous record keeping and of manufacturing information (production declaration, initiate process orders), analytical analysis and data reporting, transfer of QC samples to the main laboratory, etc.
• Prepare and execute quality alerts when there are issues regarding food safety or product quality, and ensure communication as required.
• Perform root cause analysis following process incidents, ensuring equipment is running as intended.
• Monitor process performance through sampling and testing and adjusting process parameters based on the findings of the testing plan.
• In-process sampling, analytical analysis, and corrective adjustments to the process. Urgently report any deviations that pose a risk to quality and food safety to Shift Supervisor(s).
• Ensure the equipment is in good repair by performing basic preventative maintenance, including but not limited to greasing and lubrication, gasket inspections and cleaning. This includes pre-operation inspections and cleaning, as well as food safety checks.
• Comply with the plant safety procedures and LDC safety policies, including but not limited to LOTO, Work permit, Confined space and other SHE procedures.
• Conduct safety inspections of automated equipment prior to use
• Declare production in SAP and records inspections on the applicable production records.
• Maintain composure and accuracy under pressure, manage competing priorities, and be available on short notice for overtime, shift extensions, or call-ins.
• Perform cleaning of the plant and its surrounding area according to the established master sanitation schedule.
• Ensure continuous communication with the Shift Supervisor(s) and Plant Management of any process and/or equipment deficiencies, mechanical failures, CCP or OPRP concerns, etc.
• Maintains high level of sanitation, housekeeping, and cleanliness in the department and within the entire facility as required and assigned.
• Committed to maintaining a respectful and safe workplace.

Qualifications

• Must have Grade 12 education or equivalent (GED).
• Must have completed post-secondary education (ideally Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering or Food Sciences)
• Possesses at least 3 years significant work experience in high-sensitivity food manufacturing
• Previous work experience in the following areas would be considered as an asset:
  • Grain processing
  • Separation and Filtration processes
  • Evaporation and or distillation
  • Dairy, meat processing, or other high sanitation food manufacturing
  • Industrial Drying process
  • Water treatment systems
  • Food safety and GMP
  • Manual sanitation cleaning techniques
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, and have both technical and practical knowledge of machinery/equipment.
• Must have a meticulous eye for detail and accuracy in all aspects, including but not limited to department cleanliness, housekeeping, record keeping, data entry, etc.
• Must be mechanically inclined, with technical and practical knowledge of machinery/equipment as well as an ability to learn.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and decision making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to make quick and sound decisions while working under pressure, while trusting instincts in challenging operational situations.
• High proficiency with computers and software, and familiar with the entire Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Excel, Word).
• Must have exposure to ERP and MES systems.
• Previous WHMIS training, as well as knowledge and/or experience in ISO quality standards system and LEAN manufacturing, are considered to be assets.
• Must have the physical and mental stamina to work in a fast-paced and detail-oriented work environment, while balancing and prioritizing production demands and tasks throughout the entire duration of the 12-hour shift in varying environments including hot/cold, outdoors/indoors, dust, odor, sound, etc.
• Must participate in shiftwork rotations and overtime, including day and night shifts, weekends, holidays, etc.
• Must be able to withstand extended periods of walking, stair climbing, and standing.
• Must be able to move, lift, push, pull and grasp manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 lbs or more, which may require regular bending and crouching.
• Must be able to abide by food safety and PPE requirements within a highly sensitive food safety environment, including but not limited to steel-toed work boots, hairnets and beardnets, hardhat, safety glasses, specialized uniforms, etc.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, effective oral and written communication skills, and basic numerical skills are required.
• Well-organized, self-motivated and action oriented.
• Committed to industrial hygiene within facility, department and all work areas.
• Driven to working safely, efficiently and effectively within a team environment.
• Must possess a passion for the agriculture industry, as well as alternative proteins solutions, and ambition to grow with a company.

Additional Information

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including extended health care and dental coverage, employee and family assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage

- Retirement Savings Plan with Employer contributions and matching

- Paid vacation, paid sick time and paid statutory holidays

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us