Canner Operator

Location: Clear Lake, Wisconsin
Industry: Leading co-pack manufacturer of aseptically packed cheese sauce, puddings, and beverages. With over 70 years of experience, AFP advanced food products llc is dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality products while prioritizing sustainability and community impact. As part of Savencia Fromage & Dairy, we share a commitment to a sustainable, ethical, and collaborative world, guided by the mission: “Leading the way to better food.” Our initiatives focus on providing healthy, delicious, and responsible food options while fostering employee well-being and solidarity.

Why Work at AFP?

Join a dynamic team that values honesty, integrity, and creative problem-solving. At AFP, you’re not just taking a job you’re building a career. We offer comprehensive training, internal growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment designed to help you thrive.

Benefits Starting Day One

• Shift Differentials: Earn more for non-standard hours.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Medical (Multiple options), dental, and vision.
• Retirement Option: Union Pension 
• Employee Support: Access our Employee Assistance Program, company paid identity theft protection, company-sponsored social events
• Wellness Incentives: Participate in wellness programs with cash rewards.
• Recognition Programs: Perfect attendance and years of service awards.
• Career Growth: Tuition reimbursement (conditions apply) and advancement opportunities.
• Perks: HSA with company contributions, Parental leave, Company-provided uniforms, overtime opportunities, and employee discounts.

Addition Benefits

• Disability and Life Insurance 
• Paid Time Off & Holidays 

Why we need you:

The Canner Operator plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient operation of the canning, filling, and processing equipment. Your attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety standards will ensure that our products meet the highest standards.

A Day in the life:

• Operate canning and filling equipment to the highest standards of quality and safety.
• Adhere to quality system requirements, ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and customer standards.
• Provide break relief for the Dole Operator.
• Adjust weights in the filling operation as necessary.
• Inform maintenance of any machine difficulties and collaborate on solutions.
• Keep Supervisors informed of issues and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.
• Assist in training peers and Dole operators under the guidance of the Supervisor.
• Accurately complete all process and double seam paperwork.
• Understand the mechanics of a double seam and its importance in the canning process.
• Comprehend the sterility process related to the UHT process system (Critical Control Point - CCP) and the Dole Canner (CCP).
• Follow procedures for metal detection (CCP) to ensure product safety.
• Thoroughly lubricate and clean the filling and processing equipment as required.
• Manage product changeovers, start-ups, and shutdowns efficiently.
• Coordinate with the incoming shift to communicate any problems, issues, or concerns.
• Understand and maintain the concept of seal integrity in plastic filling equipment.
• Follow plant rules and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements.

Requirements: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Forklift License (provided by employer).

Competencies and preferred Skills:

• Attention to detail and adherence to written methods.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to recognize sub-standard issues and escalate them appropriately.
• Ability to follow work directions and maintain organizational standards.
• Commitment to AFP values, promoting integrity in all activities.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Flexibility to handle multiple demands and assist others as needed.
• Motivation for continuous self-improvement and high personal performance standards.

Working Relationships:

You will work closely with Supervisors, Maintenance, and other Canner Operators to ensure smooth operations. You are expected to communicate effectively with your team to address any issues that arise.

To successfully perform the essential functions of this role, the employee must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8–12 hours per shift).
• Frequently bend, stoop, twist, and reach overhead.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, and arms.
• Operate machinery and tools requiring manual dexterity and visual acuity.
• Tolerate exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and noise levels in a production environment.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection

Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 
 Savencia Cheese USA provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

Salary : $31 - $32