Freeze Dry Operator

North Freeze Dry LLC • Little Falls, MN

2d • $23 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Freeze Dry Operator operates freeze-dry preparation equipment and freeze dryers according to operating manuals, production plans, specifications, and quality criteria. The role is responsible for the efficient operation and quality of the freezing and freeze-dry preparation process, including loading recipes, monitoring process conditions, and adjusting equipment controls as needed.

The operator inspects raw and in-process materials, maintains production and quality records, performs pre-operational inspections and preventive maintenance tasks, and follows food-safety, sanitation, and workplace-safety procedures. The position uses the plant ERP system for inventory movements, traceability, and tracking, and maintains a clean, safe, orderly work area. The operator may support other lines and process functions, operate a forklift as needed, and provide backup for other roles.

This is a plant manufacturing role involving machinery, forklifts, computers, and laboratory instrumentation. The work may involve moderate to loud noise, grain dust or other airborne particles, hazardous materials or fumes, changing temperatures including cold conditions, high places, and confined spaces. PPE and hearing protection may be required. The role requires frequent standing and walking, other physical activities, and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. Extended seasonal hours may occasionally be required, and overtime availability may be needed on a scheduled or call-in/call-back basis. The stated shift is 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow food-safety, quality, and workplace-safety procedures and requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a team environment.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Forklift certification and experience, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Mechanical inclination and motivation to continually grow and develop in the role.
• Ability to adapt to and accommodate change.

Nice To Haves

• At least two years of work experience in a manufacturing or production facility is preferred.
• Forklift certification and experience.

Responsibilities

• Produce batched recipes in the required quantities and within established specifications and tolerances, according to the production plan.
• Inspect dry ingredients, other raw materials, and in-process materials for compliance with function, quality, and recipe specifications.
• Maintain logs and records of units produced, including errors resulting in rejected or discarded materials.
• Perform pre-operational equipment checks, preventive maintenance tasks, and process inspections.
• Perform quality and sanitation functions according to the Quality Program and Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Report maintenance and quality opportunities to shift supervisors and/or managers.
• Use the plant ERP system to support inventory control, lot traceability, and tracking.
• Maintain a clean, safe, orderly, food-safe, and sanitary work area.
• Operate freeze-dry preparation equipment and equipment associated with the freeze-drying process, including the Auto Panner, WIP Freezer, and Freeze Dryer.
• Load recipes according to the production schedule.
• Monitor temperatures, humidity, pressure gauges, and product samples, and adjust controls to maintain prescribed operating conditions for each process stage.
• Complete shift paperwork accurately, clearly, and concisely.
• Use the ERP system to move in-process materials and products into and out of inventory.
• Follow quality guidelines and Master Sanitation Schedules.
• Support other lines and process functions as necessary.
• Operate a forklift as necessary.
• Execute the North Freeze Dry Vision, Mission, and Values; encourage a positive, proactive team environment; and provide backup support for other roles as necessary.
• Be available for overtime on a scheduled or call-in/call-back basis as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager or supervisor.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employee, child(ren), spouse, and family coverage.
• Ancillary coverage includes life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, critical illness, accident insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) program with company match up to 4%.
• Paid time off accruing from the first day.
• Paid personal days.
• Seven company-paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED