Operator - Production

Job Title: Operator - Production  

Reports To: Production Supervisor 

Department: Production 

FLSA: Hourly Non-Exempt  

Location: Albion, NY 

Work Schedule:  Night Shift 6:00 pm - 6:30 am Continental Shift   

JOB SUMMARY  

A [Chamber] Operator will assist in the production of freeze-dried proteins and other products.   This role requires the ability to prepare freeze dried products for finished goods completion which requires lifting, pushing, pulling, and transporting of goods.  A thorough understanding of safe food practices and the ability to follow directions is vital.   

The Operator plays a vital part in the efficiency of the Thrive Freeze Dry business. A team player that is ready to roll up their sleeves with us is the ideal candidate.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Keeping the Chambers consistently running 
• Gather carts from freezer and take them to the scale to be weighed and then take them to the proper chamber
• Loading trays into chambers
• Filling out required documents

• Chamber sheets, Chamber Tracker, Daily Sanitation, Moisture Check Sheet,

Freezer Check Sheet, Charts on Freezer, Product Tempering 

• Perform hourly checks
  • Vacuum levels, temperatures, vacuum pump temperatures, product temperatures, chillers, refrigeration levels and compressor’s running
• Unloading trays from chambers and perform moisture checks
• Inspection of product
• Maintain communication with Management, Maintenance and Quality on issues
• Adhere to standard work methods and practice safe work habits to ensure production is as efficient and safe as possible 
• Pass cleaning tests and complete all cleaning requirements set forth by the quality assurance department and other third-party inspections  
• Great care is taken to clean the rooms, tools, and equipment used during all operations 
• The ability to read instructions and/or labels efficiently, attach labels and tags to products and packages, communicate effectively and frequent lifting of raw products in preparation for processing 
• Transport raw and processed materials to designated areas, using a pallet jack 
• Other duties as assigned 

SKILLS                                                                                                        

• Attention to Detail                
• Basic Reading Comprehension           
• Communication 
• Work Independently
• Discrepancies 

• Documentation     
• Follows Instructions             
• Load / Unload        
• Process Completion 
• Product Identification 
• Production Line    
• Production Processing 
• Productivity 
• Proper Operation of Equipment 
• Safe Work Habits Safety Culture 
• Other Duties                          

REQUIREMENTS  

• Must be able to perform physical and mental work requirements of position. 
• Perform basic math and demonstrate an ability to communicate orally or in written form effectively with co-workers and departments, including the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 
• This person must be able to perform as part of a team.  

PRODUCT SAFETY AND QUALITY  

• Place high priority on food safety, quality, and sanitation by understanding and executing Thrive Freeze Dry’s food safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Hold self and others accountable to Thrive Freeze Dry food safety & sanitation guidelines and policies by communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates. 

• Adheres to and ensures Product Safety and Quality standards are followed. 
• Adheres to and ensures GMP’s regarding food contact packaging as it pertains to the employee. 
• Adheres to and ensures Thrive’s food safety, product defense standards and quality objectives complies with all SQF system requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Must be able to perform the following functions with or without accommodations: 

• The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands:   
  • constant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and frequent fine finger dexterity. 
• Generally, the job requires the following percentages of time committed to physical activity: 100% walking and standing.
• The job is performed under frequent temperature variations and in a food manufacturing   production environment. Unrestricted visual and audio abilities are required for the safety of all employees. The ability to lift to 60 lbs. is required. 
• When on the factory floor you are required to wear all required PPE [Personal Protective Equipment] as outlined in GMP’s [Good Manufacturing Practices].

Thrive Freeze Dry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov.