Starch extraction operator

Starch extraction operators use equipment to extract starch from raw material such as corn, potatoes, rice, tapioca, wheat, etc.

The following job titles also refer to starch extraction operator:

refinery starch extractor
refinery starch operator

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as starch extraction operator. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

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 extraction operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

flour purifier operator
starch converting operator
oil mill operator
bulk filler
miller

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of starch extraction 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 extraction operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

green coffee coordinator
animal feed supervisor
water treatment systems operator
dairy processing technician
green coffee buyer

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

• Variety of starches: Variety of starches including acid thinned, oxidised, cationic, succinate, and phosphate starches.
• 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 extraction operator.

• Ensure sanitation: Keep workspaces and equipment free from dirt, infection, and disease by removing waste, trash and providing for appropriate cleaning.
• 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.
• Disassemble equipment: Disassembles equipment using hand tools in order to clean equipments and to perform regular operational maintenance.
• 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.
• Tend sugar refinery equipment: Control semiautomatic refinery equipment to convert starch into sugars and concentrate sugars to required density.
• Perform cleaning duties: Perform cleaning duties such as waste removal, vacuuming, emptying bins, and general cleaning of the working area. Cleaning activities should follow health and safety regulations if required.
• 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).
• 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.
• Pump products: Operate pumping machines according to specific procedures and depending on the kind of product. Ensure correct quantities and adequate feeding for the process.
• 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).
• Tend hoses: Use hoses to wash centrifuge, caring for the integrity of the machine and minimising waste of water.
• 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.
• Neutralise sugar liquors: Add acids or bases to neutralise converted sugar liquors. Verify the concentration using a pH meter.
• Work in a food processing team: Collaborate in a team with other food processing professionals in service of the food and beverages industry.
• Follow verbal instructions: Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.

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

• Set up equipment for food production: Set up machinery and equipment for food production. Make sure that controls, settings, and input requirements are according to the required standards.
• Act reliably: Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.
• 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.
• Assess food samples: Assess samples from a range of sources to draw analyses. For example, microorganisms detection, chemical analysis, and parasitological analysis.
• Keep machines oiled for steady functioning: Oil or grease the parts of the machines and equipment that need to be lubricated. Follow safety procedures to do so.
• 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.
• Dispose food waste: Dispose or collect food waste with the purpose of recycling or throwing away from the production process. Follow established procedures for their disposal taking care of the environment and the safety matters according to legislations.
• 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

References

1. Starch extraction operator – ESCO