Production Technician

Production Operator 1

Production Operator 1 is responsible for safely and accurately producing finished products according to batch tickets, established procedures, SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, and quality standards. Production Operators may be assigned to Blends, Spray Dry, Super Coat, or Rice operations and are responsible for learning and properly performing assigned production processes, operating equipment safely, completing required documentation, maintaining product quality, and supporting efficient plant operations. Production Operator 1 is an entry-level production position and is expected to develop proficiency in assigned processes and equipment while working under the direction and guidance of the Production Lead and experienced production personnel.

Job Responsibilities

Responsible for safely and accurately producing assigned batches while following SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, human safety requirements, and company policies. Maintains a disciplined and methodical approach to each production lot and is accountable for the quality and results of the products produced. Supports overall plant operations through teamwork, housekeeping, material handling, and assistance in other production areas as needed.

Duties and Day-to-Day Responsibilities, but not limited to the following:

• Sets up and starts mixing tanks, blenders, and other assigned production equipment according to established procedures.
• Obtains, reviews, and understands all documentation required to produce assigned batches.
• Verifies that the correct ingredients, materials, lot numbers, and quantities are used for each batch.
• Operates mixers, scales, meters, pumps, forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other equipment safely and properly.
• Follows laboratory instructions regarding batch approval, adjustments, and additional production requirements.
• Performs basic quality control checks, including measuring, weighing, sealing, package counts, and evaluating product and package appearance.
• Follows all SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, human safety requirements, and company policies.
• Performs required pre-operation and post-operation inspections and reports abnormalities or concerns.
• Performs housekeeping duties in assigned areas and assists with housekeeping in other areas of the plant as needed.
• Uses forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment to move empty pallets, bags, ingredients, and other supplies.
• May be assigned to package products and assist with packaging operations as needed.
• Maintains a teamwork-oriented attitude and assists other employees or works in areas outside of the primary assignment when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Training, Education, and Experience Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or one-to-two-year job experience. One or more years of experience working in an industrial production environment is strongly preferred. Forklift certification required. Must be able to read and comprehend production documents, scales, safety manuals, SOPs, and other written materials in English. Ability to successfully pass a company-administered mathematics and computer skills assessment for the Production Operator 1 position. Must be willing and able to comply with all company safety guidelines and requirements at all times. Must be available to work nights, weekends, overtime, and holidays.

Key Metrics

Production Operator 1 will be held accountable for the following metrics (not all inclusive) as it relates to the operational area assigned. Additional metrics may be assigned.

• On-Time Batch Completion: Assigned batches are completed accurately and within the scheduled production timeframe.
• Batch Documentation Accuracy: 100% of required batch paperwork and documentation is completed accurately, completely, and in a timely manner.
• Critical Control Point (CCP) Compliance: All required CCP checks are completed accurately and documented without issues or omissions.
• First Time Right (FTR) – Production: Batches are produced correctly the first time without preventable adjustments, rework, waste, or non-conforming product resulting from operator error.
• Pre- and Post-Operation Compliance: All required pre-operation and post-operation checks are completed correctly with no preventable issues.
• Quality Compliance: No preventable quality issues resulting from incorrect ingredients, quantities, processing procedures, equipment operation, or failure to follow established instructions.
• Safety and GMP Compliance: Maintains compliance with company safety requirements, GMPs, food safety procedures, PPE requirements, and applicable.
• Training Progress: Completes required training and demonstrates proficiency in assigned production processes and equipment.

Behavior Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, the individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Work Environment:

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Warehouse and manufacturing environment.
• May be exposed to raw materials, food ingredients, dust, odors, and other manufacturing-related conditions.
• Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing certain job duties.
• Must be able to safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Must be able to regularly lift and move containers or boxes weighing up to approximately 55 pounds in a repetitive manner.
• Must be able to climb stairs and work while standing for extended periods, approximately 7–8 hours per day.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced operation that can run 24/7.
• Job responsibilities may require working variable hours and some weekends.
• May be required to work in other departments as needed.