Weekend Freeze Dry Utility Operator

North Freeze Dry • Little Falls, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Freeze Dry Utility Operator supports and backs up operators in the freeze-dry production process, following operational manuals, production plans, quality criteria, and food-safety requirements. The role produces batched recipes to established specifications; inspects ingredients and in-process materials; records production, errors, and inventory movements; completes equipment and process inspections; and performs sanitation and housekeeping duties. The operator supports and learns the Freeze Dry Operator role, performs related mechanical and manual tasks, and may assist other production lines and process functions as needed to maximize plant efficiency.

The position operates equipment associated with the freeze-dry process, including freeze dryers, combo filling equipment, and auto-panners. Tasks include loading and unloading auto-panners and freeze dryers, handling finished-product combos, tray washing, sanitation on the post-pasteurization side, maintaining equipment and plant areas, and preparing for the next shift. The role uses the plant ERP system for inventory control, traceability, and product movement, and completes shift paperwork accurately. Forklift operation may be required.

This role works in a plant manufacturing environment, with moderate to loud noise, machinery, moving parts, airborne particles, and possible exposure to hazardous materials or fumes. Temperatures may range from normal plant conditions to below-zero conditions. Employees may also encounter adverse weather, high places, and confined spaces; PPE and hearing protection may be required. The position requires extended standing and other physical activity, including lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. The schedule is 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and availability for scheduled or call-in/call-back overtime is required as necessary.

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 up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to adapt to and accommodate change.
• Ability to work extended seasonal hours and maintain alertness to meet deadlines when needed.
• Ability to perform the physical activities described for the role, including standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and handling.
• Ability to perform close-up work and to talk or hear as required.

Nice To Haves

• Six months of work experience in a manufacturing or production facility.
• Forklift certification, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Mechanical inclination and motivation to continually grow and develop in the role.

Responsibilities

• Produce the required quantity of batched recipes within specifications, tolerances, and the production plan.
• Inspect dry ingredients, other raw materials, and in-process materials for compliance with functional, quality, and recipe specifications.
• Maintain production logs and records, including errors that result in rejected or discarded materials.
• Perform pre-operational equipment checks, preventative 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 for inventory control, lot traceability, and tracking of in-process materials and products.
• Support and back up the Freeze Dry Operator, including learning and performing Freeze Dry Operator tasks.
• Load and unload the auto-panner and freeze dryers, load combos of finished product, and support operators.
• Perform tray washing and sanitation on the post-pasteurization side.
• Operate equipment associated with the freeze-dry process, including freeze dryers, combo filling equipment, and auto-panners.
• Maintain housekeeping of drying machines and plant areas, including sweeping, removing trash, and cleaning equipment at the end of the shift.
• Complete shift paperwork accurately, clearly, and concisely.
• Follow quality guidelines and sanitation schedules and maintain a food-safe, sanitary environment.
• Support other production lines and process functions as necessary, and dispose of waste materials as required.
• Operate a forklift as necessary.
• Execute North Freeze Dry's vision, mission, and values; promote a positive, proactive team environment where team-member input is valued.
• Provide backup support for other roles as necessary and perform other duties assigned by the manager or supervisor.
• Be available for overtime on a scheduled or call-in/call-back basis as necessary.

Benefits

• 401(k) program with a company match of up to 4% after 1,000 hours worked.
• Earn sick and safe time at one 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