Production Team Member

Production Operator

Production Operators are responsible for mixing raw materials to create finished products according to batch tickets. Production Operators operate within Blends, Spray Dry, Super Coat or Rice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Follow SOPs, GMPs, Food Safety, Human Safety, and company policies.
• Maintain a disciplined and methodical approach to each blend being accountable for the results of the produced lot.
• Perform housekeeping in assigned area and in other areas of the plant.
• Maintain a teamwork attitude to assist others, or work in areas that you may not be primarily assigned to.

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

• Sets up and start mixing tank(s) and blender(s).
• Obtains and understands all documentation for making batches. Ensures correct ingredients are used for each batch.
• Pouring powders into mixer(s) in predetermined quantities up to and including 55 pounds.
• Operates equipment (mixers, scales, meters, pumps, forklifts, etc.) safely.
• Follows lab instructions regarding batch approval, adjustments, and any additional requirements.
• Perform basic quality control checks including measuring, weighing, sealing, package counts and evaluating product or package appearance.
• Communicates with material handlers and packers when materials are needed, and batches are ready to pack.
• Completes all paperwork and batch documentation in a timely manner.
• Observes safety requirements set forth by the company.
• Operates a forklift, manual pallet jack or other equipment to move empty pallets, bags, and other supplies.
• May be utilized to package products.
• Performs other duties as required and directed.

Minimum Training, Education, and Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years' experience working in industrial production is strongly preferred.
• Forklift trained preferred. Can be provided by the company.
• Will consider accepting safety training from previous work, if not safety training will be provided by the company before the employee is allowed to work.
• Must be available for nights, weekends, occasional overtime, and some holidays.
• Capable of reading and comprehending documents, scales, and safety manuals in English.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must have mathematical skills to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Able to perform these operations using weight and volume measurements.
• Must keep a clean-shaven face for proper respirator wear.
• Basic math, reading and writing skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Willingness to comply with all safety guidelines at all times.
• Physically capable of manual labor that includes lifting, bending, climbing, and reaching.
• Able to lift 55 lbs on a regular basis.
• Able to work 8-hour shifts standing.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team.

Behavior Competencies:

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

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.

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.

Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Work Environment:

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

• Manufacturing environment.
• Standing for long periods of time.
• Job responsibilities can require working variable hours and some weekends
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced operation that can run 24/7.
• May be required to work in other departments.
• Performs other duties as required and directed.
• The production environment is exposed to cold and heat. The employee will work inside and outside and may be exposed to several elements (i.e., dust, noise, extreme cold and heat) and a variety of working environments.
• Dusty environment requires FIT test for respirator use. Other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required such as bump cap, gloves, safety glasses, and safety toe footwear.
• Work conditions also include elevated areas, ascending/descending, and working on ladders, scaffolding, and portable work areas/platforms will also be required.
• May be required to frequently stand for 85 percent and walk around for 10 percent of shift.
• The job also requires working in confined spaces to inspect, repair, and troubleshooting inside process equipment and other confined access.