General Production Worker

General Production Worker

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America's largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you'll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Must be available for all shifts (1st, 2nd, & 3rd)

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Supports production operators and staff in various production related tasks.
• Assignments may include: depalletizes, general clean-up sanitarian, packing, loading packaging items, stacking, inspecting/handling of glass bottles/cans, use of electronic scanners and assisting with other tasks as needed.
• Works within parameters of established production standards.
• Maintains the quality of finished products per specifications.
• Maintains and cleans production area as needed, handles/uses caustic chemicals.
• Meets safety and security requirements.

Competencies

• To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Customer Service - Responds promptly to production needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets performance objectives.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and accurately; Presents numerical data effectively and accurately; reads and interprets written information correctly.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently.
• 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.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; complies with GMP practices; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly and safely. "Do it right the first time".
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, unexpected events and diverse labor force.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work area at scheduled time with full uniform and PPE; willing to work overtime to get job done.
• 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; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Innovation - Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work.

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to work in dairy environment and perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Education and/or Experience

Must meet minimum of eighth grade level in reading and math. Prefer direct work experience within industry – working with high-speed equipment in a team environment.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively to all employees of organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, usage, speed, production and volume; Ability to apply conversion of various measuring units got solids and liquids.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Other Skills and Abilities

Able to work in a food-manufacturing environment in compliance with Federal and State regulatory requirements. Ability to maintain compliance with SQF requirements. Must have mechanical aptitude, self-motivated, work with high-speed equipment, work safety. Ability to advance from entry level to skilled positions.

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 stand; walk, kneel, climb, heights; use hands to finger; handle, feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; hear; taste and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 55 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing this job, the employee regularly works with high speed equipment and cleaning chemicals. When performing this job, the employee occasionally works in confined spaces or with fall protection.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. Walking surfaces may be wet/slippery due to water/liquid products. The employee is frequently exposed to vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold and extreme heat, including steam. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

Pay: $21 per hour*

*The hourly rate as indicated in the CBA. The posted pay rate reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.