What are the responsibilities and job description for the All-Pax Batch Cooker Operator Helper-2nd shift position at Furmano's?
At Furmano Foods, you’re joining a values-driven company with a purpose far greater than profit. Since 1921, we’ve stayed true to our farm, faith, and family roots—nourishing our customers, team members, partners, the land, and the future. We take pride in crafting quality, shelf-stable foods including beans, tomatoes, ancient grains, and vegetables for retail and foodservice markets nationwide. With competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a dedication to sustainability, we offer team members the opportunity to make a lasting impact while upholding a legacy of quality, service, and stewardship.
If you’re looking for a workplace that values its people and promotes a strong sense of purpose, we’d love to have you join our team! Check out our available opportunity below.
Job description: All-Pax Batch Cooker Operator Helper
Team member will be expected to push carts that weigh 100 pounds consistently as well as being the back-up operator which involves operating industrial food processing equipment such as batch cookers and retorts in a regulated food production environment. A strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and the ability to follow standard operating procedures is essential. The role requires careful monitoring and documentation of cooking parameters such as time, temperature, and pressure, as well as basic troubleshooting skills with mechanical or automated systems. Experience with Allpax retort systems or similar equipment is preferred, and knowledge of thermal processing and food sterilization is a plus.
Education: High school diploma or GED required; equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
Experience / Qualifications:
· Good physical ability.
· Experience operating industrial food processing equipment or similar machinery (retorts, cookers, kettles, etc.)
· Experience in a USDA- or FDA-regulated food facility
· Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and HACCP
· Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols
· Basic troubleshooting and understanding of mechanical or digital controls
· Experience documenting batch records, cooking times, and temperatures
· Understanding of thermal processing and sterilization principles
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Must be capable of assisting with starting up, shutting down, and changing recipes properly on the All-pax cooker computer.
2. Must be able to fill out all required paperwork & documentation neatly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
3. Verify pouch codes & inspect pouch integrity to ensure good seals
4. Must know & understand all critical parameters of the thermal process
5. Keep Cooker area clean and orderly.
6. Perform loading and unloading of Cooker carts.
7. Help with routine maintenance on cookers as required.
8. Perform the proper testing for IT (initial temperature) and pouch thickness
9. Maintain a positive teamwork atmosphere by actions, communicating and
helping co-workers.
10. Do any other jobs which Supervisor may assign.
Food safety is the responsibility of every employee. Any issues should be brought to the immediate attention of area supervisor of manager
Skills and Abilities:
1. Keep accurate records
2. Be alert to noises or conditions that indicate there may be a mechanical problem developing.
3. Communicate effectively to a variety of people
4. Graduate of Better Process Schooling Certification
Physical Requirements:
Body Movements – the amount of time spent performing each physical requirement:
- Occasional - 1/3 or less
- Frequent – 1/3 to 2/3
- Continuous – 2/3 or more
Standing: Frequent to Continuous
Walking: Frequent to Continuous
Sitting: Minimal
Lifting: Occasional to frequent (heavy duty position / ability to lift 50lbs )
Carrying: NA
Climbing: Minimal
Climbing Stairs: Minimal
Climbing ladders: Frequent to Continuous
Crawling: NA
Working in kneeling position: NA
Working with arms extended at shoulder level or above: Minimal
Twisting and Turning: Frequent to continuous
Reaching: Frequent to Occasional
Bending: Occasional to frequent
Driving: NA
Pushing and Pulling: Occasional to Frequent
Hand Movement: Manual dexterity
Simple grasping: frequent
Fine manipulation: NA
Operating Equipment: Continuous Cooker
Position Requirements: Must be able to safely reach top of pallet while stretch wrapping.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Schedule:
This position typically follows the hours of the shift scheduled to work; however, working days may vary based on season. Typically, Monday through Friday. Very often Saturday. 12 hours Shifts may be required during busy times.
Hours:
1st Shift - 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
2nd Shift - 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
3rd Shift - 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM
20 minutes paid lunch
Please Note: If hired you will need to train on 1st shift for up to 17 days with a trainer.
Salary: Up to $19.56 per hr.
Earn Bonus Incentives:
2nd/3rd Shift Differential -$1.00 per hour
Attendance Bonus -$0.50 per hour
1st Pass Quality Bonus-$0.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee Profit Sharing Bonus
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
- Onsite Nurse
- Corporate Chaplain
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Northumberland, PA 17857: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: One location
Behaviors
Preferred
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Motivations
Preferred
- Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
- Job Security: Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe
- Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
Employment Disclaimer:
This position is based in Pennsylvania and is considered "at-will." This means that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any reason not prohibited by law.
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including those prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under the law.
This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit the supervisor’s ability to modify work assignments as appropriate to meet the needs of the organization.
O*NET Occupation Code: 51-3093.00, 51-9051.00