Machine Operator (Evening Shift)

Manzana Products Co., has been in business for over 100 years in Sebastopol’s Green Valley. It is a leading producer of organic apple juice, apple sauce and apple cider vinegar. Manzana is owned by Agrial, a leading French co-op of 12,000 farmer members and a force in agriculture and food production.

Manzana’s Mission is to create quality apple products through placing the highest value on people, suppliers, customers and continuous improvement in manufacturing capability with social and environmental responsibility at the heart of our actions.

At Manzana, we work each day to create a culture focused on food safety, employee health and safety, customer service, continuous improvement, all in a respectful environment where all team members’ contributions are valued, and feedback is welcomed. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about creating great products to join our team.

Job Summary:

The Pouch Filler Operator sets up and operates the Mespack pouch making machine that converts laminated films into pouches that meet the customer quality specifications by performing the following duties. Accountable and ultimately responsible for the quality and quantity of pouches produced and all related documentation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn and understand the daily pouch filler operator procedure forms; properly fill out and sign off on these forms daily.
• Learn the time frames given for each production order and utilize the time efficiently to assure that the job is done correctly and on time.
• Use personal protective equipment as required for each task performed.
• Maintain a record of utility tools used and return them cleaned and properly store the tools after job duties have been completed.
• Understands how to check the following materials:
  • Film inspection of vendor, traceable lot codes, manufacturing dates, etc.
  • Name of the supplier.
  • Confirmation of correct cap usage for each customer.
• Learn how to operate the machine to make pouches accordingly to specification:
  • Align the film.
  • Calibrating all photo-eyes.
  • Adjust perforators on film.
  • Adjust speed, depending on flavor.
  • Weight calibration.
  • Temperature adjustments.
• Observes machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunction. Makes corrections to alleviate out of specification product.
• Be able to perform quality checks pertaining to pouches by performing a visual inspection:
  • Ensure all the round corners are met.
  • Ensure heat seals are sealing properly.
  • Film is not misaligned.
  • The cap is properly sealed.
• Performs minor maintenance on the machinery.
• Be able to follow Standardized Operating Procedures (SOP's).
• Maintain designated area cleaned and organized.
• Responsible for establishing priorities and working independently without direct supervision.
• Follows all Manzana Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Follow safety rules, including those relating to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Overtime hours maybe required based on work demand. Employees must be flexible with these hours.
• Manzana Food Products charges all employees with the responsibility to fully participate in all company policy and program initiatives for Food Safety, Food Quality and Food Defense; each employee, no matter their position or job function serves a key role in contributing to safe, quality food.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma, or equivalent

Knowledge:

• Must have a basic mechanical knowledge working with tools and filling machines.
• Be able to Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide.
• Be able to measure using rulers and other measuring tools.

Skills:

• The ability to operate high-tech equipment.
• The ability to problem solve when a deviation has occurred.
• The ability to work from a ladder or platform in a safe manner.
• The ability to ensure product safety.
• The ability to work inside small, confined spaces.
• The ability to identify and report any quality deviations.
• The ability to learn multiple jobs and the proper procedures for performing these jobs.
• The ability to work both independently and within a team.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties stated above, the employee is frequently required to walk on wet floors, go up and down ladders, stand for long periods of time. The employee must have the ability to lift objects up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Must have the ability to push and pull heavy equipment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential demands of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, heavy forklift traffic and work that must be performed in damp environments. The employee will be working around heavy equipment and must be able to wear the required PPE in conditions that may be very hot, very cold, and/or very humid. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud, i.e., steam noise, moving machinery. The work environment is subject to many of the above-described conditions on a day-to-day basis. It is essential to be able to perform all job functions while in the presence of these conditions.

Benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance 100% funded by Manzana
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays (8)
• Referral program
• Union pension plan