What are the responsibilities and job description for the Packaging Specialist position at Panhandle Milling?
As a Production Associate at Panhandle Milling, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our packaging processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Determine and verify finished package weights to ensure conformity to specifications.
- Prepare and configure packer scale weights prior to each run.
- Inspect check scales before commencing operations.
- Monitor finished package weights during runs.
- Ensure cleanliness and organization of workspaces, including disposing of waste and cardboard at the end of shifts.
- Bag, seal, and palletize products in a neat and orderly manner on structurally sound pallets.
- Perform scheduled allergen cleans in the Mix Plant area, mixer, and equipment.
- Identify allergens using the company's color coding system and utilize color-coded utensils correctly.
- Collect and analyze product samples using equipment in the mill control room.
- Conduct Metal Detector checks as scheduled by the quality department and report any issues to supervisors.
- Pull samples prior to runs to ensure conformity to specifications.
- Sample collection during runs once conformity is verified.
- For government contracts, collect one sample per pallet for weight and lab testing.
- Maintain availability of bags and labeling for special customers.
- Apply labels to bags as necessary.
- Clean and sanitize packing and loading areas, including the hopper area above packers.
- Process reworkable product that does not meet specifications.
- Support training of new and existing personnel in packaging functions/positions.
- Organize, wrap, and load finished products as needed using pallet jacks or forklifts.
Requirements and Skills:
- High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
- Awareness of food safety guidelines and standards.
- Familiarity with BRC program principles and other food safety protocols.
- Forklift certification a plus.
- Safety training required and provided by the company.
- Strong communication and multitasking abilities.
- Able to communicate effectively in English; Spanish speaking a plus.
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Able to adapt to varying schedules, including evenings and weekends.
- Able to utilize computers for data entry, recipe retrieval, and label creation.
- Able to perform basic mathematical calculations for ingredient quantities.
- Able to maintain efficient packaging workflows.
Workplace Environment:
- This role involves physical demands like straining, pulling, lifting, working, and walking/standing on concrete floors.
- Exposed to environmental factors such as noise, dust, temperature extremes.
- Adaptable to changing climate conditions.
- Exposed to manufacturing equipment hazards, particularly forklifts.
- Climbing ladders.
- Able to lift 50 lbs.
