Packaging Operator

North Freeze Dry • Little Falls, MN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Operator operates packaging processes and machinery in accordance with operational manuals, production plans, and quality criteria. The role is responsible for the efficiency and quality of the packaging line, including operating associated equipment, maintaining accurate production and inventory records, and following food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements. The operator may also support other lines and process functions as needed and operate a forklift as necessary.

This position works in a plant manufacturing environment with moderate to loud noise and exposure to machinery, moving parts, airborne particles such as grain dust, hazardous materials or fumes, and temperature changes. PPE and hearing protection may be required. The role involves extended periods of standing, frequent movement and lifting, and may include extended seasonal hours. The schedule listed is 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.; overtime, extended shifts, weekends, and holidays may be required to meet business needs.

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.
• Mechanically inclined and motivated to continue growing and developing in the role.
• Ability to adapt to and accommodate change.
• Able and willing to work overtime, including extended shifts, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of work experience in a manufacturing or production facility preferred.
• Forklift certification and experience, or willingness to obtain certification.

Responsibilities

• Produce the required quantities of batched recipes within established specifications and tolerances and according to the production plan.
• Inspect dry ingredients, other raw materials, and in-process materials to verify compliance with function, quality, and recipe specifications.
• Maintain logs and records of units produced, including errors that result in rejected or discarded materials.
• Perform pre-operational equipment checks, preventive maintenance tasks, and process inspections.
• Perform quality and sanitation functions in accordance with the Quality Program and Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Report maintenance and quality opportunities to shift supervisors and/or managers.
• Use the plant ERP system to support inventory control, lot traceability, and tracking.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work area.
• Operate the packaging line and associated equipment, including combo unloading, conveyors and scales, transfer systems, baggers, case filling, case labeling, and palletization.
• Load recipes according to the production schedule.
• Complete shift paperwork accurately, clearly, and concisely.
• Use the ERP system to move in-process materials and products into and out of inventory.
• Follow quality guidelines and Master Sanitation Schedules and maintain a food-safe, sanitary environment.
• Support other lines and process functions as necessary, and provide backup for other roles.
• Operate a forklift as necessary.
• Execute North Freeze Dry’s Vision, Mission, and Values and promote a positive, proactive team environment where team members’ input is valued.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager or supervisor.
• Work overtime, including extended shifts, weekends, and holidays, as required; maintain schedule flexibility and reliable attendance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employee, child(ren), spouse, and family coverage options.
• Life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, and 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.

What This Job Offers

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