Meat Prep Utility Operator

North Freeze Dry•Little Falls, MN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Meat Prep Utility Operator supports and backs up operators in the meat preparation production process, following operational manuals, production plans, specifications, and quality criteria. The role produces batched recipes, inspects ingredients and in-process materials, maintains production records, performs equipment and process inspections, and completes quality and sanitation activities. The operator rotates among block breaking, dry ingredient dumping, sanitation, and supporting other operators. Duties include operating equipment used for meat preparation, maintaining and cleaning machinery and work areas, tracking inventory and lots through the plant ERP system, completing paperwork, and helping other production lines and process functions as needed. The position works in a plant manufacturing environment and may involve seasonal extended hours and overtime.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to follow 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 tolerate and endure extended seasonal hours and remain alert to meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Produce the required quantity of batched recipes within established specifications and tolerances and according to the production plan.
Inspect dry ingredients, other raw materials, and in-process materials for compliance with function, quality, and recipe specifications.
Maintain records of units produced and document 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, tracking, and moving in-process materials and products into and out of inventory.
Support and back up the Meat Preparation Operator, learning and performing that role's mechanical and manual tasks.
Rotate between block breaking, dry ingredient dumping, sanitation, and supporting operators.
Operate meat preparation equipment, including equipment for block breaking, grinding, dry ingredient addition, mixing, emulsification, pumping with a surge hopper, and tipper tie and chub filling.
Maintain housekeeping of grinders, emulsifiers, and plant areas, including sweeping, removing trash, cleaning machines at shift end, and preparing for the next shift.
Check equipment cleanliness and complete shift paperwork accurately, clearly, and concisely.
Follow quality guidelines and sanitation schedules and maintain a food-safe, sanitary environment.
Support other lines and process functions as necessary, dispose of waste materials, and operate a forklift as necessary.
Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work area.
Execute North Freeze Dry's Vision, Mission, and Values and promote a positive, proactive team environment where team-member input is valued.
Provide backup support for other roles and perform other duties assigned by the manager or supervisor.
Be available for scheduled or call-in/call-back overtime as necessary.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employee, child(ren), spouse, and family coverage.
Life insurance.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
Critical illness insurance.
Accident insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
401(k) program with company match up to 4%.
Paid Time Off accruing from the first day.
Paid personal days.
Seven company-paid holidays.