Production Associate

Job Title: Production Associate, 1st shift

Monday - Thursday 5am - 3pm

Job Summary:

The Analog Production Associate must be able to perform multiple jobs in a rotation on the Analog line, the cooler and in the ingredient room. The laborer monitors the manufacturing process from the beginning by providing accurate ingredients with accurate measurements for each product batch.  This position will learn the Mixer, Blender Operator, Cheese Grinder & Forklift positions as well as providing support in making boxes, packages and palletizing product when needed. The Production Associate works in a team environment to manufacture cheese products to meet production demands.  All tasks are performed in a busy environment with limited supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate flow meters, steam controls, grinder hammer mill and dryer.
• Package finished product including box making, lining, filling, closing, and palletizing.
• Inspect cheese products, packing and boxes for damage, report deficiencies to proper parties.
• Perform duties following all good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) including food, equipment, and operating safety requirements.

• Complete all necessary cleaning and workplace sanitation requirements.
• Record production information in a tablet, scanner, computer or by hand.
• Identify variation in cheese manufacturing processes, troubleshoot and report to supervisor if unable to resolve.
• The Ingredient Handler includes learning the Mixer, Blender Operator, Cheese Grinder & Forklift positions. This opening will have an emphasis on Cheese Grinding.
• The Mixer Position involves heavy lifting. Attention to accuracy in using the
•  correct powders, lot numbers and amount in each batch. Required to weigh and mix dry ingredients.
• The Blender Operator makes sure each batch that goes into the blender is correct. Help forklift driver set up batch. Assisting the cooker in whatever way is needed.
• The Cheese Grinder Preps cheese grinder, bagging of cheese into specified amounts, as well as toting of the product.
• Forklift Operator is responsible for setting up correct batches for the production run, getting lot numbers and changes in lot numbers to the cooker operator. Perform the maintenance check-list on forklift every morning before use. Clean up spills in a timely manner and keep work area orderly.
• You will be required to help with breaks and anywhere else when needed. Keep work area neat and always picked up.
• You will report to the supervisor or lead on duty. Qualified applicants must be able to perform all tasks noted above in a busy environment with limited supervision. Maintain good communication with the cooker operator.
• From time to time you may be required to work other shifts or be temporarily moved to other departments in the plant.
• Must also be prepared for completing related duties (within reason) assigned by the Supervisor or Management.
• Attend all required company training.
• Flexible to support work in all areas as needed.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Verbal/written communication skills
• Work as a member of a team
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and act upon them
• Time management skills
• Uphold confidentiality of sensitive information
• High attention to detail
• Maintain excellent attendance
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, averages, density, area, circumference, and volume with accuracy and ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Physical Requirements:

• Continuously lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Stand continuously
• Vision including the ability to read, distance vision and peripheral
• Walk frequently
• Climb ramps or stairs
• Push/pull materials form conveyors
• Sit rarely

Required Personal Protective Equipment:

• Hearing protection
• Bump cap
• Hair net
• Uniform
• Safety glasses
• Safety shoes
• Gloves

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.)
• Knives
• Markers, pens
• I-Pad
• Scanner
• Computer

Environmental Conditions

• General manufacturing environment.
• Works in both hot and cold temperatures depending on the manufacturing process