National

Set up and operate equipment that mixes or blends ingredients used in the manufacturing of food products. Includes candy makers and cheese makers.

Sample of reported job titles: Blender, Mixer, Process Operator, Dough Scaler and Mixer, Processing Operator, Dosier Operator, Mix Technician, Batch Maker, Candy Maker, Head Batcher

Tasks

• Record production and test data for each food product batch, such as the ingredients used, temperature, test results, and time cycle.
• Observe gauges and thermometers to determine if the mixing chamber temperature is within specified limits, and turn valves to control the temperature.
• Clean and sterilize vats and factory processing areas.
• Press switches and turn knobs to start, adjust, and regulate equipment such as beaters, extruders, discharge pipes, and salt pumps.
• Observe and listen to equipment to detect possible malfunctions, such as leaks or plugging, and report malfunctions or undesirable tastes to supervisors.
• Set up, operate, and tend equipment that cooks, mixes, blends, or processes ingredients in the manufacturing of food products, according to formulas or recipes.
• Mix or blend ingredients, according to recipes, using a paddle or an agitator, or by controlling vats that heat and mix ingredients.
• Follow recipes to produce food products of specified flavor, texture, clarity, bouquet, or color.
• Select and measure or weigh ingredients, using English or metric measures and balance scales.
• Turn valve controls to start equipment and to adjust operation to maintain product quality.