Packaging Operator

JOB PURPOSE:

Maintain quality and operate packaging equipment and perform all packaging activities associated with assigned line.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Package products in bags, boxes, or bulk containers; label and stack on pallets
  • Stack bags of product weighing up to 50# from between waist and shoulder height to a pallet between knee and shoulder height.
• Maintain product and packaging quality through visually inspecting finished product.
• Ensure product, bags, wraps, seals, boxes, and pallets meet quality standards.
• Participates in full facility equipment clean-up between runs, as directed.
• Accountable for maintaining and sustaining FIFO program.
• Set up, operate, and perform basic trouble shooting of packaging equipment, to include but no limited to:
  • Bemis 1, Bemis 2, Parsons, Jemlines, Palletizers, forklifts, stretch wrappers, scales, metal detectors, belts, control panels, labelers, coders, case erectors, trash compactors.
• Perform QA duties as necessary, to include but not limited to:
  • Enter data collected from routine checks into IQS software.
  • Know and monitor HACCP compliance in-Process.
  • Assist with product changeover, cleaning, and sanitation; perform inspections required before product start-up.
  • Collect finished product samples for product release testing.
  • Perform verification checks of metal detectors and magnets in area of responsibility as specified in Quality Checkpoints.
  • Immediately communicate Quality concerns to Packaging Lead or Supervisor.
  • Participate in 1st article of inspection to ensure food safety and quality.
• Must complete required paperwork accurately and completely, including simple production reports.
• Proficiency in Alphia Business Systems (i.e., JDE, IQS, etc) as it applies to the position.
• Anticipate technical problems and (when appropriate) proactively troubleshoot and make technical adjustments and/or notify Maintenance.
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Work with Maintenance and Supervisor to identify potential line improvements.
• Responsible for technical training/coaching and cross training other plant personnel and new hires.
• Acknowledge and adhere to the requirement to work only in job-specific designated area.
• Accountable for personal safety, behavior, and performance.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and organized work area and leaving a clean and organized work area for the following shift.
• Responsible for following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) and Job Safety Analyses (JSA’s), as well as following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
• Required to notify a supervisor or a lead employee of any situation or observation that may adversely affect food safety and/or quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma and/or GED required.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, and percentages.
• Basic computer skills.
• Willing to work in a team environment and contribute to group goals.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, in written form, and via radio.
• Ability to receive and provide instructions in a positive manner.
• Ability to obtain Alphia Lock Out / Tag Out certification.
• Ability to obtain Alphia forklift certification.
• Ability to multi-task.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, walk, and move from place to place. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use foot/feet to operate machine, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl or reach above shoulders. The employee is frequently required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or touch.

The employee must exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and / or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee may be frequently exposed to allergens and/or airborne particles in the production area. Production employees are exposed to temperatures ranging from 0 to 100 degrees, depending on the season and workstation, and may be working near moving mechanical parts. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions may occur.

The noise level in the work environment may be loud while production equipment is running.

Personal Protection Equipment (including, but not limited to, boots, gloves, safety glasses, and/or face shields) is required during various processes in the production area. Ear plugs and bump caps are required at all times in the production area.