Food Production Asst Batch Cook

Trailblazer Foods•Portland, OR

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The assistant cook is responsible for aiding in the production of batches of Jam, Jelly, Syrup, and Pie Filling. This role involves staging ingredients, cross-training, and assisting the cook in various production tasks.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Minimum of one year food processing related experience
Must be able to read, write speak the English language
Use simple math, and use basic hand held measuring tools
Ability to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and to be conscientious about assignments
Effective verbal and written communication skills with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Company
Ability to exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Hearing protection must be worn on the plant floor.

Responsibilities

Maintain reliable attendance, including overtime as needed.
Ensure compliance with the Company's HACCP and FDA requirements as they pertain to GMP'S and housekeeping expectations.
Meet productivity standards and complete work in a timely manner.
Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, applying feedback to improve performance.
Daily clock in/out in Paycom and/or through manual temporary agency time tracking protocols.
Maintain a safe and organized operation by complying with company operational policies, procedures, and standards.
Observe safety and security procedures, report potentially unsafe conditions, and use equipment and materials properly.
Document and communicate any issues (including safety and quality).
Report issues of food safety and quality to Supervisor or Manager.
Inform Supervisor of equipment malfunction.
Manage time effectively to get things done in a timely manner while keeping safety in mind.
Respond accordingly to food safety and quality issues.
Possess a competent understanding of allergen control.
Give and welcome feedback, contribute to building a positive team spirit, and support everyone's efforts to succeed.
Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
Assist Production Supervisors on special projects as needed.
Stop equipment to clear jams.
Ensure all partial materials are stowed correctly according to Trailblazer Foods regulations.
Complete correct documentation in accordance with procedures.
Correctly complete all applicable paperwork such as: recipe sheets, batch info sheets, start-up and shift change forms.
Ensure adequate materials are available to run the schedule of the day.
Keep track of materials used/wasted and document them accordingly.
Obtain raw material needed for production.
Set up machines to proper specifications per orders planned in production.
Understand the schedule of the day in order to be prepared for timely product change over.
Assist Lead Cook: adding fruit ingredients, weighing ingredients, checking vacpan brix, and recording ingredient information.
Assist Lead Cook with brix, pH and viscosity, and make appropriate recipe adjustments based on test results and specs under process supervision by QA.
Inspect all raw materials being used and reject damaged or out-of-specification materials.
Assist Lead Cook: operate HMI equipment including but not limited to: steam jacketed kettles, valves, pumps, mixers, vacuum kettles.
Operate pneumatic drum lift in order to add ingredients for use on the cook deck.
Operate overhead crane hoist for loading and unloading bulk ingredients such as sugar.
Rework any unsellable product back into the mixer using proper precautions.
Ensure correct batch numbers are recorded and that batch separation is maintained.
Relieve and give breaks to team members / operators.
Alert Supervisor/Manager to any necessary procedural changes that occur during the production day.
Communicate ingredient and general requirement needs to warehouse employees.
Communicate maintenance needs or equipment malfunctions to maintenance employees.
Ensure correct identification, interpretation and recording of ingredient lot information for all ingredients used in each batch.
Have a basic understanding of the scientific principles (e.g. brix, pH, temperature) of the production of: jams, jellies, fruit fillings, BBQ sauces, drink concentrates and syrups.
Identify, interpret and record ingredient lot information for all ingredients used in each batch.
Operate stand-up forklift.
Assist the cook while preparing fruit and ingredients.
Operate HMI Programs.