Machine Operator - Watertown, WI

VetJobs • Watertown, WI

3d • $26 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

Clasen Quality Chocolate is hiring full-time Machine Operators for its manufacturing facility in Watertown, Wisconsin. The role produces chocolate and coatings by reading and following recipes, complying with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and safety procedures, and handling materials. Technicians may be assigned to North or South plant responsibilities and must be able to multitask, adapt to varied duties, and work effectively as part of a team.

North Plant work includes mixing ingredients according to recipes, collecting and testing samples, preparing ingredients for production, and operating pre-refiners, refiners, and conches to achieve required product fineness and viscosity. South Plant work includes operating the chipline depositor and packaging equipment, troubleshooting product characteristics, mixing bases, flavors, and dyes, sampling product, and carrying out production and non-production sanitation tasks. Other duties include operating drum and pail filling equipment, inspecting product, interpreting production and distribution schedules, using plant control systems and human-machine interfaces, completing production paperwork, and operating forklifts and other material-handling equipment.

Operators train and certify in assigned areas, attend team, safety, and quality meetings, complete required training, and train others when needed. They follow company, safety, and quality procedures, cover coworkers during breaks, maintain regular attendance, and work overtime as needed. Day and night schedules consist of 12-hour shifts across three or four days per week, with rotating or every-other-Saturday schedules depending on the option. The posting states that the four-day workweek includes eight hours of built-in overtime; optional extra workdays, when available, are paid at double time.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of complex industrial experience, such as machine operation, troubleshooting, or mechanical work.
• Ability to lift 55 pounds, sometimes repetitively.
• Ability to stand and walk for a 12-hour shift.
• Ability to speak, write, and read in English.
• Intermediate math skills, including multiplication, division, and fractions.
• Ability to work at heights above 10 feet and in extreme heat.
• Ability to work with allergens such as soy and milk.
• Ability to multitask and demonstrate problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Accuracy, attention to detail, flexibility, and a positive, can-do attitude.
• Physical range of motion, strength, and stamina to perform the job safely in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to remain alert to safety hazards, stay on task, manage time, and work independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

• Food manufacturing experience.
• Previous experience lifting 55 pounds.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, RSS, Microsoft Navision, plant control systems, and/or label management.

Responsibilities

• Read and follow coating recipes and produce chocolate and coatings in accordance with GMP, HACCP, and safety procedures.
• Mix ingredients by hand and using the plant control system, and add ingredients to mixers, conches, and bulk tanks.
• Collect and test product samples at different stages of production, and melt ingredients for production orders.
• Prepare and operate pre-refiners, refiners, and conches to achieve the required fineness and viscosity.
• Operate the chipline depositor, troubleshoot color, shape, and size issues, and mix bases, flavors, and dyes to meet product specifications.
• Operate packaging equipment, ensure products meet customer standards, and complete required checks and paperwork.
• Perform production and non-production sanitation, including setting up, tearing down, and cleaning tanks, pipes, pumps, and plates.
• Train and certify in assigned work areas within designated time frames.
• Make mixes and operate drum and pail filling equipment.
• Inspect products for color, shape, size, flavor, and viscosity issues.
• Read and interpret production and distribution schedules.
• Use the plant control system (PCS) and human-machine interfaces (HMI).
• Accurately complete paperwork and record production information, including labor reports, recipe weights, waste sheets, and MSS sheets.
• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment.
• Attend team, safety, and quality meetings; complete required training and certification; and train others as needed.
• Follow company, safety, and quality policies and procedures, cover for coworkers during breaks and lunch, maintain regular attendance, and work overtime as needed.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus; the posting lists amounts from $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the schedule option.
• Perfect-attendance bonus potential of $300 or more quarterly and year-end bonus potential of 5% or more.
• Double-time pay for an available, voluntary extra workday.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, with low deductibles and copays, LASIK reimbursement, and adult orthodontics.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) match up to 5%.
• Paid vacation, personal days, volunteer days, and 11 holidays.
• Onsite fitness facility.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• Wellness offerings, including free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and event reimbursement, and free wellness checks.
• Scholarships for employees, spouses, and children.
• Summer camp reimbursement for employees' children.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee appreciation events.
• Free chocolate and coating.

What This Job Offers

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