Weekend Panning Utility Operator

North Freeze Dry • Little Falls, MN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports and backs up operators in the panning process, following operational manuals and quality criteria. The operator produces batched recipes to production plans and specifications; inspects ingredients and in-process materials; performs equipment and process checks; maintains quality, sanitation, inventory, and production records; and keeps the work area clean and safe.

Specific panning duties include bringing out clean trays, placing and leveling product on trays, loading trays onto the overhead trolley system, and moving filled trolleys into the freezer. The role also involves cleaning panning machines and plant areas, completing paperwork, using the ERP system to track materials and inventory, disposing of waste, operating a forklift as necessary, and supporting other production functions and lines.

The job operates in a plant manufacturing environment with moderate to loud noise, machinery, forklifts, and potential exposure to grain dust, hazardous materials or fumes, adverse weather, temperature extremes including negative temperatures, high places, and confined spaces. PPE and hearing protection may be required. The position may involve extended seasonal hours and requires alertness to meet deadlines. The stated schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow proper 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 up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to adapt to and accommodate change.
• Ability to tolerate and endure extended seasonal hours and maintain alertness to meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Six months of work experience in a manufacturing or production facility.
• Forklift certification, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Mechanically inclined, with motivation to continually grow and develop in the role.

Responsibilities

• Produce the required quantity of batched recipes according to production plans, specifications, and tolerances.
• Inspect dry ingredients, other raw materials, and in-process materials to ensure compliance with quality and recipe specifications.
• Maintain production logs and records, including records of errors that result 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 for inventory control, lot traceability, and tracking.
• Bring out clean trays, place and evenly level product on trays, load trays onto the overhead trolley system, and push filled trolleys into the freezer.
• Maintain housekeeping of panning machines and plant areas, including sweeping, removing trash, cleaning machines at shift end, and preparing for the next shift.
• Complete shift paperwork accurately, clearly, and concisely.
• Move in-process materials and products into and out of inventory using the ERP system.
• Maintain a food-safe, sanitary environment and follow quality guidelines and sanitation schedules.
• Support other lines and process functions as necessary to maximize plant efficiency.
• Dispose of waste materials and other items as required.
• Operate a forklift as necessary.
• Execute North Freeze Dry's Vision, Mission, and Values and promote a positive, proactive environment where team-member input is valued.
• Provide backup support for other roles as necessary.
• Be available for scheduled or call-in/call-back overtime as necessary.
• Perform other duties assigned by the manager or supervisor.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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