Packaging Operator CC

Sartori Cheese Brand•Crescent City, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Operator is responsible for ensuring efficient and high-quality packaging of cheese by managing key stages within the packaging department, including tower operation, primary packaging of cheese blocks, case wrapping, palletizing, and material handling for shipping staging. This hands-on role involves operating packaging equipment, maintaining strict sanitation practices, and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to uphold food safety and product quality standards. The Packaging Operator plays a vital role in sustaining compliance with regulatory requirements and contributing to continuous improvement efforts within the packaging and logistics environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency is preferred (GED).
1-2 years of food manufacturing experience desirable, operator experience preferred.
Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility.
Responds positively to change and adjusts effectively to added information, evolving priorities, and shifting circumstances.
Maintains a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness in all work activities.
Evaluates all options and determines the best option for success.
Clearly and respectfully conveys information and ideas to team members across various platforms and situations.
Understands and applies work instructions and documentation to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
Adapts to obstacles by identifying alternative paths or creative solutions to complete tasks and meet goals.
Takes initiative and demonstrates a strong internal drive to perform without constant supervision.
Collaborates effectively within diverse teams to achieve shared goals; supports and respects fellow team members.

Nice To Haves

Forklift Certification (will train internally).

Responsibilities

Operates and monitors block-forming tower sequencing through HMIs, metal detectors, a vacuum-sealing packaging machine, a case wrapper, a weight scale, and label application to ensure product quality meets company and customer standards.
Documents work orders, lot numbers, and item codes into scale equipment.
Weighs and attaches identification labels to blocks.
Monitors and adjusts block forming towers to ensure proper block heights and product weight.
Performs quality control checks, ensuring primary packaging integrity through the packaging process.
Palletizes blocks, labels pallets, and moves finished pallets from production to the staging area.
Closes work orders for product shipment, records pertinent information for financial tracking.
Performs setup, calibration, and minor maintenance on scale, printer, and box taper.
Performs and documents routine cooler temperature checks
Reports deviations from company standards to Production Supervisors and/or Maintenance.
Conducts pre-operational inspections and operates the Clean-in-Place (CIP) system to sanitize block-forming towers and related equipment; rinses and sanitizes drain tables between vats.
Performs thorough cleaning and sanitizing of all equipment, tables, and work areas during and after production.
Follows all sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including CIP and Clean-out-of-Place (COP) procedures.
Conducts routine inspections of equipment and work surfaces for cleanliness and compliance.
Handles cleaning chemicals safely and maintains appropriate chemical concentrations for effective sanitation.
Supports pre-operational and post-operational sanitation checks to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Participates in audits and inspections related to sanitation and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance.
Trains team members on standard operating procedures, safety practices, and quality protocols to ensure consistent performance.
Complies with all company policies related to safety, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), GMP, and food quality; immediately reports any concerns to appropriate personnel.