Seeding - 2nd shift lead

About the Role

The Frei Seeding Lead is responsible for overseeing the second-shift operations at the Frei production facility, related to sterilization, Maitake inoculation, incubation, and Kinkaki. This role ensures adherence to aseptic techniques, continuous quality control, and direct supervision of the team to ensure production schedules, safety standards, and efficiency goals are met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate daily 2nd shift seeding operations, ensuring all production targets are met efficiently and accurately.
• Provide first-level support to the team, including resolving minor operational concerns and assisting employees with the Paycom application.
• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins with individual team members to provide ongoing performance feedback and foster a positive work environment.
• Lead by example, upholding company culture, safety protocols, and attendance standards.
• Independently perform and oversee the required sterilization processes, including checking the sterilizer and fumigating the harvest room on scheduled days (e.g., Mondays).
• Conduct inspection of Maitake incubation and other harvest areas to monitor development and quality standards.
• Execute and report on test development, including taking photos, observing processes, and recording results for review.
• Utilize Acumatica software for operational reporting, including the accurate entry of Maitake production data and the creation of production tags.
• Review and respond to emails and send messages as needed to keep supervisors and team members informed about team needs and any issues. Use email, Teams, and Weever to communicate.
• Plan and execute team training sessions.
• Teach and mentor staff on proper seeding techniques, kinkaki, quality standards, and safety procedures.
• Provide direct support to the team by covering tasks when a member is absent or during periods of high demand.

Qualifications:

Experience/ Education

• 2 years of combined Spawn experience and proved ability to lead; High School graduate or GED preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• In-depth technical knowledge of aseptic techniques, sterilization protocols, and the specific requirements for Kinkaki and Maitake incubation and seeding.
• Knowledge of safety and sanitation regulations in food production.
• Leadership and team management skills, with the ability to train, motivate, and develop a team.
• Problem-solving and decision-making with the ability to make decisions based on specialized insight.
• Proficient in record-keeping and basic computer skills, with experience using Acumatica and Weever software. As well as Excel and Word for miscellaneous reporting and documentation tasks.
• Organized with a strong focus on detail, thorough follow-through, and effective multitasking.
• Verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to actively listen, train, and guide staff effectively.
• Ability to ask questions.
• Ability to work independently with minimal to no supervision.

Special Requirements

• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Focused work ethic.
• No allergies to soy, corn, or wheat.

Work Environment/Physical Demand

Approximately 70% of this position involves technical execution and reporting within a controlled-environment warehouse and processing facility. The role requires the ability to stand for long periods (all day), perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks, and lift up to 35 pounds daily. Must be able to bend, twist, and reach, and occasionally climb steps or work at heights up to 6 feet. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position is at-will employment. 90-day probationary period.

Salary : $20 - $26