Production Associate

The Wright Group•Crowley, LA

12d

About The Position

Production Operator 1 is an entry-level production position responsible for safely and accurately producing finished products according to batch tickets, established procedures, SOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, and quality standards. Operators may be assigned to Blends, Spray Dry, Super Coat, or Rice operations. They are expected to learn and properly perform assigned processes, operate equipment safely, complete required documentation, maintain product quality, and support efficient plant operations under the direction and guidance of the Production Lead and experienced production personnel. The role supports plant operations through teamwork, housekeeping, material handling, and assistance in other production areas as needed. There are no direct reports. Performance is measured through batch completion and documentation accuracy, CCP and pre-/post-operation compliance, first-time-right production, quality and safety compliance, and progress in required training. The position is based in a warehouse and manufacturing environment. Employees may encounter raw materials, food ingredients, dust, odors, and other manufacturing-related conditions, and must wear appropriate PPE for certain duties. The role requires safely operating forklifts and other material-handling equipment, repeatedly lifting and moving containers or boxes weighing up to approximately 55 pounds, climbing stairs, and standing for approximately 7–8 hours per day. The operation can run 24/7, and the work may involve variable hours, nights, weekends, overtime, and holidays, as well as assignments in other departments.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or one to two years of job experience.
Forklift certification required.
Ability to read and comprehend production documents, scales, safety manuals, SOPs, and other written materials in English.
Ability to pass a company-administered mathematics and computer skills assessment for the Production Operator 1 position.
Willingness and ability to comply with company safety guidelines and requirements at all times.
Availability to work nights, weekends, overtime, and holidays.
Ability to safely operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment.
Ability to regularly lift and move containers or boxes weighing up to approximately 55 pounds repetitively.
Ability to climb stairs and stand for extended periods, approximately 7–8 hours per day.
Ability to work in a fast-paced operation that can run 24/7 and, as needed, in other departments.
Demonstrated professionalism, respect, accountability, and follow-through.
Demonstrated accuracy, thoroughness, and commitment to quality.
Ability to meet productivity standards and complete work in a timely manner.
Reliable attendance, punctuality, and dependability; ability to follow instructions and management direction.
One or more years of experience working in an industrial production environment is strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of experience working in an industrial production environment.

Responsibilities

Safely and accurately produce assigned batches while following SOPs, GMPs, food safety and human safety requirements, and company policies.
Set up and start mixing tanks, blenders, and other assigned production equipment according to established procedures.
Obtain, review, and understand the documentation required to produce assigned batches.
Verify that the correct ingredients, materials, lot numbers, and quantities are used for each batch.
Safely and properly operate mixers, scales, meters, pumps, forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other assigned equipment.
Follow laboratory instructions concerning batch approval, adjustments, and additional production requirements.
Perform basic quality control checks, including measuring, weighing, sealing, counting packages, and evaluating product and package appearance.
Complete required pre-operation and post-operation inspections and report abnormalities or concerns.
Perform housekeeping in assigned areas and assist with housekeeping in other plant areas as needed.
Move empty pallets, bags, ingredients, and other supplies using forklifts, manual pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment.
Package products and assist with packaging operations when assigned.
Work cooperatively with others and assist in other production areas when needed.
Complete required training and develop proficiency in assigned production processes and equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.