Packaging Utility Operator

North Freeze Dry • Little Falls, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for supporting and backing up operators in the packaging process in accordance with operational manuals and quality criteria. The role involves producing the required quantity of batched recipes within established specifications and tolerances, inspecting raw materials, maintaining logs, performing equipment maintenance and quality/sanitation functions, and interfacing with the plant ERP system for inventory control and traceability. The Packaging Utility Operator also supports the main Packaging Operator by performing various mechanical and manual tasks, including case filling, palletization, packaging, bagging, labeling, check weighing, and sanitation. They operate all associated equipment, maintain housekeeping of the packaging area, and ensure adherence to quality guidelines and food safety standards. The role may also involve supporting other lines or process functions to maximize plant efficiency, operating a forklift, and providing back-up support for other roles. The company emphasizes executing its Vision, Mission, and Values, promoting a positive team environment, and being available for overtime.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow proper food safety, quality and workplace safety procedures and requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a team environment.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Mechanically inclined, drive yourself to continually grow and develop your role.
• Ability to adapt and accommodate change.

Nice To Haves

• 6 months working experience in a manufacturing/production facility preferred.
• Forklift certification preferred, or willing to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Produces the required quantity of batched recipes within established specifications and tolerances and according to production plan.
• Inspects dry ingredient materials and other raw materials, as well as in process materials as necessary ensuring compliance with function, quality, and recipe specifications.
• Maintains logs and records of units produced including a record of errors resulting in rejected/discarded materials.
• Perform pre-operational equipment, preventative maintenance tasks, and process inspections.
• Perform quality and sanitation functions per Quality Program and Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Report maintenance and quality opportunities with shift supervisors and/or managers.
• Interface with plant ERP system to assure inventory control, lot traceability, and tracking.
• Maintains a clean, safe, orderly work area.
• Supports Packaging Operator, learning their role and providing a variety of tasks both mechanical and manual in nature.
• Back-up Packaging Operator and perform Packaging Operator tasks.
• Responsible for case filling, manual palletization, packaging, bagging, case labeling, bag lot coding, case check weighing, sanitation and supporting operators.
• Operate all equipment both manual and automatic associated with packaging, including palletization, case filling, packaging, conveyors/scales, etc.
• Responsible for housekeeping of the packaging machine(s), and plant area. (e.g., sweeping, removing trash, cleaning the machine at the end of the shift, preparing for next shift's production).
• Check for the cleanliness of equipment.
• Finalize any paperwork during shift in an accurate, clear, and concise manner.
• Utilize ERP System for moving in-process materials and products into and out of inventory.
• Follow all quality guidelines, Master Sanitation Schedules, and maintain a food-safe, sanitary environment.
• Support other lines, as necessary.
• Dispose of waste materials and other items as required.
• Operate forklift as necessary.
• Support other process functions as necessary during the day to maximize efficiency of plant.
• Execute the North Freeze Dry Vision, Mission, and Values (VMV’s) at all times.
• Promote a positive, proactive environment where input from team members is valued and encouraged.
• Provide back-up support for other roles, as necessary.
• Available for overtime on a scheduled or call-in/call-back basis, as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned by the manager/supervisor.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance including employees, child(ren), spouse and family coverage.
• Ancillary benefits include Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• 401(K) Program available with a company match up to 4%.
• Paid Time Off accruing on your first day and Paid Personal Days.
• 7 Company Paid Holidays.

What This Job Offers

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