COMPANY OVERIVEW

At Balchem we are committed to making the world a healthier place by delivering trusted, innovative, and science-based solutions to the nutrition, health, and food markets. Our Lincoln, Nebraska location specializes in the production and packaging of high-quality cereal with options that are organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the US and Europe. Founded in 1967, Balchem is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ – “BCPC”) with annual revenues over $900 million and a market cap exceeding $4.0 billion. The company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. Balchem employs over 1,400 people worldwide who are engaged in diverse activities, committed to developing the company into global market leadership positions. To learn more about our dynamic, stable and growing company, visit www.balchem.com.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a lead production operator to join our team. In this role, the lead will be responsible for overseeing and directly working to ensure the continual operation of the Cooker and Extruder machines by maintaining machinery, ensuring a clean and safe work environment, and adhering to all OSHA standards, quality standards, and Balchem policies. The lead will report directly to the Supervisor for proper direction, interpretation, and evaluation. Our ideal candidate has experience with machinery, is highly familiar with the manufacturing process from raw material to finished product and has prior food handling related experience. The lead must be able to follow instructions, work as part of the team, and maintain high-quality work standards at all times.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operate equipment per operation guidelines, including all safety procedures.
• Understand equipment and processes and monitor equipment operation.
• Stack 50 lb. bags up to 6 ft. high and slide 100 lb. bags on a pallet to feed conveying equipment. Utilize safe and proper lifting techniques.
• Read and understand lot numbers and scales. Record and maintain accurate data on run sheets as necessary. Ensure all paperwork is complete in an accurate and timely manner. Ensure documentation complies with SECS standards.
• Observe safety and security procedures, determine appropriate action beyond guidelines, and report potentially unsafe conditions.
• Monitor product quality to meet SECS standards. Report to Supervisor any deviation from scheduling or quality of service that may become a potential liability.
• Report to your Production Supervisor any failure to adhere to Balchem work ethics and standards.
• Attend all Company-sponsored training events i.e. safety training talks and annual training sessions, targeted for continuing personal growth and development.
• Adhere to all Company policies and procedures, i.e. personnel, safety, and equipment maintenance and upkeep. Become proficient in areas of production and safety policies and procedures (accident/injury reporting, blood borne pathogens, confined spaces, emergency evacuation, equipment operation/maintenance, hazard communication, ladders, lockout/tag out, personal protective equipment, etc.).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Three to six months of related experience and/or training is required
• Must have previous lead experience
• You must be equipped with strong motivation, organization, time management, and communication skills (both orally and written)
• You must be able to read and comprehend instructions
• Have excellent attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Possess effective communication and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to give and welcome feedback and contribute to building a positive team spirit

WORKING CONDITIONS

• You will continually be required to stand, walk, use hands for handling or feeling objects, talk, and use your vision and hearing abilities
• Regularly, you will be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl, following proper ergonomic principles
• Periodically required to lift up to and above 50 and 100 pounds, utilizing safe and proper lifting techniques and equipment
• Occasionally you may operate equipment, including but not limited to computers, drafting equipment and instruments involving scientific meters and measuring devices
• Required to adhere to all personal protective equipment policies and procedures
• You will rarely be exposed to wet or humid conditions, working near moving mechanical parts, work in extreme heat (non-weather), or work in high noise levels and vibration
• You may also periodically work in high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outdoor weather conditions, and extreme cold (non-weather)
• You will operate equipment, including but not limited to computers, drafting equipment, instruments involving scientific meters and measuring devices. The ability to distinguish colors is required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 1st Shift (7am-3pm), 2nd Shift (3pm-11pm), 3rd Shift (11pm-7am)
• Medical/Dental/Vision Plan Insurance after 1st month
• 401(k) with 6% employer match after 60 days
• Paid Time Off
• Uniforms and safety shoes provided
• Tuition Reimbursement after 2 years (work-related)
• Free Cereal

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Balchem is committed to a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equal employment opportunities, and a work environment free of harassment and hostility.