Production Operator Level I

Description

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Operations Manager

Summary/Objective

Serve as a multi-function team member responsible for producing product to meet sales demand and customer specifications, as well as performing user-level maintenance, quality checks, inventory management, and sanitation duties. This position requires the ability to shift between production operations and other duties based on business needs.

Essential Functions

Quality Control

• Conduct receiving inspections on incoming raw materials.
• Collect and document product samples for testing or retention.
• Verify that labels, lot codes, and packaging meet specifications. 
• Monitor and record Critical Control Points (CCPs) as defined in the HACCP plan. 
• Perform environmental monitoring and pre-operational inspections as assigned.
• Perform product and in-process testing using applicable laboratory and measuring equipment.
• Follow QA procedures for held and nonconforming products.

Production and Packaging

• Set up, operate, and break down production stations.
• Monitor production line flow and adjust to maintain efficiency and throughput. 
• Perform changeovers between production runs, including cleaning and sanitizing equipment. 
• Follow batch records, production schedules, and work orders. 
• Package, label, and palletize finished product according to specifications. 
• Perform in-process checks such as weights, temperatures, and visual inspections. 
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, maintenance needs, and safety hazards. 
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and perform sanitation duties in accord-ance with sanitation standards.
• Maintain accountability and control of inventory and processes as assigned.

General

• Assist with general cleaning, and sanitation duties.
• Communicate effectively with employees at all levels through written, verbal, and face-to-face interaction.
• Assist other team members in the completion of work.
• Adhere to all safety standards and procedures.
• Perform various clerical duties as assigned, including data entry and record keeping.
• Perform basic math as part of daily duties.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Requirements

Competencies

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as equipment manuals, production schedules, safety rules, regulations, and operating instructions.
• Ability to shift between production and maintenance tasks and prioritize based on business needs.
• Ability to complete tasks quickly and accurately.
• Ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and professionally and be a positive influence in a workgroup.
• Ability to train others in job functions.
• Strong record keeping and organizational skills.
• Maintain exemplary attendance.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and ability to work well with others.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Work Environment

The worker is frequently subject to inside manufacturing conditions with occasional expo-sure to outside environmental conditions. The worker is subject to manufacturing noise and may be exposed to cold, wet, freezing, and warm production and warehouse environments.

Physical Demands

This job involves medium work exerting force occasionally and frequently to move objects.

The worker will be required to have a range of motion as follows:

• Often requires walking, moving, or climbing to accomplish tasks.
• Often requires standing for sustained periods of time.
• Occasionally requires stooping and reaching.
• Occasionally requires pushing using upper extremities to press against something with steady force.
• Occasionally requires pulling using upper extremities to exert force to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Lifting is required on an occasional basis.
• Ability to use pallet jacks is required on an occasional basis.
• Often requires perceiving attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touch.
• Repetitive motions are required involving substantial movements of the arms, wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Able to lift 30 lbs. on a regular basis.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

Full-time position, 5 days a week including some weekends as required. Expected hours: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. Start times vary. Overtime may be required on a regular basis.

Travel

Local travel between company sites as needed.

Required Education and Experience

• Previous work experience in a food processing or manufacturing environment.
• Basic knowledge of computer programs such as Excel, Word, and email.
• Fundamental mathematical skills (percentages, averages, subtracting tares, etc.).
• Ability to read and write in English.

Preferred Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience providing maintenance in a food or agriculture setting.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Must be willing to cross-train and assist regularly in other departments as needed.