Processing Operator

Alphia•Hazleton, PA

15h

About The Position

The Processing Operator helps assemble, calibrate, operate, and monitor an extrusion system and its auxiliary equipment. The role inspects equipment hourly, adjusts operating variables to meet equipment and product requirements, and is responsible for product quality attributes, including evaluating quality and promptly correcting out-of-specification product. The operator also monitors shrink losses, calculates production rates and performance percentages, and troubleshoots technical issues or notifies maintenance as appropriate. The position supports production orders and documentation by checking order information, completing processing paperwork and status reports, and preparing simple production reports. It includes operating a forklift and handheld scanners to retrieve ingredients from inventory, handling ingredient and product bags, and completing accurate and efficient changeovers and equipment cleanups between product runs. The operator works closely with Quality Assurance, follows quality assurance programs, GMPs, SOPs, and CCP requirements, and reports food-safety or quality concerns, including deviations requiring affected product to be held. The employee is responsible for maintaining a safe and clean work area and contributing to team goals. The work takes place in a production area where allergens or airborne particles, temperatures ranging from 50 to 115 degrees depending on season and workstation, moving mechanical parts, occasional outdoor weather, and loud equipment noise may be present. Required protective equipment includes appropriate boots, gloves, safety glasses and/or face shields for various processes, as well as ear plugs and bump caps at all times in the production area.

Requirements

Entry-level experience.
Willingness to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, and percentages.
Ability to multitask.
Ability to distinguish and duplicate colors in the extrusion process.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing frequently, handling materials, and exerting the stated levels of force.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma and/or GED preferred.

Responsibilities

Help assemble, calibrate, operate, and monitor an extrusion system and auxiliary equipment, including pumps, micro-motions, a dry coating applicator, tanks, and agitators.
Inspect and evaluate equipment hourly and adjust equipment variables to meet equipment and product requirements.
Dump, weigh, carry, and stack ingredient and product bags, including bags weighing up to 50 pounds.
Operate a forklift and handheld scanners to remove ingredients from inventory for production.
Assist in evaluating orders; complete accurate paperwork on processing conditions and complete status reports.
Calculate rates and performance percentages for product runs.
Distinguish colors and duplicate them in the extrusion process.
Maintain effective communication with the Quality Assurance department and ensure products meet client specifications.
Monitor and manage shrink losses within acceptable limits and standards.
Evaluate product quality attributes and make immediate adjustments to correct out-of-specification products.
Anticipate technical problems, troubleshoot where appropriate, make technical adjustments, and/or notify maintenance.
Maintain a safe and clean work area and environment.
Participate in facility and equipment cleanup between product runs as directed.
Complete required changeovers accurately and efficiently.
Become familiar with GMPs and SOPs for all products and use Alphia Business Systems as relevant to the position.
Complete simple production reports.
Notify a supervisor or lead employee of situations or observations that may adversely affect food safety or quality.
Ensure CCP requirements are met and, if a deviation occurs, notify the Supervisor and Quality departments so affected product can be held.
Perform other duties as assigned.