Production Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Red River Commodities is a leading processor of sunflower seeds and specialty grains, specializing in high-quality, nutritious food products. We pride ourselves on our sustainable practices, innovation, and commitment to delivering superior products to our customers. Our team shares core values focused on quality, innovation, responsibility, and community. We work hard, play harder, embrace authenticity, and always support one another to achieve our goals.

Pay: $18.00 (+ Pay for Skills)

Available Shifts (Monday-Thursday)

2nd Shift: 5:00pm - 3:00am 

Location: 501 42nd St N, Fargo, ND 58102

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and reliable Production Associate to join our team in our Seed Processing facility in Fargo, ND. The Packaging Associate will be responsible for accurately and efficiently packaging finished goods into 50-pound bags and 2,000-pound totes. This role plays a critical part in ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery of products to customers while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Packaging Operations:  Efficiently operate packaging machinery to bag and tote finished grain products according to customer specifications and company standards.
• Quality Control:  Inspect finished products for quality, ensuring that bags and totes are properly sealed, labeled, and free of defects. Address any product discrepancies or packaging errors promptly.
• Weight and Measurement Compliance:  Ensure that products are accurately weighed and packaged within the specified range, following all guidelines for weight consistency and product quality.
• Safety Adherence: Follow all safety protocols and procedures related to equipment operation, material handling, and packaging activities. Always maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Inventory Management:  Assist with inventory control by accurately tracking packaging materials (e.g., bags, labels, totes) and communicating shortages to the supervisor.
• Machine Operation and Maintenance:  Operate and monitor packaging equipment (e.g., bagging machines, conveyors) and perform basic maintenance tasks, such as clearing jams or troubleshooting minor issues.
• Forklift Operation:  Safely operate a forklift to transport materials, packaging supplies, and finished products to designated areas, including shipping/ receiving docks and storage locations. Ensure proper stacking and organization of materials.
• Documentation and Reporting:  Complete all necessary documentation, including packaging logs, production reports, and quality control checks, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Cross training:  cross function with mill operations. Fill in with the control room. Help maintain cleanliness of the tower and warehouse.
• Collaboration:  Work closely with other production and warehouse teams to ensure efficient product flow, packaging schedules, and alignment with overall production goals.
• Continuous Improvement:  Participate in ongoing training, safety meetings, and process improvement initiatives to enhance packaging efficiency and quality.

Qualifications: 

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or packaging environment is preferred but not required.
• 1-2 years Forklift experience required.
• Basic knowledge of packaging equipment and machinery operation is a plus.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, with the ability to handle larger totes as needed.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining product quality standards.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet production deadlines.
• Willingness to work in varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, or overtime as needed.

Working Conditions:

• Physical Environment:  This position requires working in a production environment where temperatures can fluctuate. The facility is generally kept at a moderate temperature, but exposure to warmer or cooler conditions may occur depending on specific areas of the plant.
• Noise Levels:  The facility can be noisy due to the operation of machinery and equipment. Hearing protection is required in certain areas to comply with safety standards. 
• Physical Demands:  The job involves frequent lifting, bending, standing, and walking for extended periods. Associates will regularly lift up to 50 pounds, and occasionally larger totes (up to 100 pounds), with assistance.
• PPE Requirements:  Closed-toed shoes required. Gloves, hearing, and eye protection required at times. 
• Hazards:  Employees must be able to work safely around machinery, conveyor systems, and potentially hazardous materials, while strictly adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.
• Work Pace:  The work environment is fast paced, requiring the ability to perform repetitive tasks quickly and efficiently while maintaining attention to detail and product quality.

Company Benefits:

At Red River Commodities, we value our employees and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for career growth and development. Below are some additional benefits that we offer. 

• On-demand pay available through Tapcheck
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• 401k & company match
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program

Red River Commodities and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.   This applies to all employment practices within our organization. Red River Commodities makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. 

We are committed to maintaining a legal and compliant workplace. As part of our hiring process, Red River Commodities participates in the E-Verify program.