Process Worker (Oil Mill)

As a Process Worker in an oil mill, you’ll be at the heart of transforming raw materials into valuable edible oils. In this role, you will operate sophisticated equipment including seed cleaners, dehullers, expellers, and filtration systems. You’ll monitor and control various stages of the oil extraction process, ensuring optimal yield and quality. Your understanding of different oils, seeds and nuts, as well as their unique processing requirements, will be crucial.

You’ll need to maintain strict quality control and adhere to food safety standards throughout the production process. In this role, you will also be responsible for basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. In this position, you’ll be involved in the entire oil production process, from raw material reception to final product packaging. You’ll inspect incoming seeds or nuts, ensuring they meet quality standards and are free from contaminants. You’ll operate cleaning and sorting equipment to prepare the raw materials for processing. During the extraction phase, you’ll carefully monitor temperatures, pressures, and flow rates, adjusting as necessary to optimise oil yield and quality. You’ll also oversee the refining process, which may include degumming, neutralisation, bleaching, and deodorisation, depending on the type of oil being produced.

Furthermore, as a Process Worker in an oil mill, you’ll play a key role in quality assurance. You’ll conduct regular tests on both the raw materials and the finished oils, checking for parameters such as moisture content, acidity, peroxide value, and colour. You’ll need to understand and interpret these test results, taking corrective action if any deviations are detected. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining detailed records of production data, quality checks, and equipment performance. Your attention to detail and commitment to quality will be essential in ensuring that the oils produced meet all regulatory standards and customer specifications.

In this role, you will:

1. Operate and monitor oil extraction equipment
2. Control process parameters such as temperature and pressure
3. Perform quality checks on raw materials and finished oils
4. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the production area
5. Record production data and prepare reports

Generally, this position is an entry level role and often no experience is required. Entry-level qualifications are available for this position, including a Certificate I in Food Processing (FBP1021). In addition, a Certificate II in Food Processing (FBP20122) and a Certificate III in Food Processing (FBP30121) can be completed as a traineeship.

Often these certificates are not mandatory for employment, however. If you have an interest in becoming a food and beverage operator, you can apply directly to an employer.

Research potential employers in your area via a search engine, social media or job site. Even if there are no jobs advertised with the employer you’re interested in, it can be a good idea to send a cover letter with your resume expressing your interest.