Production Operator - 1st Shift

Production Operator

With direction from the Lead and Supervisor, produces various food ingredients, learning good manufacturing practices, and how to follow standardized formulas for weighing, measuring and mixing raw materials. Sets up, and controls processes, i.e. blending, drying, bulk fermentation, extraction and filtration. Completes appropriate documentation.

The Production Operator fulfills the Standard Role of formulation of product within a process environment.

Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Duties and Responsibilities:

• Displays and promotes positive safety behaviors at all times, uses proper personal protective equipment, appropriate safety tools, equipment and procedures that ensure self and others go home safe each day; that area and equipment operate to highest safety levels, that all people in area (maintenance, quality, visitors, contractors, etc.) comply with safety directives and keep area neat and clean.
• Aware of and follows all Client Life Saving Rules.
• Acts in such a way that safety awareness and accident prevention are considered in performing all tasks.
• Works to SHE standards and encourages fellow colleagues to work to the same standards.
• Maintains area of responsibility in a clean and safe manner. Promptly cleans up work area.
• Operates process and utility equipment in a hygienic and safe manner in accordance with all process procedures, cGMP, HAACP and SHE instructions and guidelines. Acts in such a way that safety awareness and accident prevention are considered in the performance of all tasks.
• Sets up, calibrates and monitors instruments, i.e. pH meter, temperature meter, conductivity meter, hydrometer, thermometers, and metal detection devices.
• Tears down, cleans and re-assembles equipment, i.e. pumps, mills, grinders, valves, etc. Clean utensils, vessels and lines.
• Identifies, troubleshoots, and responds to deviations in process, product, equipment, and performance variations.
• Utilizes SAP to complete timely and accurate transactions, i.e. maintaining process information (PI) sheets.
• Sets up recipes and/or standard operating procedures (SOP's), understands and executes operations in mixing, pH adjustment, transfers and process sequences while documenting steps and other records.
• Tracks and maintains inventory levels to ensure traceability.
• Identifies and takes appropriate action for variations in raw materials, foreign debris, color changes, smell, moisture and temperature variations.
• Takes samples for QA analysis.
• Performs minor maintenance work on equipment when necessary to ensure continuous operation of process (?10% of time).
• Completes the daily, weekly, and monthly sanitation schedules.
• Writes work instructions for work performed in the manufacturing environment.

The position requires that the process operator knows and is proficient in performing all tasks within the production environment using all of the equipment. The position requires the ability to be disciplined in following work instructions, procedures and safety guidelines properly each time a task is assigned, has a good mechanical aptitude and observational skills.

High School diploma or equivalent. Fork Lift driver Certification.

1 year of relevant process experience preferred. Strict adherence to company safety policies and procedures. Perform daily tasks in a manner to promote and ensure food safety. Maintain food safety understanding by actively participating in all site wide food safety trainings. Must be able to read/comprehend English. Experience and ability to work independently and as part of a team to accomplish goals. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability and willingness to work overtime and flexible schedule as needed. Must be 18 years old to work in a plant job. Ability to lift 50-60 lbs. repetitively. Ability to wear a respirator as needed.