Chilling operator

Chilling operators perform various processes and tend specific machines for manufacturing prepared meals and dishes. They apply chilling, sealing, and freezing methods to foodstuffs for non-immediate consumption.

The following job titles also refer to chilling operator:

prepared meals operator

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a chilling operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Chilling operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to chilling operator.

blender operator
fish canning operator
fruit and vegetable canner
fruit and vegetable preserver
flour purifier operator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of chilling operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of chilling operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

animal feed supervisor
food technician
green coffee coordinator
dairy processing technician
malt house supervisor

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of chilling operator.

• Food canning production line: Steps in the canning process line from washing, conditioning and weighing food products, washing and preparing cans, filling cans, as well as other operations in order to obtain the end product.
• Manufacturing of different chilled prepared meals: The different processes, procedures and technologies for manufacturing prepared meals and dishes such as pasta based, meat based, and specialties kept at cool temperatures.
• Food storage: The proper conditions and methods to store food to keep it from spoiling, taking into account humidity, light, temperature and other environmental factors.

These skills are necessary for the role of chilling operator.

• Ensure sanitation: Keep workspaces and equipment free from dirt, infection, and disease by removing waste, trash and providing for appropriate cleaning.
• Ensure refrigeration of food in the supply chain: Apply different procedures to maintain the chain of temperature of foodstuffs and products in each stage of the production and supply chain.
• Label foodstuffs: Uses adequate equipment to place label on food goods.
• Weigh materials: Weigh materials and products, record weight and other relevant data on tags or labels.
• Collect samples for analysis: Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
• Clean food and beverage machinery: Clean machinery used for food or beverage production processes. Prepare the appropriate solutions for cleaning. Prepare all parts and assure that they are clean enough to avoid deviation or errors in the production process.
• Apply HACCP: Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Check quality of products on the production line: Check products for quality on the production line and remove defective items before and after packaging.
• Administer ingredients in food production: Ingredients to be added and the required amounts according to the recipe and the way those ingredients are to be administered.
• Apply preservation treatments: Apply common treatments to preserve the characteristics of food products taking care of their appearance, smell and taste.
• Execute chilling processes to food products: Carry out chilling, freezing and cooling operation processes to food products such as fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, catering food. Prepare food products for extended periods of storage or half prepared food. Ensure safety and nutrition qualities of frozen goods and preserve products in accordance with specified temperatures.
• Maintain food specifications: Preserve, review, and evaluate existing food specifications such as recipes.
• Follow hygienic procedures during food processing: Ensure a clean working space according to hygienic standards in the food processing industry.
• Manufacture prepared meals: Apply processes and procedures and use technologies to manufacture prepared meals and dishes such as pasta based, meat based, and specialties.
• Apply requirements concerning manufacturing of food and beverages: Apply and follow national, international, and internal requirements quoted in standards, regulations and other specifications related with manufacturing of food and beverages.
• Apply gmp: Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Carry out checks of production plant equipment: Carry out checks of the machinery and equipment used in the production plant. Ensure that the machinery is working properly, set machines before usage, and assure continuous operability of the equipment.
• Follow production schedule: Follow production schedule taking into account all requirements, times and needs. This schedule outlines what individual commodities must be produced in each time period and encapsulates various concerns like production, staffing, inventory, etc. It is usually linked to manufacturing where the plan indicates when and how much of each product will be demanded. Utilise all the information in the actual implementation of the plan.
• Monitor freezing processes: Monitoring freezing processes to ensure product is adequately frozen. Assessing temperature levels and ensuring energy efficiency and product refrigeration.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of chilling operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Prepared meals: The industry of prepared meals and dishes, the manufacturing processes, the technology required for manufacturing, and the market that it targets.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of chilling operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Care for food aesthetic: Convey presentation and aesthetic elements into the production of food. Cut products properly, manage right quantities into the product, care for the attractiveness of the product.
• Use new technologies in food manufacturing: Keep abreast of new technologies and innovations in all fields of food manufacturing. Read articles and maintains an active exchange with peers in benefit of the company and its products.
• Keep inventory of goods in production: Keep inventory of goods whether they are goods in the front end (i.e. raw materials), intermediate, or back end (i.e. finished products). Count goods and store them for the following production and distribution activities.
• Ensure correct goods labelling: Ensure that goods are labeled with all necessary labeling information (e.g. legal, technological, hazardous and others) regarding the product. Ensure that labels respects the legal requirements and adhere to regulations.
• Apply food technology principles: Food technology: a branch of food science that deals with the production processes to make foods and improve processes aimed at processing foodstuffs.
• Adjust drying process to goods: Adjust machine settings to adapt drying processes, drying times, and special treatments to the requirements of the goods to be dried.
• Operate kneading of food products: Perform all kinds of kneading operations of raw materials, half-finished products and foodstuffs.
• Operate mixing of food products: Perform all kinds of mixing operations of raw materials, half-finished products and foodstuffs.

8160 – Food and related products machine operators

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References

1. Chilling operator – ESCO