Process Operator I

SunOpta•Alexandria, MN

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Extraction Process Operator I is responsible for operating all extraction room equipment to meet Safety, Quality, and Production policies and standards. The operator will perform all room functions including Production and CIP pipe changes, transfer hose hook ups, department cleaning (MSS), Operator Cares, and production logs (data sheets). The operator will use good time management to determine appropriate trailer swaps, break timing, and materials prep keeping the room operational to meet production schedule needs. Conducts effective communication relevant to shift and plant performance.

Requirements

Understands procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross contamination, including color-coding of brushes and equipment.
Must be able to prepare and maintain accurate paperwork or document correctly within our Redzone system.
Must adhere to all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management.
Must be able to stand and work for long periods of time (12) hours.
Lift a minimum 30-50 pounds frequently.
Push/pull pallet jacks and lifts with heavy loads.
Willingness to learn department and other departments as needed.
Must be able to run/cip/maintain all department equipment and surrounding departments as needed.
Willingness to learn and help perform maintenance on valves and other connections within the department and surrounding area.
Willingness to learn Skid Loader and Yard Truck usage as it relates to department needs.
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve basic issues associated with the department equipment and surrounding area.
Ability to assess a situation and make quick and accurate decisions that will aid in production.
Understand terminology related to the department equipment and surrounding equipment.
Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent education.
Entry level – willing to learn, train, and coach as needed.
Working knowledge of business, computer, and math, preferred.
Must be able to work effectively in a team-based environment, set priorities to meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and make decisions under pressure being able to work with minimal or no supervision.
Ability to use critical thinking to plan and problem-solving.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of business, computer, and math, preferred.

Responsibilities

Operating all extraction room equipment to meet Safety, Quality, and Production policies and standards.
Performing all room functions including Production and CIP pipe changes, transfer hose hook ups, department cleaning (MSS), Operator Cares, and production logs (data sheets).
Using good time management to determine appropriate trailer swaps, break timing, and materials prep keeping the room operational to meet production schedule needs.
Conducting effective communication relevant to shift and plant performance.
Operating a forklift to move, locate, relocate, stack, rail, and count product.
Pulling and preparing product for Staging using FIFO/FEFO, ensuring that the exact number and type of product is used in an efficient manner that meets production standards.
Efficiently moving product from staging and/or storage areas to production area.
Operating and being accountable for the safe and efficient operation of vehicles including Forklifts, Skid Loader, and Yard Trucks.
Ensuring all product ingredients are accurately labeled and free of damage, reporting any quality variances.
Keeping appropriate records and reports to guarantee that inventory control and security are maintained.
Assisting in physical inventories and proper stock rotation.
Maintaining all forklift inspections prior to shift with accurate documentation.
Conducting required quality checks to assure standards are met.
Maintaining clean and organized area around equipment.
Maintaining communications within the plant ensuring smooth shift transitions, etc.
Troubleshooting and resolving basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
Packing and returning unused product ingredients to their storage locations by wrapping, stickering, returning in oracle, and returning to proper location.
Supporting technicians in appropriate maintenance activities.
Relieving other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
Accurately preparing and maintaining all area paperwork.
Accurately preparing and maintaining all area forums and data sheets in Redzone.
Participating in chats and huddles in Redzone.
Complying with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Master Sanitation (MSS).
Maintaining overall area housekeeping, and facility SQF efforts.
Performing all other duties as assigned.
Adhering to all plant safety rules.
Reporting all near misses and accidents in Redzone, and to the production supervisor and/or HR representative.
Serving an active role in the plant safety programs, by participating in monthly safety inspections and reporting any potential safety hazards to the safety committee or Management.
Adhering to all Quality Assurance System guidelines.
Following SOPs to make machine adjustments.
Following SOPs on truck inspection for loading and unloading.
Following SOPs for use of equipment for accurate product testing.
Following SSOPs accurately for effective CIP/COPs.
Accurately titrating chemistry for verification of chemical strength.
Being responsible for compliance with the HACCP & SQF program.
Adhering to and following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s).
Being responsible for accurate documentation.
Assisting Maintenance Technicians in any capacity needed to expedite the repair process when Maintenance is occurring in the work area.
Reporting equipment in a state of disrepair ASAP to avoid breakdowns.
Maintaining a clean and organized work area.
Assisting all areas of the plant with general housekeeping.
Cooperating with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors.
Ensuring effective shift communication and teamwork with other operators occurs each scheduled shift.
Maintaining effective communication with members of the support group.
Being professional and respectful when communicating utilizing Handheld radios and Redzone Tablets.
Maintaining communication with Shift Supervisor as well as Production Manager.
Attending plant training and town-halls as required.
Promoting and contributing to the development of a strong team.
Working well among co-workers in a team structure.
Maintaining a positive and professional attitude while on the job.
Assisting in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team.
Continuously improving knowledge of Extraction department processes and flow.
Becoming familiar with Redzone and SunOpta One endeavors.
Completing and adhering to the Annual Alchemy Schedule.