Extruder Operator
General Mills
- Location
- Richmond, IN
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Mid
- Salary
- $32/hr
- H-1B history
- 13 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Aug 21, 2026
About this role
COMPANY OVERVIEW We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next. 
 POSITION OVERVIEW Pre-Side Operations Technician, Blue Buffalo - Richmond, IN Starting Pay: $31.63 per hour Why Join Our Team Our Richmond facility opened in 2018 and produces dry dog and cat food in large and small bags, making over 1.2 million pounds of pet food daily. Our Richmond Buffs are humble, hungry, and smart, and take pride in a unique and highly-engaged cohesive team culture. We foster a positive work culture where we promote our values and our employees are excited to come to work. We have a variety of committees at our plant to engage and connect our employees as a team and with our community. We host events throughout the year, as well as events for employees and their families. Our products include Blue Buffalo dry dog and cat food. What We Have to Offer $31.63 per hour starting pay Up to 10 days (120 hours) of vacation annually 11 paid company holidays 401(k) with company match Health Insurance includes medical, dental, vision, and life Pet Parent Perks includes pet insurance and pet adoption reimbursement Great paid time off benefits and much more! KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES As part of our manufacturing team, you will: Be responsible for the processing of raw materials into finished products by safely supporting extrusion and batching Ensure adherence to company policies, industry standards, and regulatory compliance Create high-quality foods that are eaten EVERYDAY, NATIONWIDE Use TECHNOLOGY in an industry-leading facility Work with HIGH-LEVEL operators on EXPERIENCED teams that are looking to pass down their knowledge to workers WILLING TO LEARN and get paid doing it CHALLENGE yourself to get the JOB DONE RIGHT and gain skills to take with you to your next opportunity Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain meat processing and milling equipment Manage and monitor batch system, formulas, and grind quality Be responsible for collection and documentation of test data, sending/receiving analytical samples and results with process problem solving and troubleshooting capabilities Perform evaluation/inspection of physical, chemical, and sanitary characteristics of raw ingredients/materials; products produced and/or packaging or other materials Support operators with supplies and machine assembly/disassembly Ability and willingness to cross-train on other positions and provide coverage when needed Be responsible for sanitation/sanitization of required areas Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performance Assist in training new employees MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of a high school diploma or GED 2 years (minimum) experience in machine operation and/or mechanical/technical skillset Extrusion or food processing equipment experience in a manufacturing environment preferred Forklift license/certification or willing to obtain one Basic computer skills, including the ability to interact with digital systems used in daily tasks Ability to lift up to 50 lbs Ability to perform physical tasks for extended periods of time including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting over surfaces Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms Ability to wear protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment - PPE) such as safety shoes, face masks, safety glasses, hearing protection, a hard hat, a hair/beard net, and gloves (when required) Willing and able to adhere to all grooming requirements necessary for a food