Job Description:

Job: SEPA Operator

Shift: Days

Location: Mars Petcare (Fort Smith, AR)

Mars Petcare is seeking a SEPA Operator to join our exciting pet food business at a Fort Smith, AR manufacturing plant. We focus on the unique needs of cats and dogs. Our obsession with detail allows us to deliver precise, effective nutrition and help them become their magnificent best.

As part of our overall total compensation package, Mars Petcare offers a competitive benefits package to all associates: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and 401k match. Associates are also immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, Maternity & Parental Leave, and annual bonus earning potential, plus many other ancillary benefits not listed here.

The SEPA Operator executes the sites MQM verification procedures of Inspection, Verification, and Testing on inbound ingredients and raise awareness of all inbound ingredient non-conformances.

Responsibilities:

• Collect samples for materials analysis as determined by site Q&FS or QA Manual.


• Coordinate testing of samples at off-site wet chemistry laboratories.


• Inspect pallets upon receipt for evidence of foreign material and/or damage.


• Raise awareness of non-conformance by entering information into (MSQM) for any ingredient that is out of specification upon receipt.


• Assist in PRIMP process.


• Assist warehouse personnel on holding ingredients and audit warehouse/site ingredient holds management process.


• Manage returns to vendors and ingredient fumigation as needed.


• Assure that any Food Safety ingredient hold is accounted for and isolated in a separate area of warehouse.


• Can perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.


• Must be able to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot and cold, dust, dirt and chemicals.


• Able to complete all tasks in the area assigned by the manager abiding by the Quality Practices and Mars Safety Practices.


• Every associate at Mars has the responsibility for the achievement of quality and food safety.


• Cleaning and PM's for SEPAmatic as required.

Mission Critical Competencies:

• Accurate and quick decision making skills.


• Well-developed computer program skills: Lotus Notes, Microsoft Office.


• Knowledge of site based Q&FS reaction systems: Corrective Action Preventative Action process (site CPAR) and Product Related Incident Management Process (PRIMP) and Mars Supplier Quality Management (MSQM).


• Knowledge of QA Manual and where to find ingredient specifications and procedures related to inbound ingredients.


• Knowledge of all areas of the factory.


• Knowledge of site HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) as related to inbound ingredients.


• Knowledge of site PRP (Pre-Requisite Program) - MQM verification procedure QS4255 and all the work instructions included.


• Interpersonal skills that influence and enlist the help of others in managing product quality.


• Ability to respond/react in a fast paced, changing environment.


• Forklift certification.


• Must be cross trained functionally and help other quality and sanitation associates.


• After each SEPAmatic test, associate must inspect the discharge for foreign material and evaluate.


• Generate reports / summary on findings are required.


• Will need to carry testing material up steps throughout the shift.

Key Functional Skills/Knowledge

• Previous experience with, or have the ability to learn, to use lab equipment to analyze product variables (example; Mycotoxin and NIR).


• Interpret ingredient specification attributes like subjective values; color and aroma on in-bound ingredients or be able to raise concern to appropriate knowledge expert when necessary.

Key Experiences

• A wide variety of plant experiences in multiple areas (Inventory, Processing, Filling, Dries, Pumpables, etc.)

Desired Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.


• Windows Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Lotus Notes training.

Interested candidates must meet all qualifications to be considered for this position.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family-owned business with over a century of history, making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world's best-loved brands: M&M's®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN'S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles - Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom - inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.