Weekend Freeze Dry Operator

North Freeze Dry LLC • Little Falls, MN

1d • $24 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The Freeze Dry Operator operates freeze-dry preparation equipment and freeze dryers in accordance with operational manuals, production plans, and quality criteria. The role is responsible for producing batched recipes to established specifications, inspecting ingredients and in-process materials, monitoring equipment and product conditions, and maintaining accurate production and inventory records. The operator performs pre-operational checks, preventive maintenance tasks, process inspections, and quality and sanitation functions.

The position operates equipment used in the freezing and freeze-drying process, including an Auto Panner, WIP Freezer, and Freeze Dryer. The operator monitors temperature, humidity, pressure, and product samples, adjusting controls to maintain prescribed operating conditions. Responsibilities also include maintaining a food-safe work environment, using the ERP system for inventory and traceability, completing shift paperwork, supporting other production lines and process functions, and operating a forklift as necessary.

This role is based in a plant manufacturing environment and is scheduled from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The work involves machinery and equipment, moderate to loud noise, and potential exposure to airborne particles, hazardous materials or fumes, temperature changes, adverse weather, elevated areas, and confined spaces. The employee may need PPE and hearing protection. Physical demands include standing and walking for extended periods, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, handling materials, and frequently lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

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.
• Ability to adapt to and accommodate change.
• Mechanically inclined and motivated to continually grow and develop in the role.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of work experience in a manufacturing or production facility.
• Forklift certification and experience, or willingness to obtain certification.

Responsibilities

• Produce the required quantities of batched recipes according to production plans and established specifications and tolerances.
• Inspect dry ingredients, other raw materials, and in-process materials for compliance with quality, function, and recipe specifications.
• Maintain production logs and records, including records of errors that result 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 or managers.
• Use the plant ERP system to maintain inventory control, lot traceability, and material tracking.
• Maintain a clean, safe, orderly, food-safe, and sanitary work area.
• Operate freeze-drying preparation and production equipment, including the Auto Panner, WIP Freezer, and Freeze Dryer.
• Load recipes according to the production schedule.
• Monitor temperature, humidity, pressure gauges, and product samples, and adjust controls to maintain prescribed operating conditions.
• Complete shift paperwork accurately, clearly, and concisely.
• Move in-process materials and products into and out of inventory using the ERP system.
• Support other lines and process functions as necessary.
• Operate a forklift as necessary.
• Promote a positive, proactive team environment and provide backup support for other roles as necessary.
• Execute North Freeze Dry's Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Be available for scheduled or call-in/call-back overtime as necessary and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 401(k) program with a company match of up to 4% after 1,000 hours worked.
• Earned sick and safe time of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year.

What This Job Offers

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