WET PROCESS OPERATOR

Job Summary

The Wet Process Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring and controlling the wet processing section of the plant involved in the extraction, separation, purification and concentration of pea protein through a continuous manufacturing process.

The role involves operating wet-process equipment such as horizontal decanters, disc-stack centrifuges, pumps, process tanks/reactor vessels, separation and filtration systems, while ensuring production targets, product quality, food safety and operational safety requirements are consistently achieved.

The Wet Process Operator will work closely with the Production Supervisor, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance and other plant personnel to maintain stable process conditions and promptly address abnormalities or equipment issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the wet fractionation / pea protein extraction process according to approved operating procedures and production plans.

• Monitor and control process parameters through HMI / process control systems.

• Operate wet-processing equipment including:

  • Horizontal decanters
  • Disc-stack centrifuges
  • Pumps
  • Process tanks and reactor vessels
  • Separation and filtration equipment
  • Associated valves, piping and process equipment

• Monitor critical process parameters such as:

  • Flow rate
  • Temperature
  • Pressure
  • pH
  • Concentration
  • Tank levels
  • Separation efficiency

• Conduct routine operator rounds and equipment inspections to ensure stable and safe plant operation.

• Perform in-process sampling and testing according to the production and quality testing schedule.

• Collect and transfer product samples to the Quality Control laboratory as required.

• Adjust process parameters based on sampling results, operating conditions and approved process requirements.

• Monitor CCPs, OPRPs and other food-safety-related process controls.

• Immediately report and respond to process deviations, food safety concerns and product quality abnormalities.

• Support investigation and root-cause analysis following process incidents, abnormalities or production deviations.

• Troubleshoot process problems and assist in optimizing plant performance, yield and operating efficiency.

• Monitor equipment condition and promptly report mechanical, electrical or process equipment abnormalities.

• Carry out basic operator-level preventive maintenance activities including:

  • Cleaning
  • Lubrication / greasing
  • Visual inspections
  • Gasket inspections
  • Minor routine checks

• Coordinate with Engineering and Maintenance teams during equipment breakdowns, troubleshooting and maintenance activities.

• Participate in plant start-up, shutdown and commissioning activities when required.

CIP, Cleaning & Sanitation

• Perform and monitor Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) activities for wet-processing equipment and pipelines.
• Conduct chemical concentration checks during CIP operations.
• Ensure cleaning chemicals are used safely and according to approved procedures.
• Carry out equipment washdowns and sanitation activities.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping and cleanliness within the wet-process production area.
• Complete cleaning activities according to the established Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Maintain strict hygiene standards required for food manufacturing.

Food Safety & Quality

• Comply with all company requirements relating to:

  • GMP
  • HACCP
  • Food Safety
  • Hygiene and sanitation
  • CCP and OPRP controls
  • Quality procedures

• Ensure production processes are operated within approved product and process specifications.

• Perform required quality checks and maintain accurate records.

• Raise or support quality alerts when food safety or product quality issues are identified.

• Communicate deviations immediately to the Production Supervisor and relevant departments.

• Maintain accurate production, sampling, testing and process-control records.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all plant safety policies, procedures and work instructions.

• Comply with requirements relating to:

  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Permit to Work
  • Confined Space Entry
  • Chemical Handling
  • PPE
  • Other SHE requirements

• Conduct safety checks before operating automated or process equipment.

• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment defects, chemical leaks, spills or other hazards.

• Participate in safety training, toolbox meetings and emergency-response activities as required.

Production Records & Reporting

• Record production and process information accurately and on time.

• Complete production declarations, process records, checklists and inspection records.

• Record sampling results, process parameters, equipment conditions and abnormalities.

• Enter production information into the applicable company production / ERP system where required.

• Maintain continuous communication with the Shift Supervisor regarding:

  • Process deviations
  • Equipment deficiencies
  • Mechanical failures
  • Food safety concerns
  • CCP / OPRP issues
  • Production interruptions

Qualification & Experience

• Minimum SPM / Certificate / Diploma or equivalent, preferably in Process Technology, Chemical Processing, Food Technology, Mechanical, Manufacturing or a related technical field.

• Minimum 3 years of production or process plant experience preferred.

• Previous experience in food manufacturing is strongly preferred.

• Candidates with experience in the following areas will have an advantage:

  • Wet processing
  • Food processing
  • Protein extraction
  • Dairy processing
  • Palm oil / edible oil processing
  • Separation and filtration
  • Centrifugation / decanter operations
  • Evaporation
  • Mixing and reaction processes
  • Water treatment
  • CIP systems
  • High-sanitation manufacturing environments

Technical Skills

Candidates should preferably have hands-on experience with some of the following:

• HMI / automated process-control systems
• Pumps and valves
• Process tanks and vessels
• Decanters
• Centrifuges
• Separation and filtration systems
• Process piping
• CIP systems
• Sampling and process testing
• Chemical concentration checks
• Basic equipment troubleshooting
• Preventive maintenance
• GMP and food-safety requirements

Key Competencies

• Strong mechanical and process aptitude.
• Able to understand manufacturing processes and operating parameters.
• Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong record-keeping discipline.
• Able to follow written SOPs and verbal instructions.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Safety-conscious and responsible.
• Self-motivated and willing to learn.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision after appropriate training.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical & Working Requirements

• Must be able to work in a production and food-manufacturing environment.
• Able to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Able to climb stairs and access production equipment where required.
• Must comply with all food-safety, hygiene and PPE requirements.
• Must be comfortable working around industrial machinery and processing equipment.
• May be exposed to varying temperatures, noise, humidity and manufacturing conditions.

Shift Requirement

The position requires participation in rotating shift operations, which may include:

• Day shifts
• Night shifts
• Weekends
• Public holidays
• Overtime when required

The successful candidate must be willing and able to support continuous plant operations according to the Company's production schedule.