Blender Helper

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but not limited to, the following:

• Verify the production menu for process and product specifications per the Operational Parameters sheet from the MAS500 system prior to start-up to determine formulation and blending needs.
• Assemble and set up the formulation and blending rooms’ equipment for production operation.
• Identify the spices and additional ingredients for the product to be blended during the shift; gather supplies from the Spice Room and deliver to the Seasoning Room for use.
• Verify and log the raw meat vat information and ingredients.
• Load raw meat from hopper to the blender.
• Add ingredients per the established recipe requirements.
• Monitor the blend during the mixing process; conduct process checks to verify the blend consistency for stuffing.
• Generate and apply blend labels to vats, with date, quantity, ingredients, etc. for lot traceability.
• Complete the required paperwork, including batch sheets, rework usage log, etc.
• Disassemble, sanitize and reassemble equipment as identified on the Changeover Matrix between production blends as required.
• Perform daily and weekly sanitation duties that include the following: sweep and mop floors; wash & wipe down equipment, wash parts and walls; empty and clean bins and barrels; remove and dispose of all waste; mop and clean the Formulation, Blending, Grinder and Seasoning Rooms; clean the ice machine and raw cooler, and other areas weekly or as needed.
• Exercise safety precautions when using cleaning chemicals, using cleaning chemicals appropriate to the task.
• Follows established equipment Lockout/Tagout procedures as required.
• Operate a forklift and pallet jack to pull and move raw materials, product and supplies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Reading and comprehension is required. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and with changing environmental conditions.  Must have a strong attention to detail and the ability to work rapidly and with a high degree of accuracy.  Must have a strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to achieve forklift certification, if not licensed.  Must be able to tolerate working in cool temperatures for extended periods, and be able to tolerate working with sanitation chemicals on a regular basis.

Education and/or Experience                                                

A minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalency and a minimum of 6 months experience as a Backup Blender Operator is normally required.  A minimum of 3 years work experience in a USDA- regulated environment is strongly preferred.  Experience with meat blending operations or ready-to-eat processed meats manufacturing is strongly preferred.   Experience with formulating sausage to defined fat & moisture levels, incorporating water/fat-binding ingredients & inclusions (IQF vegetables, cheese) into sausage is highly desired.

Communication Skills                                                               

Must possess good verbal and interpersonal communication skills.  Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as product information, process instructions, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Computer Skills

Must possess computer proficiency with Excel, Outlook, SalmWiki  and MAS500 or related integrated ERP manufacturing software system.

Mathematical Skills                                                   

Must have strong basic math skills, with the ability to calculate percentages and fractions for recipe quantities and meat formulations.

Reasoning Ability                                                       

Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal or diagram form.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the partner is frequently required to stand for extended periods; walk; sit and talk or hear. The partner is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms, with repetitive motions of hands, arms and shoulders. The partner must regularly lift up to 50# and occasionally carry up to 50#, upstairs.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and depth perception.  

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. There is a wide variation of temperatures, ranging from 35° F to 100° F in the various other work areas.  The work environment in Blending is wet and slippery. The noise level in the production work environment is usually loud.  Partners are required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.  Gloves, goggles, face shield, dust mask, rain suits and rubber boots will be provided when required.