Operations Technician (Pilot Plant)

Operations Technician Pilot Plant (Experimental Food Lab)

Location: Hills Pet Nutrition Research & Development Center (Pet Nutrition Center)

Job Summary

Are you passionate about the science behind pet health Hills Pet Nutrition is looking for a dedicated Operations Technician to join our Experimental Food Lab (EFL). In this role you will provide vital support to our process technicians ensuring the seamless development of new products and cutting-edge process technologies. From staging raw materials to packaging finished products your work will directly contribute to the nutrition that helps pets live longer healthier lives.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

You will be responsible for the following core tasks:

• Production Support: Stage weigh and blend raw ingredients according to precise formula specifications.

• Facility Care: Maintain a pristine work area and equipment using both wash-down and dry-cleaning techniques.

• Packaging & Logistics: Package and label wet and dry test products for transfer; move equipment and materials to assist in set-up and clean-up for test runs.

• Quality & Compliance: * Assist in evaluating raw ingredients for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and specification compliance.

  • Perform in-process analysis of intermediate and finished products.

• Innovation: Assist EFL technicians in testing new equipment and processes; remain receptive to new ideas and emerging technologies.

• Safety First: Promote and adhere to all industry/corporate safety standards and GMP guidelines.

Requirements & Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.

• Experience: Previous experience in manufacturing maintenance machining operations or equipment handling.

• Technical Literacy: Ability to read and interpret safety rules GMPs and general instructions.

• Availability: Must be able to work shifts up to 12 hours.

• Physical Readiness: Must successfully meet the minimum requirements of the PNC-EFL Pre-work Screen/RTW Assessment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 years of experience in manufacturing maintenance/machining or equipment operations.

• Experience working with quality control systems.

• Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or manufacturing software (e.g. SAP PAWS or similar inventory management systems).

• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Gmail Sheets Gemini etc.).

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This is a physically active role within a dynamic R&D environment. Candidates must be able to:

• Walk and remain on their feet for at least 80% of a scheduled shift including climbing multiple stairs and ladders.

• Work at heights up to 30 ft. and navigate various physical positions (bending 90 flexing knees 120 crawling and kneeling).

• Operate in varied environments ranging from standard office settings to areas with significant dust noise and temperature extremes (cold hot and humid).

• Maintain corrected vision to a minimum of 20/40 with full peripheral vision for forklift operation.

• Wear all required PPE including hearing eye foot dust and fall protection.

Core Competencies

As a part of the Colgate-Palmolive family we look for leaders who embody:

• Leadership: Delivering outstanding results fostering teamwork and ensuring effective execution.

• Functional Excellence: Self-awareness encouraging open dialogue and a strong focus on the consumer/customer.

• Growth Mindset: A demonstrated desire to rotate through all areas of the facility and a willingness to learn new techniques.

Ready to help us lead the way in pet nutrition Apply today!

Would you like me to draft a set of initial screening questions based on these requirements to help filter candidates