Weekend Packaging Utility Operator

North Freeze Dry • Little Falls, MN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Utility Operator supports and backs up operators in the packaging process, following operational manuals, quality criteria, production plans, and applicable food safety and sanitation requirements. The role produces batched recipes to established specifications, inspects ingredients and in-process materials, records production and rejected materials, completes equipment and process inspections, and reports maintenance or quality opportunities. The operator uses the plant ERP system for inventory control, lot traceability, and product movement, and maintains a clean and safe work area.

In packaging, the operator assists and backs up the Packaging Operator with mechanical and manual tasks, including case filling, palletization, bagging, packaging, labeling, lot coding, check weighing, sanitation, and operation of manual and automatic equipment. The role also supports other lines and process functions, operates a forklift as necessary, completes shift paperwork, and performs housekeeping and waste disposal. Employees are expected to uphold North Freeze Dry’s vision, mission, and values, contribute to a positive team environment, provide backup support as needed, and be available for scheduled or call-in/call-back overtime.

The job is performed in a plant manufacturing environment. Conditions may include moderate to loud noise, machinery and moving parts, airborne particles such as grain dust, hazardous materials or fumes, temperature changes including negative temperatures, adverse weather, high places, and confined spaces. Personal protective equipment and hearing protection may be required. The position involves extended standing and other physical activity, frequent lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds, and occasional extended seasonal hours.

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 maintain alertness to meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform the stated physical activities, including standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, and handling or reaching with hands and arms.

Nice To Haves

• Six months of work experience in a manufacturing or production facility.
• Forklift certification, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Mechanical inclination and motivation to continually grow and develop in the role.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Produce the required quantities of batched recipes within specifications and tolerances and according to the production plan.
• Inspect dry ingredients, other raw materials, and in-process materials for compliance with functional, quality, and recipe specifications.
• Maintain production logs and records, including 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 movement of in-process materials and products into and out of inventory.
• Support and back up the Packaging Operator, performing both mechanical and manual tasks.
• Perform case filling, manual palletization, packaging, bagging, case labeling, bag lot coding, case check weighing, and sanitation tasks.
• Operate manual and automatic packaging equipment, including palletization, case filling, packaging equipment, conveyors, and scales.
• Maintain and clean packaging machines and plant areas, including sweeping, removing trash, and preparing equipment for the next shift.
• Check equipment cleanliness and complete shift paperwork accurately and clearly.
• Follow quality guidelines and sanitation schedules and maintain a food-safe, sanitary environment.
• Support other lines and process functions as necessary to maximize plant efficiency.
• Dispose of waste materials and other items as required.
• Operate a forklift as necessary.
• Execute the company’s vision, mission, and values and promote a positive, proactive team environment.
• Provide backup support for other roles and perform other duties as assigned by the manager or supervisor.
• Be available for overtime on a scheduled or call-in/call-back basis as necessary.

Benefits

• 401(k) program with a company match of up to 4% after 1,000 hours worked.
• Earned sick and safe time at one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year.

What This Job Offers

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