Production Operator I- 1st Shift Processing (SPARKS, NEVADA)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

SUMMARY

Operates various Packaging and Processing equipment/production lines according to set standards; sets up, runs and adjusts machines and performs sanitation and changeover of equipment; and performs general utility responsibilities. Certification as a Machine Operator in one (1) to three (3) Packaging and/or Processing areas (any combination). 

  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Performs basic functions of operations and changeovers on the lines/equipment within required timelines and demonstrates the ability to consistently meet safety, quality and efficiency goals. Follows work instructions, standards and SOP’s for equipment set up and changeover. Identifies and resolves issues during set up and changeover. 
• Prepares work area at beginning of shift and cleans up work area at end of shift and/or at end of production run to ensure area is ready for next job. Cleans or sanitizes all food contact surfaces between changes of product. Ensures availability of all required materials and supplies, using the appropriate lift trucks, hand jacks and other equipment once certifications are achieved.
• Operates equipment, including troubleshooting and making adjustments in accordance with established work standards. Cleans and assembles equipment according to standard operating procedures.
• Conducts quality checks at regular intervals; inspects ingredients and finished product to ensure product is processed according to specifications.
• Reduces downtime by assuring tasks are performed promptly, safely and efficiently.
• Performs pre-flight checklist. 
• As needed, trains employees on all basic manufacturing processes in the department, including proper machine set up, operation, paperwork, GMP’s and safety.      
• Diagnoses and performs minor machine maintenance and makes any needed adjustments. Works with maintenance when escalation to maintenance is needed for a mechanical issue.
• Submits daily report of duties performed.
• Identifies and submits suggestions to improve efficiencies, quality and safety. Actively participates in root cause analysis and other plant continuous improvement initiatives. Recommends and assists with implementing continuous improvement ideas.
• Promptly reports to and actively participates in the pre-shift huddle meeting.  
• Complies with safety requirements, including pre-shift stretching, GMP requirements, and SOP’s/WI’s for work area.  

Packaging Area:

• Conducts quality checks at regular intervals; inspects filled containers and finished product to ensure product is packaged according to specifications.
• Assists coworkers in machine set up and cleaning. 
• Stacks, marks, packs, and transports finished product. 

Processing Area:

• Examines product for identity and any impurities. Weighs out ingredients as listed using scales with printers and mixes ingredients, using appropriate mixing method, carefully and thoroughly.
• Follows batch instructions on BPR or deviation to meet desired specification via use of reactors, blenders, mixers, fitzmill, metal detector, sifter, roller compactor, rotary press, oscillating granulator, tote tumbler, lift truck, hand jack and other equipment. Notifies supervisor, lead or R&D of any concerns with instructions on BPR or deviation. 
• Records all item and lot number information on production ticket. Documents and updates mix tickets and logbook, ensuring that all information is written truthfully and legibly. Enters all information into computer system for tracking and accountability purposes, ensuring that all information is correct.
• Lifts and places raw materials into appropriate tote or tank equipment or mixers via automatic or manual lifting. Properly labels bulk containers, mixes etc.
• Keeps Quality Control and R&D departments informed to ensure correct amounts of raw materials are used and to recommend improvements to existing products.

General Utility Responsibilities:

• Keeps track of inventory on hand and what is needed for successful production blends and runs to ensure Production keeps running. Assists in keeping production running as it relates to ordering and delivering inventory to where it is needed in the appropriate time.
• Examines materials for damage, notes any damaged products and escalates issues to supervisor and Quality Control.  
• Accurately tracks and verifies multiple orders and amounts of product moved. Uses handheld scanner to virtually move items and inventory. Stores products in bins, pallets, shelves, racks or in refrigerator according to identify information such as product item number, size, or type of product.   
• Moves or transports material, supplies, or finished product to other departments by utilizing hand jacks, lift carts, etc. Ensures the smooth transition of products and goods from one area to the other and accurately reports this information to the supervisor and/or lead.  
• Determines methods of storage, identification, and stock location, considering temperature, humidity, height and weight limits, turnover, floor loading capabilities, and required space.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe production and exhibits safe work practices. Actively participates in the safety program by engaging in safety activities. Effectively provides and accepts constructive peer-to-peer feedback on safety performance. Adheres to policies, procedures, SOP’s, safe work practices, and safety policies and procedures. Reports ALL workplace incidents to supervisor immediately. Communicates concerns to supervisor, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention. Properly uses, wears, and stores Personal Protective Equipment when required. Participates on safety teams and/or completes safety-related activities as part of regular job responsibilities.  

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and six (6) months of related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Prior experience operating blending/processing and/or packaging machines/equipment preferred.   
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food or pharmaceuticals, preferred.

PERFORMANCE ABILITY

Certification as a Machine Operator in one (1) to three (3) Packaging and/or Processing areas (any combination).      

• Processing areas: (1) Encapsulation; (2) Roller Compactor; (3) Tablet Coating; (4) Tablet Press; (5) Wet Blending; (6) Dry Blending; (7) Pre-weigh. Fitzmill is not included.    
• Packaging areas: (1) Cloud; (2) Oil-1, Oil-4 and HPC (considered certification in one area); (3) Monoblock Oil and/or Oil; (4) Powder Large and/or Powder Small (considered certification in one area except for 391, where each one is considered a separate certification); (5) Tea; (6) Vitamin.

Proven ability through certification to operate various Packaging and Processing equipment according to set standards; set up, run and adjust machines; conduct timely quality checks; perform minor machine maintenance; accurately complete paperwork; and perform sanitation and changeover of equipment. Solid knowledge of machine capabilities, manufacturing process, and ability to troubleshoot. Demonstrated ability to consistently meet quality, safety and efficiency goals. Good problem-solving skills required. Good time management skills; ability to prioritize and calmly handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment; demonstrate a strong sense of urgency; and flexibility to change tasks frequently and work in different work centers as business needs require. Strong teamwork skills; ability to work and communicate effectively with others; strong attention to detail skills; and demonstrated high quality of work. Ability to train other employees on all basic manufacturing processes in the department, including proper machine set up, operation, paperwork, GMP’s and safety. Ability to work in Packaging and Processing at both the 391 and 395 Bloomingdale manufacturing facilities. Consistently follows all company policies and procedures, including all safety policies and procedures, and ensures conduct supports our core values. Safely operates all Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT) and equipment and maintains necessary certifications.    

LANGUAGE SKILLS  

Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals (S.O.P.). Truthfully and legibly completes required sanitation paperwork, written and electric reports. (i.e. Excel, Word, PCDA, Oracle, etc.).  

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals to understand weights and measures and to use digital and balancing scales. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.  

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Good problem-solving ability. 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Basic understanding of mechanical principles; ability to troubleshoot and adjust machines. 
• Ability to operate hand operated electronic lifting equipment (Interthor). Ability to obtain certification to operate powered pallet jacks and Interthor stackers required.    
• Basic computer and data entry skills required.  
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends to support the business.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; stand and walk; ascend and descend stairs and ladders; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; crouch or half kneel, and reach with hands and arms. Demands of the position include moving pallets, moving pallet jacks, lifting and loading product, and changing over and cleaning equipment.

The employee will regularly lift, move (in some cases drag items), slide, raise and/or place:

- Ascend and descend steps carrying up to 35 lbs. (i.e. carrying product up stairs)

- Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist height. (i.e. load product)

- Lift up to 50 lbs. from waist to shoulder. (i.e. load product)

- Push and pull to generate force for 42 lbs. force at 36-inch height (i.e. move pallet jacks)

- Push and pull to generate force of 65 lbs. at 36-inch height (i.e. move pallet jacks)

- Grasp 60# force

- Reach up to 78 inches.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly works near moving mechanical parts. 
• Frequently exposed to herbal aromas, dust, and/or airborne particles, some classified as allergens or irritants.  
• Works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging.  
• Frequently exposed to all the FDA designated major food allergens (Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp), Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans) except for peanuts, Wheat and Soybeans, Sesame.  
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud, and hearing protection is required in some areas.
• This position requires working in designated areas that contain strong magnetic fields which may be a danger to life for wearers of pacemakers, prostheses or implants, such as defibrillators. 

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