Operates machines and performs routine tasks to mix, mill and treat grains and by-products to make flour, meal and stockfeed.

• Weighs, measures, mixes, and processes ingredients; monitors product quality before packaging by inspecting, taking samples and adjusting treatment conditions when necessary; cleans equipment, pumps, hoses, storage tanks, vessels and floors, and maintains infestation control programs; regulates speed of conveyors and crusher rollers; moves products from production lines into storage and shipping areas; packages products.

• Works indoors in flour or other grain mill.
• Work areas will usually be adequately heated and ventilated.
• Factory machinery and processes may be noisy and dusty. Ear muffs and face masks will be worn when necessary.
• Millers may work shifts.

• Medium to heavy physical demand levels.
• Stands constantly to operate grain milling and production machinery, including grinding and wrapping machines and conveyor belts.
• Frequently walks about the work area to ensure correct operation of machinery and quality of end product.
• Climbs steps and ladders as mill is likely to be on several levels and silos are likely to be very tall.
• Occasionally stretches up or across to make adjustments to controls.
• Squatting, crouching or kneeling movements may be required when inspecting machinery, raw goods and final products.
• Bends occasionally if required to work over production machinery, benches, and conveyor belts or when lifting ingredients or finished products.
• Twisting the body or neck may be required on an occasional basis.
• Substantial contact with water or skin irritants is unlikely, although dust from processing machinery may irritate people with breathing difficulties.
• Lifts or carries bags of grain or product occasionally, with extent depending upon the level of plant automation.
• Repetitive hand and arm movements may be required on an occasional to frequent basis.
• Driving may be required in the form of operating forklifts for some positions.
• Uses hand-held and hand-operated equipment specific to the production process. May use computerised control systems in larger processing plants.
• Mental skills necessary include milling knowledge, practical and technical skills.

An NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 4).

For some occupations a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification. In some instances no formal qualification or on-the-job training may be required.

• There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.