Packaging Utility Operator

North Freeze Dry • Little Falls, MN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Utility Operator supports and backs up packaging operators and helps produce batched recipes according to production plans, operational manuals, specifications, tolerances, and quality criteria. The role inspects raw and in-process materials, records production and rejected materials, performs equipment and process checks, and supports quality, sanitation, inventory control, and traceability.

The operator performs packaging tasks such as case filling, palletization, bagging, labeling, lot coding, check weighing, and sanitation. The role operates manual and automatic packaging equipment, keeps machinery and plant areas clean, completes shift paperwork, uses the ERP system to move materials and products in inventory, and may support other production lines or process functions. The position is based 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 maintain alertness to meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform the physical activities described, including standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and reaching or handling 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 aptitude and motivation to continually grow and develop in the role.

Responsibilities

• Produce the required quantity of batched recipes within specifications and tolerances and according to the production plan.
• Inspect dry ingredients, raw materials, and in-process materials for compliance with function, quality, and recipe specifications.
• Maintain production logs and records, 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 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 the Packaging Operator, learn the role, perform manual and mechanical tasks, and provide backup coverage.
• 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, conveyors, and scales.
• Maintain housekeeping of packaging machines and plant areas, including cleaning equipment at shift end and preparing 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 needed 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; promote a positive, proactive environment where team input is valued.
• Provide backup support for other roles as necessary 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 and dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, 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