The Production Operator assists various areas within the plant while maintaining efficient production processes according to GMP and customer specifications.

• Base pay starting at $21.50 per hour

• $2.00 Shift Differential

• Benefits first of the month following date of hire

• 401(k) with employer match

• 9 paid holidays

• PTO starting at 120 hours per year, prorated based on hire date

• Other great benefits!!

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

High School Diploma or G.E.D. certification preferred.

Experience:

Stable work history in areas such as agriculture, production, or manufacturing preferred.

JOB DUTIES:

• Work in various areas of production workflow including all tasks and appropriate documentation of the following:

• Dumping / Grinding / Processing

• Packaging / Finishing

• Assist in ensuring fundamental food safety and quality practices are maintained to achieve food safety and quality objectives and to support ongoing improvements of food safety programs.

• Operate forklifts and /or non-motorized pallet jacks as required.

• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe and organized work environment. Perform basic maintenance and clean-up activities as follows:

• Proper storage and care of equipment used during production in accordance with the company safety guidelines and regulations.

• Regularly sweep and occasionally hose production and other areas.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to follow written/verbal instruction and communicate effectively with personnel

• General and specific knowledge of machinery and ability to assist in preparing equipment for operation and/or tear down production operations.

• Accurately and completely abide by company good documentation procedures for recording required data and paperwork related to HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and SQF.

• Sustained physical effort required to move throughout work areas, climbing steps, ladders as required, and walking around equipment.

• Must be able to distinguish if food safety violations or product quality issues occur and resolve immediately or, if unable to resolve immediately, contact appropriate plant management (i.e. the Production Supervisor and/or the QC Manager).

• Knowledge and ability to:

• Learn how to operate new equipment/machinery

• Read gauges and record data in legible manner in accordance with established procedures

• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously

• Interpret and work from oral and written instructions

• Perform basic math calculations

• Legibly document data for record keeping purposes

• Implement all safety techniques and mandated sanitary rules and regulations in accordance with established policies and procedures

• Cooperate with all Essentia staff

• Remain calm and professional 

• Work daily and overtime as necessary

• Assist in other work-related areas as required

• Operate all necessary plant and office equipment required to accomplish job duties

• Problem-solve

• Must be at least 18 years of age due to nature of work (heavy machinery)

Physical Demand Summary: Maximum frequent waist to floor lift of 5 lbs.; Maximum occasional waist to floor lift of 50 lbs.; Maximum frequent bilateral carry of 5 lbs.; Maximum occasional bilateral carry of 50 lbs.: Maximum occasional horizontal push/pull force of 50 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional vertical push/pull of 25 lbs. of force: Occasional grasping of 55 lbs. of force; Occasional 2-point/3-point/lateral pinching of 5/8/10 lbs. of force; Frequent forward/lateral reaching; Occasional above shoulder reaching; Occasional sitting; Frequent standing; Frequent walking; Frequent stair climbing; Occasional ladder/equipment climbing; Occasional squatting; Frequent bending; Occasional stooping; Occasional twisting.