Starch converting operator

Starch converting operators control converters to change starch into glucose or corn syrup. After processing, they test products to verify their purity.

The following job titles also refer to starch converting operator:

starch converter
starch conversion worker
starch worker
starch operator

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as a starch converting 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.

Starch converting operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

starch extraction operator
flour purifier operator
bulk filler
kettle tender
dryer attendant

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

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

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

• Food safety principles: Scientific background of food safety which includes preparation, handling, and storage of food to minimise the risk of foodborne illness and other health hazards.
• Enzymatic processing: Enzymatic processes used in food production as well as in other industrial biotechnological processes.
• Variety of starches: Variety of starches including acid thinned, oxidised, cationic, succinate, and phosphate starches.
• Extraction process of starch from corn: Extraction process of starch from kernels of corn. Refining process whereby the extracted corn-starch is treated to create a solid sugar or to make another popular sweetening agent known as corn syrup.
• Starch production processes: Processes of starch production from tending cleaners to millers, to separators, washing screens, centrifugal separators to starch.

These skills are necessary for the role of starch converting operator.

• Use filters to dewater starch: Use filters to wash and dewater starch slurry to prepare it for further processing into starch and dextrins, sweeteners and ethanol.
• Tend corn starch extraction machines: Operate corn starch extraction machines, following adequate procedure, and gather the extracted elements and glucose from the process.
• Keep task records: Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.
• Collect samples for analysis: Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
• Follow written instructions: Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.
• Apply HACCP: Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Measure pH: Measuring pH which is a measure of acidity or alkalinity.
• Be at ease in unsafe environments: Be at ease in unsafe environments like being exposed to dust, rotating equipment, hot surfaces, sub-freezing and cold storage areas, noise, wet floors and moving lift equipment.
• Follow hygienic procedures during food processing: Ensure a clean working space according to hygienic standards in the food processing industry.
• Administer chemicals to starch production: Administer different chemicals to the production of starch in order to obtain different kinds of starches for a range of purposes.
• Stabilise ph of starches: Stabilise pH of starches by performing pH tests, adding chemicals for the purpose in adequate quantities.
• Adhere to organisational guidelines: Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
• Secure goods according to work orders: Fasten bands around stacks or articles, prior to shipment or storage.
• 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 temperature in manufacturing process of food and beverages: Monitor and control required temperatures in the different phases of production until the product reaches suitable properties according to specifications.
• Process starch slurry: Operate equipments to produce dextrins, with or without acid or basic catalyst.
• Follow verbal instructions: Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.

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

• Health, safety and hygiene legislation: The set of health, safety and hygiene standards and items of legislation applicable in a specific sector.
• Temperature scales: Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales.
• Chemistry: The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
• Food dehydration processes: The processes by which fruit and vegetables are dehydrated including techniques such as sun drying, indoor drying, and industrial applications for drying food. The dehydration process goes from selection of the fruit and vegetables according to their size, washing the fruit, classifying according to the product, storage, and mixing with ingredients resulting in a final product.

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

• Test starch samples: Test starch samples to verify that specific gravity, acidity, and filtration are as desired. Use a hydrometer and other standard test equipment.
• Liaise with colleagues: Liaise with fellow colleagues to ensure common understanding on work related affairs and agree on the necessary compromises the parties might need to face. Negotiate compromises between parties as to ensure that work in general run efficiently towards the achievement of the objectives.
• Have computer literacy: Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
• Liaise with managers: Liaise with managers of other departments ensuring effective service and communication, i.e. sales, planning, purchasing, trading, distribution and technical.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation in food production: Make sure to comply with environmental legislation in food production. Understand the legislation related to environmental matters in food manufacturing and apply it in practice.
• Label samples: Label raw material/ product samples for laboratory checks, according to implemented quality system.

8160 – Food and related products machine operators

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References

1. Starch converting operator – ESCO