Production Associate

Position Summary

The Production Associate supports GA Foods' food manufacturing and assembly operations across multiple production environments, including Total Meal System (TMS), shelf-stable production, and frozen meal manufacturing.

This is an entry-level position focused on food assembly, packaging, material handling, and quality checks in a fast-paced production environment. The Production Associate is responsible for following strict food safety, quality, and workplace safety standards while supporting daily production goals.

The ideal candidate demonstrates attention to detail, reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to support multiple production tasks as needed to meet operational demands.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with the assembly, preparation, and packaging of food and beverage products on assigned production lines.
• Place finished products into trays, containers, boxes, or cartons, ensuring secure packaging and proper labeling.
• Perform basic visual and quality checks and report defects, discrepancies, or concerns to production leadership.
• Stage, transport, and load raw materials, ingredients, and packaging supplies to support uninterrupted production flow.
• Assist with the basic operation of production and assembly line equipment under supervision.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas throughout the shift, including end-of-shift cleanup and sanitation.
• Follow all applicable food safety regulations, GMPs, HACCP requirements, workplace safety standards, and company policies.
• Properly wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Work collaboratively with team members to meet daily production targets and quality standards.
• Participate in required onboarding and ongoing training.
• Notify supervisors immediately of equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or product issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production operations and business needs.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mandatory weekends, overtime, or shift adjustments based on business needs.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based production environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions, safety warnings, labels, and postings in English.
• Willingness to rotate tasks and assist across production functions, including sanitation and cleanup.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to food safety and quality standards.
• Previous food manufacturing or industrial production experience is preferred but not required; training is provided.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position requires the ability to perform the following duties, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Stand and walk on the production floor for most of the shift.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 35 pounds. Team lifts or equipment may be used when appropriate.
• Frequently use hands, fingers, wrists, and arms and perform repetitive motions throughout the shift.
• Reach, grasp, bend, stoop, squat, stretch, push, and pull as needed.
• Work in an industrial food production environment with exposure to food debris, odors, wet or slippery surfaces, moving machinery, constant equipment noise, and temperature variations, including hot and cold areas.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated production areas.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At GA Foods, we value our One Team and proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-being.

Benefits May Include:

• Health Benefits: A diverse selection of group health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance offerings.
• Employer-Paid Coverage: 100% employer-paid Short-Term Disability and $25,000 Life/AD&D insurance.
• Health Payment Account: Access to employer-supported resources to help manage healthcare expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan to help you invest in your future.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays: Generous PTO program and 10 employer-paid recognized holidays, starting on your first day.
• No-Cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to disaster, emergency, and personal support resources.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action

GA Foods is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made based on merit, qualifications, performance, and business needs, without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

In compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), GA Foods takes affirmative action to employ and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship.

GA Food Services of Pinellas County, LLC (GA Foods) maintains a Drug-Free, Smoke-Free Workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.