Operator Helper PRD

Join to apply for the Operator Helper PRD (12 Hour Days) $18.80/hr role at Idahoan Foods.

Increased to $19.55/hr upon successful completion of training and skills validation.

The primary responsibility of this position is to support the production operator with general housekeeping, driving a forklift to move WIP product, making additive batches, bin dryer coordination, shovelling potatoes at the drums, performing quality checks, and checking ingredient flow rates. They may also assist the operator with production functions such as changing shredder knives, toting flakes, and dumping seasonings and/or ingredients.

The primary responsibilities include facilitating the movement of product and materials, dumping, packing, stacking, operating the production line, and basic equipment operation under the operator’s direction. The role requires working in areas such as flake drums, production line, raw receiving, fluming, sorters/bins, receiving, and/or dumping/packing/stacking, using the company’s inventory management system, and being certified to operate a forklift.

• Adhere to Idahoan Good Manufacturing Practice (GMPs).
• Trained in all safety regulations, follow all plant safety rules to include the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Maintain cleanliness in work area(s).
• Must be able to closely follow directions from the operator(s) and multi-task effectively and efficiently.
• Inspect product to ensure it is of high quality while using an inventory management system when consuming materials to maintain inventory accuracy.
• Assist the operator in clearing equipment jams and starting or stopping the line.
• Alert the operator of any upset conditions or problems.
• Scrub equipment when needed with scrub pads, brushes, etc. Must be able to disassemble equipment for cleaning and reassemble when finished, maintaining cleanliness of machines, floors, and work area(s).
• Participate in cross‑training program and be able to train others.
• Complete any special project or assignment as assigned by the operator or management.
• May be called upon to help with any department position to assist with breaks, etc.
• Acceptable attendance is crucial; all incumbents must adhere to the company’s attendance policy.

Experience:

Previous experience working around processing equipment preferred.

Company training will be provided for forklift and lockout/tagout policies at Idahoan’s discretion.

Clear communication with the operator is essential. The role requires self-confidence and maturity to make decisions, solve problems with minimal direction, and consider safety for self and others.

Requires lifting up to 50 lb, standing on concrete, walking, using stairs consistently, and moving hands, arms, and shoulders. Able to work under pressure with time limitations, utilizing cleaning chemicals and sanitizers. Duties occur in warm/dry or hot/cold areas with loud noises and/or dust.

Focus on training, standard operating procedures, and validation of performance. Must validate on additive tanks/mixer, fluming, piece sorter, rework line, bins, cablevey, and real lines area. Upon successful validation, hourly rate increases from training rate to full pay rate (+$0.75). Failure to validate within specified time frames may lead to reassignment or exit.

• Respect & Value Our People
• Stay in Front of Change While Reducing Costs
• Delight Our Customers
• Food Quality & Safety

• Seniority level: Not Applicable
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing
• Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing