Operator - Production (Production) - Night Shift

Freshpet Talent Acquisition•Bethlehem, PA

21h

About The Position

The Production Operator plays an integral role in primary packaging for Artemis 1 and operates novel equipment and technologies. The role follows standard operating procedures and corrective action procedures; cleans and sanitizes equipment and work areas; processes and cooks raw meat, vegetables, and dry ingredients; loads ingredients manually; and operates machines using computer terminals and PLC touch screens. The operator packages cooked product, packs boxes, palletizes and shrink-wraps products, and completes production, inventory, HACCP, and quality paperwork accurately. The position also supports Artemis-related Pilot Plant trials during training and onboarding, until the employee transitions to the Artemis Line 1. Duties include assisting with trials, process development, ingredient batching and inventory tracking, equipment disassembly and reassembly, basic maintenance, sanitation, and benchtop-scale testing. The operator must follow food safety and safety procedures, including GMPs, HACCP, lockout/tagout, and precautions for hot or pressurized equipment and cleaning chemicals. The role involves manually lifting and transporting unfinished and finished product and working in a cold, wet environment of approximately 37°F. The operator contributes to commissioning Artemis 1 by helping train new operators and working with Engineering, Operations, and SPD during start-up. The position also supports procedure updates and training initiatives, maintains a sanitary and safe workplace, contributes Pilot Plant experience to improving Artemis 1, and participates in TPRs. Schedule is Monday through Thursday, 5:15 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Base pay is $25.67 per hour, plus a $3.00 shift differential.

Requirements

Must be a Production Operator at or above Level 200 in the Freshpet Academy.
At least 2 years of experience in the food or pet food industry.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to read and follow procedures and accurately complete sanitation-related paperwork.
Ability to lift 50 pounds or more and stand, walk, bend, and stoop throughout the work schedule.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask efficiently.
Ability to work in a team and adapt to a dynamic work environment.
Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
Adaptability and composure in response to changing project priorities and during commissioning of a new processing line.
Ability to carry out assignments independently, review data for accuracy and trends, and communicate concerns.
Ability to work with fresh raw meats and other food ingredients.
Follow established company policies and the Employee Handbook.
Willingness and ability to cross-train on all sanitation responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Food manufacturing sanitation experience.
Prior Production, Sanitation, QA, or Laboratory experience.
Technical degree or certification in a Nutrition- or Food Science-related field.
Knowledge and experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and related systems.

Responsibilities

Operate equipment for primary packaging of Artemis 1 and follow relevant SOPs and corrective action procedures.
Clean and sanitize machine parts, equipment, and work areas.
Process and cook raw meat, vegetables, and dry ingredients; manually load ingredients and operate machines through computer terminals and PLC touch screens.
Package cooked product into plastic packaging; pack boxes, palletize, and shrink-wrap products.
Complete paperwork related to production schedules, inventory, HACCP plans, and quality standards accurately.
Participate in Artemis-related Pilot Plant trials during training and onboarding, including operating equipment and assisting with trials and process development.
Disassemble and reassemble processing equipment and perform basic maintenance.
Assist with ingredient batching and inventory tracking of ingredients and Artemis-related items and utilities.
Assist with Pilot Plant sanitation, including safe operation of CIP high-flow water flushing and SIP thermal sterilization systems.
Assist with benchtop-scale testing while adhering to testing protocols and SOPs.
Follow GMPs, HACCP plans, lockout/tagout procedures, and safety precautions for hot or pressurized equipment and cleaning chemicals.
Manually lift and transport unfinished and finished products during production and trials.
Help commission Artemis 1, train new operators, and work with Engineering, Operations, and SPD during start-up.
Review, update, and follow SOPs and SSOPs; maintain a sanitary and safe work environment.
Assist with operational-procedure training initiatives, contribute Pilot Plant experience to Artemis 1, and participate in TPRs.
Perform other duties as assigned.