Production Operator I - 1st Shift

About The Wellness Pet Company The Wellness Pet Company crafts and produces premium natural pet food, treats, and dental chews. We believe that natural, premium nutrition focused on proven health outcomes is the foundation of creating a mutual wellbeing for pets and their families. As a community of people, Wellies are positively obsessed about how to win for pets and their parents. We believe in the difference we make every single day, and we know that when we work collaboratively, Wellies are unstoppable – Not only in providing the best nutrition to pets, but in building a better tomorrow for pets, their parents, and the world. Position Summary Production Operator I is a full‑time hourly position responsible for prepping, handling, freeze‑drying, and de‑traying of meat products. The Production Specialist also is responsible for processing and packaging of treats, blended products, and meat, fulfilling customer orders, cleaning, organizing, and assisting in other areas as needed. Other responsibilities include maintaining a clean environment, ensuring quality of product, maintenance of equipment, and assistance in other areas as needed. Duties And Responsibilities Critical Skills Needed Critical thinking skills, able to multi‑task Ability to problem solve in a constantly changing environment Excellent communication skills (oral and written) Self‑motivated Able to lift at least 60 lbs on a regular basis Meat Prepping Work with Lead/Supervisor to determine what type of meat needs to be made and when it is needed. Achieve the high cleanliness standard necessary for working with raw meat (wash hands often, wear gloves, wear a prep suit, face mask, do not cross‑contaminate). Weigh all trays to the proper weight to ensure proper freeze‑drying. Visually inspect meat to assure it is up to standards (as set by the Quality Dept. and Supervisor). Freeze‑drying Learn how to operate all freeze‑dryers properly to uphold the integrity and quality of finished product. Work with Lead/Supervisor to troubleshoot problems and maintain machines. Loading and unloading of carts with proper technique to not damage them. De‑icing and cleaning of freeze‑dryers on a daily basis. De‑traying and Boxing Check meat to make sure it is fully finished. Proper sampling of meat to assure a pathogen‑free product is being sent for testing. Comply with all meat‑handling procedures as determined by Lead/Supervisor. Weigh and assign Lot #s to meat (separating meat by type). Build and check pallets. Packaging Accurately mix, produce, and package products according to production schedules and company standards of quality and food safety. Communicate with leadership to ensure efficient and timely delivery of all customer orders. Safely operate all machinery required to perform daily duties. Help to anticipate, identify, and correct system breakdowns and process improvements to achieve maximum customer service and satisfaction with production efficiency. Communicate equipment and safety issues and recommendations for improvements. Ability to perform in various areas of production as needed. Cleaning Thorough cleaning of area every day. Maintain a pathogen‑free facility, taking care to not contaminate meat or equipment. Mopping, floor scrubbing, spraying, wiping down machines, and other cleaning procedures as needed. Safety Complete safety system documentation and verify compliance to program standards. Report deviations to the Production Supervisor. Participate in mandatory safety training program requirements. Report all safety issues, near misses, and injuries. Quality & Food Safety Complete quality and food safety system documentation and verify compliance to program standards. Report deviations to the Production Supervisor. Participate in mandatory food safety and quality training program requirements. Preserve the integrity of the BRC system through adherence to the policies and procedures outlined in the Quality Policy Manual. Take actions necessary to resolve food safety and quality system deficiencies. Report food safety and quality system failures and take actions necessary to preserve the BRC system. Position Requirements Train new employees as needed. Help new employees with proper procedures for handling meat and operating the freeze‑dryers. Provide direction to other employees as needed, assist others, and take direction as needed. Be accountable for own actions and hold other employees accountable for their actions in a respectful and calm manner. Motivate and coach other employees as necessary. Cross‑train in other departments. Handle any additional tasks assigned by any Supervisor. Regularly sit, stand, bend, reach, and move around the facility. Be exposed to shop elements such as noise, dust, odors, fumes, oil, heat, and cold. Perform any other duties as assigned. Benefits Medical Dental Vision Short Term Disability Long Term Disability Life Insurance AD & DPaid Parental Leave 401k Equal Employment Opportunity The Wellness Pet Company is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr