Operator - Production

Job Title: Chamber Operator
Location: Thrive Freeze Dry
Reports To: Production Supervisor

Job Summary

As a Chamber Operator at Thrive Freeze Dry, you will support the production of freeze-dried proteins and other products by operating and maintaining freeze-drying chambers. This hands-on role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of food safety protocols. You will play a key role in ensuring product quality, safety, and production efficiency.

We’re looking for a dependable, team-oriented individual who’s ready to roll up their sleeves and contribute to a high-performance production team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain continuous operation of freeze-drying chambers

• Retrieve carts from freezers, weigh contents, and transport to appropriate chambers

• Load and unload trays into/from chambers

• Complete all required documentation including:

  • Chamber Sheets

  • Chamber Tracker

  • Daily Sanitation Logs

  • Moisture Check Sheets

  • Freezer Logs and Charts

  • Product Tempering Records

• Conduct hourly system checks:

  • Vacuum and product temperatures

  • Chillers, compressors, refrigeration levels

  • Vacuum pump temperature monitoring

• Perform product inspections and moisture checks upon chamber unload

• Communicate any issues with Management, Maintenance, and Quality teams

• Follow standard operating procedures and maintain safe work practices

• Meet all cleaning requirements and pass sanitation audits

• Ensure thorough cleaning of rooms, tools, and equipment

• Accurately read labels, apply labels/tags, and prepare raw product for processing

• Use pallet jacks to transport materials throughout the facility

• Complete other assigned duties as required

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail

• Ability to follow instructions precisely

• Effective communication skills (written and verbal)

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Basic reading and math comprehension

• Strong documentation and organizational skills

• Commitment to workplace safety and efficiency

• Experience in food production or manufacturing preferred

Requirements

• Must meet the physical and mental demands of the position, including:

  • Lifting up to 60 lbs

  • Frequent standing, walking, lifting, stooping, kneeling, and reaching

• Must be comfortable working in a cold storage and variable-temperature production environment

• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, maintenance instructions, and operational manuals

• Must be a reliable team player committed to high safety and quality standards

Food Safety & Quality Responsibilities

• Prioritize food safety, quality, and sanitation at all times

• Follow and enforce Thrive Freeze Dry’s food safety policies and procedures

• Communicate any food safety concerns or violations to the leadership team immediately

• Comply with all GMP, food safety, and SQF (Safe Quality Food) standards

• Ensure correct handling of food contact surfaces and packaging materials

• Support Thrive Freeze Dry’s commitment to product integrity, safety, and customer satisfaction

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Frequent exposure to temperature changes within a food production setting

• Physical activities include constant lifting, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motion

• 100% of work performed while standing or walking

• Must wear PPE as outlined by company Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

• Unrestricted vision and hearing are essential for safety compliance

Thrive Freeze Dry is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. To learn more about your rights, please visit www.EEOC.gov.