Freeze Dry Utility Operator

North Freeze Dry LLC • Little Falls, MN

22h • $21 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for supporting and backing up operators in the freeze dry production process in accordance with operational manuals and quality criteria. The role involves producing the required quantity of batched recipes, inspecting materials, maintaining logs, performing equipment maintenance, and ensuring quality and sanitation standards are met. The operator will also interface with the plant ERP system for inventory control and traceability, and maintain a clean, safe work area. Specific tasks include supporting and backing up the Freeze Dry Operator, loading and unloading equipment, operating freeze dry process machinery, performing housekeeping duties, finalizing paperwork, and disposing of waste materials. The role may also involve operating a forklift and supporting other process functions to maximize plant efficiency.

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 instruction.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a team environment.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Mechanically inclined, drive yourself to continually grow and develop your role.
• Ability to adapt and accommodate change.

Nice To Haves

• 6 months working experience in a manufacturing/production facility preferred.
• Forklift certification preferred, or willing to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Produces the required quantity of batched recipes within established specifications and tolerances and according to production plan.
• Inspects dry ingredient materials and other raw materials, as well as in process materials as necessary ensuring compliance with function, quality, and recipe specifications.
• Maintains logs and records of units produced including a record of errors resulting in rejected/discarded materials.
• Perform pre-operational equipment, preventative maintenance tasks, and process inspections.
• Perform quality and sanitation functions per Quality Program and Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Report maintenance and quality opportunities with shift supervisors and/or managers.
• Interface with plant ERP system to assure inventory control, lot traceability, and tracking.
• Maintains a clean, safe, orderly work area.
• Supports Freeze Dry Operator, learning their role and providing a variety of tasks both mechanical and manual in nature.
• Back-up Freeze Dry Operator and perform Freeze Dry Operator tasks.
• Responsible for loading and unloading of auto-panner, loading, and unloading of freeze dryers & loading combos of finished product and supporting operators.
• Responsible for tray washing operation, as well as sanitation on the post pasteurization side.
• Operate all equipment associated with freeze dry process which includes, but not limited to, freeze dryer, combo filling and auto panner.
• Responsible for housekeeping of the drying machine(s), and plant area. (e.g., sweeping, removing trash, cleaning the machine at the end of the shift, preparing for next shift's production).
• Finalize any paperwork during shift in an accurate, clear, and concise manner.
• Utilize ERP System for moving in-process materials and products into and out of inventory.
• Follow all quality guidelines, Master Sanitation Schedules, and maintain a food-safe, sanitary environment.
• Support other lines, as necessary.
• Dispose of waste materials and other items as required.
• Operate forklift as necessary.
• Support other process functions as necessary during the day to maximize efficiency of plant.
• Execute the North Freeze Dry Vision, Mission, and Values (VMV’s) at all times.
• Promote a positive, proactive environment where input from team members is valued and encouraged.
• Provide back-up support for other roles, as necessary.
• Available for overtime on a scheduled or call-in/call-back basis, as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned by the manager/supervisor.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance including employees, child(ren), spouse and family coverage.
• Ancillary benefits include Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• 401(K) Program available with a company match up to 4%.
• Paid Time Off accruing on your first day and 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