Grinding Utility Operator

Job Opportunity: Grinding Utility (Military & Veteran Friendly)

Shift: Nights (6pm - 6:30am) 223 Schedule
Location: Royal Canin, Fremont, NE

About Us

Royal Canin is seeking a Grinding Utility to join our exciting pet food business at our Fremont, NE manufacturing plant. We focus on the unique needs of cats and dogs. Our obsession with detail allows us to deliver precise, effective nutrition and help them become their magnificent best.

As part of our overall total compensation package, Royal Canin offers a competitive benefits package to all associates: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and 401k match. Associates are also immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, Maternity & Parental Leave, and annual bonus earning potential, plus many other ancillary benefits not listed here.

Role Purpose & Military Value

The Grinding Utility role functions as a member of an area team that is directly responsible for the efficient production of quality products in the required quantities. This is a high-autonomy, leadership-oriented role where you will operate/change over specified machinery, coordinate shifts, and manage daily crewing needs—frequently without direct supervision.

We highly value the leadership, technical troubleshooting, shift coordination, and peer-training skills of military Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), Petty Officers, and technical specialists. If you have experience managing watch bills, crew assignments, equipment maintenance, or training junior service members, your skills are directly transferable here.

Key Responsibilities

• Autonomous Leadership: Provide operational leadership and shift coordination for full shifts or multiple process areas, often without a production supervisor assigned (analogous to Tactical Operations/Watch Standing).
• Crewing & Scheduling: Address daily crewing needs and shift schedule changes for optimized operation using planning skills and Staffing Tools (analogous to managing Watch Bills, Duty Rosters, or Section Staffing).
• Production & Efficiency: Meet or exceed plant productivity goals by directing operational needs, staffing, and inventories.
• Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting: Safely and efficiently operate pet food manufacturing equipment. Monitor production lines, identify faults, and immediately escalate complex downtime to Maintenance or QA.
• Resource Coordination: Facilitate clear communication and planning with other leads/operators to ensure seamless shift changeovers, minimize downtime, manage waste, and ensure all ingredients and supplies are prepared.
• On-the-Job Training: Conduct structured training and peer guidance for new associates on safety requirements, technical equipment operation, quality systems, and sanitation (analogous to Unit/Section Training and Certification).
• Conflict Resolution & Team Building: Successfully resolve operational challenges and conflicts by listening, sharing information, and fostering a high-performing, positive team climate.
• Reporting: Ensure all process logs, quality reports, and shift documentation are completed accurately, legibly, and on time.

Physical Requirements & Working Environment

• Standing on a concrete floor for extended periods.
• Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times (hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform).
• Bending, stooping, twisting, turning, reaching, climbing stairs, and regularly lifting up to 55 lbs.
• Adaptability to environmental and temperature extremes (hot/cold climates, dust, dirt, and food-safe chemicals).
• Vision correctable to 20/20.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Must be willing and able to work and accept varying shifts and schedules (night shift focus).
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language.

Preferred Skills & Experience (Civilian or Military Equivalent):

• Machine Operation: 1 year of experience operating machinery or managing technical systems (e.g., motor pool, aviation support, electrical/mechanical systems).
• Technical Discipline: 1 year of experience in manufacturing, mechanical repair, trade discipline, or tactical equipment maintenance.
• Logistics & Inventory: Familiarity with inventory control principles.
• Equipment Certification: Ability to operate (or learn to operate) a Forklift and Scissor Lift.
• Computer Literacy: Competency in computer and PC software (MS Office, email, spreadsheets).

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Military Occupational Crosswalk

If you served in any of the following roles, your skills map directly to the Grinding Utility position:

U.S. Army

• Combat Arms NCOs (11B, 19D, 13B - E5 and above): Highly transferable strengths in leading shifts, managing crew safety, coordinating complex schedules, and conducting peer-level training.
• Wheeled Vehicle / Maintenance Supervisors (91B, 91X): Highly transferable strengths in technical equipment troubleshooting, equipment setup, preventive maintenance, and team safety leadership.
• Logistical & Unit Supply Specialists (92A, 92Y): Highly transferable strengths in crew coordination, inventory control, and operating materials handling equipment (Forklift).

U.S. Marine Corps

• Combat Arms NCOs (0311, 0321, etc. - E4 and above): Highly transferable strengths in independent decision-making, direct shift accountability, safety compliance, and team training.
• Motor Transport Maintenance/Operations Chiefs (3529, 3537): Highly transferable strengths in managing daily crew schedules, overseeing equipment readiness, and managing shift workflows.
• Supply Administration & Logistics (3043, 3051): Highly transferable strengths in tracking control systems, warehouse logistics, safety standards, and stock distribution.

U.S. Navy

• Machinist's Mate / Gas Turbine Technicians (MM, GSM): Highly transferable strengths in complex mechanical operations, watch/shift leadership, troubleshooting, and strict checklist compliance.
• Boatswain's Mate / Petty Officers (BM): Highly transferable strengths in crew leadership, coordinating watch bills, safety supervision, and direct hands-on training.
• Logistics Specialists (LS): Highly transferable strengths in operating forklifts/MHE, database documentation, inventory, and shift-to-shift handoffs.

U.S. Air Force

• Tactical Aircraft / Armament Maintenance (2A, 2W Series): Highly transferable strengths in handling complex mechanical machinery, high-attention to safety, shift-level coordination, and peer evaluations.
• Materiel Management (2S0X1): Highly transferable strengths in inventory database systems, managing stock controls, and material handling equipment.
• Pavements and Construction Equipment (3E2X1): Highly transferable strengths in forklift and scissor lift operation, civil engineering logistics, and safety plan execution.