Machine Operator - $29/hr starting pay

CLASEN QUALITY CHOCOLATE•Watertown, WI

46d•$26 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and innovative coatings. We have recently been awarded the Top Workplaces Award by the WI State Journal [https://madison.com/no-2-large-servant-leadership-a-theme-at-clasen-quality-chocolate/article_f46c29f8-b8d9-5866-83e4-9cffbd602128.html]- No. 2 Large Employer and the Benefits Award. CQC has been growing double digits annually because of our flexibility, commitment, respect and integrity, and we are looking for quality individuals to join our team. Working for a family-owned company provides you with the opportunity to wear many different “hats,” make a difference every day, and have fun doing it! We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in Southern Wisconsin and offering our employees a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits. We are currently accepting applications for full-time Machine Operators / Technicians in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Watertown, WI, conveniently located between Madison and Milwaukee. Pay is starting at $29.00 on Nights (includes $3.00 night shift differential). NIGHTS: 4:55pm-5:25am. Option 1: Wednesday-Friday, every other Saturday. $2000 sign-on bonus + extra $1000 Option 2: Sunday-Tuesday, every other Saturday. $2000 sign-on bonus Because you're only working 3-4 days per week, you have more full days off for hobbies and time with friends and family. Also, there is 8-hours of built-in overtime during your 4-day workweek. Last, if you want to volunteer for an extra work day and its available, it is paid at double-time. JOB SUMMARY: The primary purpose of a Technician is to read and understand coating recipes, produce chocolate and coating in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures, and safety procedures, and also display competency in material handling. The Technician must also possess a great deal of flexibility in their ability to multi-task and maintain a team attitude in all actions taken.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
3 years of complex industrial experience (machine operation, troubleshooting, mechanical, etc.)
Lift 55 pounds, sometimes repetitively
Stand and walk for a 12-hour shift
Speak, write and read in English
Perform math at an intermediate level (multiplication, division, fractions, etc.)
Work at heights above 10 feet and in extreme heat
Work with allergens, such as soy, milk, etc.
Positive, can-do attitude and flexibility to perform a variety of tasks
Multi-tasking, problem-solving and decision-making skills
Accuracy and attention to detail
Demonstrate range-of-motion, strength, and physical stamina needed to safely perform the job in fast-paced work environment
Remain alert to safety hazards, maintain attention to stay on task, manage time effectively, and work independently and in a team to complete assigned tasks

Nice To Haves

Food manufacturing experience would be helpful, but not required
Previous experience lifting 55 lbs. is preferred
Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, RSS, Microsoft Navision, Plant Control Systems, and/or Label Management would be helpful

Responsibilities

Read and understand coating recipes
Produce chocolate and coating in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures, and safety procedures
Display competency in material handling
Mixing: Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS)
Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process. Add necessary ingredients to the conches. Melt ingredients for production orders
Refining: Prepare and operate the pre-refiner, refiners, and conches to achieve desired fineness and viscosity
Chipline: Operate chipline depositor and troubleshoot color, shape, and size issues on finished products. Read, interpret, and mix bases, flavors, and dyes to meet product specifications. Melt ingredients for production orders. Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process. Add necessary ingredients to bulk tanks
Packaging: Operate all packaging equipment to ensure product meets customer standards and complete all required paperwork and checks
Sanitation: Utilize correct cleaning procedures to complete production and non-production cleaning responsibilities. Set up, tear down, and clean tanks, pipes, pumps, and plates
Train and certify in the areas noted above within the designated time frames
Make mixes and operate drum and pail filling equipment
Inspect product for color, shape, size, flavor, and viscosity issues
Read and interpret production and distribution schedules
Understand and display competency in using the plant control system (PCS) and human machine interfaces (HMI)
Complete paperwork and log production information accurately (labor reports, recipe weight, waste sheets, Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) sheets, etc.)
Operate forklift and other material handling equipment
Attend team, safety, and quality meetings, complete the necessary training / certification required by supervision, and train others as needed. Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor, while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures. Cover for other employees while on break/lunch. Maintain regular attendance at work, and work overtime as needed

Benefits

Bonus Potential – Perfect Attendance ($300+ quarterly) & Year-End (5%+)
Double Time Pay
Health, Dental, Vision Insurance (Low deductible and copays, LASIK reimbursement, adult orthodontics)
Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
401(k) Match – up to 5%
Paid Vacation, Personal and Volunteer days plus 11 holidays
Onsite Fitness Facility
Paid maternity/paternity leave
Wellness: Free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and run/walk/bike event reimbursement, free wellness checks
Scholarships – Employee, spouse, and children
Summer Camp Reimbursement – children of employees
Tuition reimbursement
Employee appreciation events
Free chocolate and coating!