Production Operator

The Production Operator plays a vital role in our food manufacturing process, ensuring the efficient and safe production of food products according to established quality and safety standards. This role involves operating production equipment, monitoring production processes, and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the production area.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Equipment Operation:

- Operate production machinery and equipment, including but not limited to mixers, ovens, filling machines, and packaging equipment.
- Set up machinery according to production specifications and ensure proper functioning.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure smooth production flow and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
- Quality Control:

- Conduct regular quality checks on raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for product assembly, packaging, and labeling to maintain consistency and quality.
- Report any deviations from quality standards to the supervisor or quality control team.
- Safety Compliance:

- Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines (OSHA), including proper handling of equipment, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and following safety procedures during production activities.
- Participate in safety training sessions and contribute to a culture of safety awareness in the production area.
- Report any safety hazards or incidents to the supervisor immediately.
- Sanitation and Cleanliness:

- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the production area, including equipment, work surfaces, and storage areas.
- Follow sanitation procedures for equipment cleaning and sanitation to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.
- Dispose of waste and by-products in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Production Efficiency:

- Follow production schedules and production plans to meet production targets and deadlines.
- Monitor production output and identify opportunities for process optimization or efficiency improvements.
- Communicate any issues affecting production efficiency to the supervisor and collaborate on solutions.
- Record Keeping:

- Maintain accurate production records, including production logs, batch records, and inventory records in the production reporting system (Redzone).
- Assist in inventory management tasks, such as stock replenishment and material handling.
- Team Collaboration:

- Work collaboratively with other production team members, including supervisors, technicians, and quality control personnel, to achieve production goals.
- Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth coordination and handover of tasks during shift changes.
- Flexibility to work overtime and non-standard hours as needed, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:
Education/Certifications and Experience:

- High school diploma or GED; additional vocational training or certification in food production or manufacturing is a plus.
- Previous experience working in food manufacturing or a similar production environment, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Familiarity with food safety regulations (FSA, USDA) and quality assurance practices (GMPs).
- Ability to operate production equipment and machinery safely and effectively.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately.
- Good communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Physical stamina and ability to lift and move heavy objects as required in the production process.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

- N/A

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

- Work involves daily and frequent exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, odors, darkness and/or poor lighting, noise, and vibration. Seasonal exposure to weather elements to include, but not limited to, extreme temperatures, wetness, and humidity.
- Work environment involves daily exposure to physical risks and hazards, such as working around mechanical equipment, mechanical hazards, forklifts, chemical hazards, electrical hazards, fire and explosives hazards, communicable diseases.
- Position requires the ability to stand; walking around office, warehouse, and plant; lifting and carrying packages up to 50 pounds; utilizing fine dexterity; and reaching, kneeling, crawling, and twisting on a daily basis.

Expectations:

- Will demonstrate, promote and exemplify the Company’s Core Values in People, Quality and Growth.

We are proud to offer competitive compensation and benefit programs that include extended health, dental, pension plan, employee assistance program, wel