Freeze Dry Operator

North Freeze Dry • Little Falls, MN

1d • 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 the efficiency and quality of the freezing and freeze-dry preparation processes, including producing recipes within established specifications and tolerances, inspecting raw and in-process materials, monitoring process conditions, and maintaining accurate production and inventory records.

The operator performs pre-operational checks, preventive maintenance tasks, process inspections, and quality and sanitation work. The position works in a food manufacturing plant and supports other production lines and process functions as needed. North Freeze Dry describes its facility as a freeze-drying co-manufacturing facility producing freeze-dried companion animal food and treats. The stated schedule is 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow proper 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.
• Mechanically inclined and motivated to continually grow and develop in the role.
• Ability to adapt to and accommodate change.
• Ability to tolerate and endure extended seasonal hours and maintain alertness to meet deadlines.
• Forklift certification and experience, or willingness to obtain certification.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of work experience in a manufacturing or production facility is preferred.
• Forklift certification and experience.

Responsibilities

• Produce the required quantities of batched recipes within established specifications and tolerances and according to the production plan.
• Inspect dry ingredients, other raw materials, and in-process materials to ensure 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.
• Operate equipment associated with the freeze-drying process, 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 for each process stage.
• Maintain a food-safe, sanitary work environment and a clean, safe, orderly work area.
• Complete shift paperwork accurately, clearly, and concisely.
• Use the ERP system to move in-process materials and products into and out of inventory.
• Support other lines and process functions as necessary and provide backup support for other roles.
• Operate a forklift as necessary.
• Execute the North Freeze Dry Vision, Mission, and Values, and promote a positive, proactive environment where team-member input is valued and encouraged.
• Be available for scheduled or call-in/call-back overtime as necessary and perform other duties assigned by the manager or supervisor.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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