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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Flour Miller

💰 $55,000 - $85,000 per year (commensurate with experience and location)

ManufacturingProductionAgricultureFood & BeverageSkilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a skilled and detail-oriented Flour Miller to join our dynamic production team. As a Flour Miller, you are the cornerstone of our operation, responsible for transforming raw grain into high-quality flour that meets the exacting standards of our customers. This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, mechanical aptitude, and a deep understanding of the art and science of milling. You will operate and maintain sophisticated milling equipment, conduct rigorous quality control tests, and ensure our facility adheres to the highest levels of safety and sanitation. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a hands-on environment and is committed to producing a consistent, top-tier product that nourishes communities.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Mill Utility Worker / General Laborer
  • Apprentice Miller / Miller Trainee
  • Production Operator in a food processing facility

Advancement To:

  • Head Miller / Shift Lead Miller
  • Milling Superintendent
  • Plant Manager or Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance (QA) Supervisor
  • Production Supervisor
  • Maintenance Technician or Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate and meticulously monitor all milling machinery, including roller mills, sifters, purifiers, and aspiration systems, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
  • Execute precise adjustments to milling equipment based on flour analysis, wheat characteristics, and environmental conditions to maintain consistent product quality and specifications.
  • Systematically sample wheat, in-process streams, and finished flour at various stages of production for comprehensive quality assurance testing.
  • Conduct and interpret key quality control tests, including ash content, moisture levels, protein analysis, and falling number, documenting results accurately.
  • Manage and optimize wheat grists (blends) according to production schedules and finished product requirements to achieve desired flour characteristics.
  • Uphold and enforce strict sanitation schedules and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) throughout the mill to ensure food safety and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve mechanical or operational issues with milling equipment to minimize downtime and production losses.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate operational records, including production logs, downtime reports, quality control data, and inventory levels, using both manual and computer-based systems.
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance on milling equipment, such as lubrication, screen changes, and roll adjustments, to ensure long-term reliability.
  • Collaborate closely with the grain elevator and quality assurance teams to ensure the incoming wheat supply meets all quality and safety criteria.
  • Adhere to all company safety policies and OSHA regulations, actively participating in safety meetings and promoting a culture of safety awareness on the mill floor.
  • Monitor and manage bin levels for raw materials, intermediate products, and finished flour to ensure a smooth and continuous production flow.
  • Calibrate and maintain testing equipment to ensure the accuracy and reliability of all quality control measurements.
  • Analyze production data to identify opportunities for improving mill yield, extraction rates, and overall operational efficiency.
  • Interpret and work from milling flow diagrams (flow sheets) to understand the process and make informed operational decisions.
  • Supervise and provide on-the-job training to apprentice millers and utility personnel, fostering their skill development and understanding of the milling process.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the maintenance department in diagnosing complex equipment failures and participate in major repair or installation projects.
  • Participate in inventory cycle counts and reconciliation for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
  • Engage in continuous improvement initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing product quality, safety, and production efficiency.
  • Support the packing and loading departments by ensuring a steady and correctly specified supply of finished product is available to meet shipping schedules.
  • Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and organization in the work area, contributing to a safe and efficient operational environment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Milling Machinery Operation: Proficient in operating and adjusting modern milling systems (e.g., Buhler, Ocrim), including roller mills, sifters, and purifiers.
  • Flour Quality Analysis: Skilled in performing and interpreting standard flour tests (Ash, Moisture, Protein, Farinograph, etc.).
  • Flow Sheet Interpretation: Ability to read and understand complex milling flow diagrams to troubleshoot and optimize the process.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Strong ability to diagnose and perform basic repairs and preventative maintenance on industrial machinery.
  • Food Safety Compliance: In-depth knowledge of HACCP, GMP, SQF, and other food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Process Control Systems: Experience with computerized manufacturing systems (HMI, SCADA) for monitoring and controlling the mill.
  • Mathematical Proficiency: Solid math skills for calculating yields, extraction rates, and material blends.
  • Inventory Management: Competency in tracking and managing raw material and finished product inventory.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail is critical for monitoring the intricate milling process and ensuring product specifications are met.
  • Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to quickly analyze situations, identify root causes of problems, and implement effective solutions.
  • Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication skills to coordinate with team members, maintenance staff, and management.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as required by production demands.
  • Strong Work Ethic: A self-motivated individual who takes ownership of their work and is committed to achieving production goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Milling Science Degree (e.g., from Kansas State University) or a certificate from a recognized milling program (e.g., IAOM, Swiss School of Milling).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Milling Science
  • Food Science
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of progressive, hands-on experience in a commercial flour mill.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience as a Shift Miller, Second Miller, or in a similar capacity within a large-scale, automated milling facility.
  • Completion of the IAOM Correspondence Course in Milling or similar professional development is highly regarded.
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