Weekend Freeze Dry Operator

North Freeze Dry • Little Falls, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Weekend Freeze Dry Operator operates freeze-dry preparation equipment and freeze dryers in accordance with operational manuals, production plans, and quality criteria. The position is responsible for the operation, efficiency, and quality of the freezing and freeze-dry preparation process and equipment, while following food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

The operator prepares and inspects ingredients and in-process materials, produces batched recipes to established specifications, monitors and adjusts process conditions, and maintains production, quality, and inventory records through the plant ERP system. The role also includes equipment inspections and preventive maintenance tasks, maintaining a safe and orderly work area, reporting maintenance or quality concerns, and supporting other lines and process functions as needed.

The position works in a food manufacturing plant, with routine exposure to production machinery, forklifts, noise, airborne particles, and temperature changes. The posted schedule is 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with availability for additional scheduled or call-in/call-back overtime as necessary.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow food safety, quality, and workplace safety procedures and requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a team environment.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Forklift certification and experience, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Mechanical aptitude and motivation to continually grow and develop in the role.
• Ability to adapt to and accommodate change.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of work experience in a manufacturing or production facility.

Responsibilities

• Produce the required quantities of batched recipes within established specifications and tolerances and according to the production plan.
• Inspect dry ingredients, other raw materials, and in-process materials for compliance with function, quality, and recipe specifications.
• Maintain records of units produced and errors resulting in rejected or discarded materials.
• Perform pre-operational equipment checks, preventive maintenance tasks, and process inspections.
• Perform quality and sanitation functions in accordance with the Quality Program and Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Report maintenance and quality opportunities to shift supervisors and/or managers.
• Use the plant ERP system to support inventory control, lot traceability, and tracking.
• Operate freezing and freeze-dry preparation equipment, including the Auto Panner, WIP Freezer, and Freeze Dryer.
• Load recipes according to the production schedule.
• Observe temperature, humidity, and pressure gauges and product samples, and adjust controls to maintain prescribed operating conditions.
• Maintain a food-safe, sanitary environment and a clean, safe, orderly work area.
• Complete shift paperwork accurately, clearly, and concisely.
• Use the ERP system to move in-process materials and products into and out of inventory.
• Support other lines and process functions as necessary, and provide backup support for other roles.
• Operate a forklift as necessary.
• Execute North Freeze Dry's Vision, Mission, and Values and promote a positive, proactive environment that values team-member input.
• Be available for overtime on a scheduled or call-in/call-back basis as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager or supervisor.

Benefits

• 401(k) program with company matching up to 4% after 1,000 hours worked.
• Earned sick and safe time: one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year.

What This Job Offers

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