Automation Operator

Description

Purpose:

Responsible for proper packaging of roasted coffee in various packaging sizes. This position will also load and move roasted coffee and operate packaging equipment. Good Manufacturing Practices are also required. The Automation Operator is also responsible for maintaining a fluid production schedule while keeping safety procedures and quality checks in place. 

Packaging Coffee

• Operate automated, semi-automated, and manual machinery equipment used in the production process, responsible for grinding coffee, filling, sealing, boxing, and palletizing coffee while ensuring proper labeling, coding, and packaging
• Communicate effectively with members of the Maintenance team when operating automated machinery
• Responsible and accountable for the accuracy of the packaged product and specifications
• Assists with the automation setup, changeover, troubleshooting, and adjustments
• Requires highly proficient data entry and attention to detail; follows procedures for product quality and uniformity standards
• Calibrate equipment for daily use and report malfunctions or errors to team leaders, or maintenance personnel
• Accurately enter information into the ERP system; communicate with Warehouse Specialist when product is ready for transfer
• Perform Quality checks on a percentage of all finished products; enter results into the Finished Goods Audit form
• Ensure all equipment is maintained and operated according to established sanitary and housekeeping standards, to the highest efficiency necessary.
• Prepare bags and production space for packaging coffee each day as assigned by Production Supervisor
• Followed Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP) to meet food safety regulations
• Forklift certification required
• Support the Warehouse Specialist with inventory putaway, and other forklift assistance as needed

Shared Team Responsibilities

• Ensure the daily shifts are completed in a timely manner and in accordance with checklists for cleaning and securing the workspace at the end of the day. Work to minimize overtime collectively.
• Collaboratively manage line workflow and team tasks
• Actively participate in team meetings, regularly bringing input and feedback
• Meet with the Production Supervisor to address production needs, challenges and opportunities (including equipment layout and operational suggestions to maximize output and efficiency).
• Support policy implementation and procedural changes, providing clear, timely communication to the team and supervisor.
• Participate in Roaster Cleaning, tasks assigned by Production Supervisor or Management

Requirements

Qualifications

• High school diploma, or equivalent, required
• Enthusiastic about working in a fast-paced production line work environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form professional relationships with a variety of people
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and in a timely manner
• Ability to work both alone and as part of a team
• Ability to solve problems and attention to detail required.
• Prior experience in a production, manufacturing, or similar environment is preferred. 
• Basic math and computer skills are required. Experience with Excel and GSuite is strongly preferred.
• Passion for Peace Coffee’s mission and values are essential.
• All employees should demonstrate foundational staff and Operations team-specific competencies, consistent with Peace Coffee’s core values and mission. 
• The Operations teams are responsible for Safety (maintaining a healthy and safe environment, taking action as outlined in operating procedures, personal and job site safety practices, and following bike path/road safety practices), Dependability & Reliability (working reliably and efficiently, sticking to the schedule and proactively communicating when issue arise that may make it difficult to meet commitments), Equipment Operations (Understand how to operate tools and equipment required to perform your job. Actively communicate issues with equipment or lack of understanding/needs for additional training), and Strong Sense of Urgency (ability to filter out the noise, act as a high-performing operational unit, and deliver daily requirements).
• The Packaging team is also responsible for packaging quality (understanding the specifications for the finished product and ensuring output meets specifications).

Physical Requirements

• Work environment: This job is performed in a warehouse where conditions can be hot, and dusty and there is continuous industrial noise. The ability to work in this environment daily is required.
• This job requires standing on concrete, bending, walking, and lifting on a continuous basis throughout the day. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to climb rolling ladders, lift and carry bins up to 45 lbs. above 5ft.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to use cleaning products of medium toxicity.

Peace Coffee’s mission is to make exceptional-tasting, fair-trade organic coffee that sustains the livelihoods of the people who grow, roast and sell it; preserves and protects the environment that produces it; and delights the taste buds of the people who drink it. 

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $21/hour

Benefits: Health/Dental/Short-Term Disability Insurances - first day of the month following hire date, 401k with match - after 90 days.

Benefits may vary based on actual hours worked regularly.

Union Statement

This is a bargaining-unit position and all terms of employment, work rules, overtime, and job bidding are governed by the collective bargaining agreement.

Peace Coffee provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals, regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Peace Coffee will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.