# Tasks & work activities — blender operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-3092.00 (Food Batchmakers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Record production and test data for each food product batch, such as the ingredients used, temperature, test results, and time cycle.
- **[Core]** Observe gauges and thermometers to determine if the mixing chamber temperature is within specified limits, and turn valves to control the temperature.
- **[Core]** Clean and sterilize vats and factory processing areas.
- **[Core]** Press switches and turn knobs to start, adjust, and regulate equipment, such as beaters, extruders, discharge pipes, and salt pumps.
- **[Core]** Observe and listen to equipment to detect possible malfunctions, such as leaks or plugging, and report malfunctions or undesirable tastes to supervisors.
- **[Core]** Set up, operate, and tend equipment that cooks, mixes, blends, or processes ingredients in the manufacturing of food products, according to formulas or recipes.
- **[Core]** Mix or blend ingredients, according to recipes, using a paddle or an agitator, or by controlling vats that heat and mix ingredients.
- **[Core]** Follow recipes to produce food products of specified flavor, texture, clarity, bouquet, or color.
- **[Core]** Select and measure or weigh ingredients, using English or metric measures and balance scales.
- **[Core]** Turn valve controls to start equipment and to adjust operation to maintain product quality.
- **[Core]** Determine mixing sequences, based on knowledge of temperature effects and of the solubility of specific ingredients.
- **[Core]** Give directions to other workers who are assisting in the batchmaking process.
- **[Core]** Examine, feel, and taste product samples during production to evaluate quality, color, texture, flavor, and bouquet, and document the results.
- **[Core]** Modify cooking and forming operations based on the results of sampling processes, adjusting time cycles and ingredients to achieve desired qualities, such as firmness or texture.
- **[Supplemental]** Fill processing or cooking containers, such as kettles, rotating cookers, pressure cookers, or vats, with ingredients, by opening valves, by starting pumps or injectors, or by hand.
- **[Supplemental]** Homogenize or pasteurize material to prevent separation or to obtain prescribed butterfat content, using a homogenizing device.
- **[Supplemental]** Inspect vats after cleaning to ensure that fermentable residue has been removed.
- **[Supplemental]** Test food product samples for moisture content, acidity level, specific gravity, or butter-fat content, and continue processing until desired levels are reached.
- **[Supplemental]** Formulate or modify recipes for specific kinds of food products.
- **[Supplemental]** Inspect and pack the final product.
- **[Supplemental]** Grade food products according to government regulations or according to type, color, bouquet, and moisture content.
- **[Supplemental]** Cool food product batches on slabs or in water-cooled kettles.
- **[Supplemental]** Operate refining machines to reduce the particle size of cooked batches.
- **[Supplemental]** Place products on carts or conveyors to transfer them to the next stage of processing.
- **[Supplemental]** Manipulate products, by hand or using machines, to separate, spread, knead, spin, cast, cut, pull, or roll products.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
- Clean work areas.
- Determine food production methods.
- Direct operational or production activities.
- Evaluate quality of food ingredients or prepared foods.
- Inspect food products.
- Inspect production equipment.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
- Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
- Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.
- Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
- Operate cooking, baking, or other food preparation equipment.
- Operate mixing equipment.
- Operate pumping systems or equipment.
- Package products for storage or shipment.
- Record operational or production data.
- Select production input materials.
- Shape clay or dough to create products.
- Sterilize food cooking or processing equipment.
- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.