Freeze Dry Utility Operator - 3Rd Shift

FREEZE DRY UTILITY OPERATOR - 3RD SHIFT

North Freeze Dry

Base pay range: $18.00/hr – $21.00/hr

Shift hours: 11pm – 7am

This position is responsible for supporting and backing up operators in the freeze dry production process in accordance with operational manuals and quality criteria.

• Produces the required quantity of batched recipes within established specifications and tolerances and according to production plan.
• Inspects dry ingredient materials and other raw materials, as well as in-process materials as necessary ensuring compliance with function, quality, and recipe specifications.
• Maintains logs and records of units produced including a record of errors resulting in rejected/discarded materials.
• Performs pre-operational equipment, preventative maintenance tasks, and process inspections.
• Performs quality and sanitation functions per Quality Program and Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Reports maintenance and quality opportunities to shift supervisors and/or managers.
• Interfaces with plant ERP system to assure inventory control, lot traceability, and tracking.
• Maintains a clean, safe, orderly work area.

• Supports Freeze Dry Operator, learning their role and providing a variety of tasks both mechanical and manual in nature.
• Back-up Freeze Dry Operator and perform Freeze Dry Operator tasks.
• Responsible for loading and unloading of auto-panner, loading, and unloading of freeze dryers & loading combos of finished product and supporting operators.
• Responsible for tray washing operation, as well as sanitation on the post pasteurization side.
• Operates all equipment associated with freeze dry process which includes, but not limited to, freeze dryer, combo filling and auto panner.
• Responsible for housekeeping of the drying machine(s), and plant area. (e.g., sweeping, removing trash, cleaning the machine at the end of the shift, preparing for next shift's production).
• Finalizes any paperwork during shift in an accurate, clear, and concise manner.
• Utilizes ERP System for moving in-process materials and products into and out of inventory.
• Follows all quality guidelines, Master Sanitation Schedules, and maintains a food-safe, sanitary environment.
• Supports other lines, as necessary.
• Disposes of waste materials and other items as required.
• Operates forklift as necessary.
• Supports other process functions as necessary during the day to maximize efficiency of plant.

• Executes the North Freeze Dry Vision, Mission, and Values (VMV’s) at all times.
• Promotes a positive, proactive environment where input from team members is valued and encouraged.
• Provides back-up support for other roles, as necessary.
• Available for overtime on a scheduled or call-in/call-back basis, as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned by the manager/supervisor.

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Six months working experience in a manufacturing/production facility preferred.
• Ability to follow proper food safety, quality and workplace safety procedures and requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a team environment.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.
• Forklift certification preferred, or willing to obtain.
• Works well in a team environment.
• Mechanically inclined, drives self to continually grow and develop the role.
• Adaptable and capable of accommodating change.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance including employees, child(ren), spouse and family coverage.
• Ancillary benefits include Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• 401(K) Program available with a company match up to 4%.
• Paid Time Off accruing on your first day and Paid Personal Days.
• 7 Company Paid Holidays.

The job operates within a plant manufacturing environment. Employees are frequently exposed to normal working conditions for a food manufacturing plant with moderate to loud noise levels. The role routinely uses machinery equipment,…