Maintenance and Production Operator Level I

Description

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Operations Manager

Summary/Objective 

Serve as a dual-role team member responsible for both performing production to meet sales demand to customer specifications, and performing maintenance and repairs on processing equipment, building systems, and facility infrastructure. This position requires the ability to shift between production operations and maintenance duties based on business needs.

Essential Functions

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair on all processing and production equipment.
• Perform start-up procedures, make operational adjustments, remove blades, and dis-mantle equipment as needed.
• Demonstrate ability and knowledge of Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures, including hazard assessment and proper release or blocking of stored energy. Know the location of all lockouts on all machines in assigned areas.
• Hydraulic Systems: Maintain and troubleshoot pumps, motors, mechanical and solenoid valves, and piping circuits.
• Pneumatic Systems: Maintain and troubleshoot cylinders, air motors, control valves, and piping. Interpret pneumatic schematics.
• Welding & Fabrication: Proficiently use MIG and TIG welding. Operate shop fabrication tools including grinders, drill press, cut-off saws, band saws, pipe threader, hydraulic press, and hose press. Basic understanding of mill and lathe operation.
• Electrical: Basic understanding of single-phase and three-phase power (110V, 230V) and micro-switches.
• Dismantle and repair sanitation equipment including pressure washers, boiler systems, hot water heaters, spray guns, and unloader valves.

Facility & Building Maintenance

• Perform building repairs and upkeep including water systems, electrical systems, and general facility infrastructure.
• Add chemicals to water treatment locations including boiler water treatment, process softeners, and process water chlorination systems.
• Know chemical symbols and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) locations.
• Identify and report maintenance needs and safety hazards throughout the facility.

Production Operations

• Set up, operate, and break down production line equipment including dicers, check weighers, metal detectors, freeze-dryers, and other processing machinery.
• Run production according to sales demand, batch records, production schedules, and product/customer specifications.
• Monitor production line flow and make adjustments to maintain efficiency and through-put.
• Perform changeovers between production runs, including cleaning and sanitizing equipment.
• Weigh, package, label, and palletize finished product according to specifications.
• Perform in-process checks such as weights, temperatures, and visual inspections.
• Understand and follow HACCP plans and all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with sanitation standards.
• Complete and document all required production records and paperwork.

General

• Communicate effectively with employees at all levels through written, verbal, and face-to-face interaction.
• Assist other team members in the completion of work.
• Adhere to all safety standards and procedures.
• Perform various clerical duties as assigned, including data entry and record keeping.
• Perform basic math as part of daily duties.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Requirements

Competencies

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as equipment manuals, production sched-ules, safety rules, regulations, and operating instructions.
• Ability to shift between production and maintenance tasks and prioritize based on business needs.
• Ability to complete tasks quickly and accurately.
• Ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and professionally and be a positive influence in a workgroup.
• Ability to train others in job functions.
• Strong record keeping and organizational skills.
• Maintain exemplary attendance.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and ability to work well with others.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Work Environment

The worker is frequently subject to inside manufacturing conditions with occasional exposure to outside environmental conditions. The worker is subject to manufacturing noise and may be exposed to cold, wet, freezing, and warm production and warehouse environments.

Physical Demands

This job involves medium work exerting force occasionally and frequently to move objects.

The worker will be required to have a range of motion as follows:

• Often requires walking, moving, or climbing to accomplish tasks.
• Often requires standing for sustained periods of time.
• Occasionally requires stooping and reaching.
• Occasionally requires pushing using upper extremities to press against something with steady force.
• Occasionally requires pulling using upper extremities to exert force to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Lifting is required on an occasional basis.
• Ability to use pallet jacks is required on an occasional basis.
• Often requires perceiving attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touch.
• Repetitive motions are required involving substantial movements of the arms, wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Able to lift 30 lbs. on regular basis

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

Full-time position, 5 days a week including some weekends as required. Expected hours: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. Start times vary. Overtime may be required on a regular basis.

Travel

Local travel between company sites as needed.

Required Education and Experience

• Previous work experience as a mechanic in a food processing or manufacturing environment.
• Basic knowledge of computer programs such as Excel, Word, and email.
• Fundamental mathematical skills (percentages, averages, subtracting tares, etc.).
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Must provide own hand tools (standard and metric); most power tools are supplied by the company.

Preferred Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience providing maintenance in a food or agriculture setting.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Must be willing to cross-train and assist regularly in other departments as needed.