Meat Prep Utility Operator - 1St Shift

MEAT PREP UTILITY OPERATOR - 1ST SHIFT

North Freeze Dry, LLC, headquartered in Fargo, ND, is a U.S.

-based co‑manufacturer that produces freeze‑dried companion animal food and treats. The company’s freeze‑drying facility in Little Falls, MN is one of the industry’s largest and most fully integrated freeze‑drying co‑manufacturing facilities.

$18.00/hr - $21.00/hr

Meat Preparation Utility Operator is responsible for supporting and backing up operators in the meat preparation 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 with 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 Meat Preparation Operator, learning their role and providing a variety of tasks both mechanical and manual in nature.
• Back‑up Meat Preparation Operator and perform Meat Preparation Operator tasks.
• Responsible for rotating between block breaking, dry ingredient dumping, sanitation and supporting operators.
• Operate all equipment associated with meat preparation process which includes, but is not limited to, meat block breaking, meat grinding, dry ingredient addition, mixing, emulsification, pump with surge hopper to tipper tie and chub filling.
• Responsible for housekeeping of the grinders, emulsifiers, and plant area (e.g., sweeping, removing trash, cleaning the machine at the end of the shift, preparing for next shift’s production).
• Check for the cleanliness of equipment.
• Finalize any paperwork during shift in an accurate, clear, and concise manner.
• Utilize ERP System for moving in‑process materials and products into and out of inventory.
• Follow all quality guidelines, Master Sanitation Schedules, and maintain a food‑safe, sanitary environment.
• Support other lines, as necessary.
• Dispose of waste materials and other items as required.
• Operate forklift, as necessary.
• Support other process functions as necessary during the day to maximize efficiency of plant.

• Execute the North Freeze Dry Vision, Mission, and Values (VMV’s) at all times.
• Promote a positive, proactive environment where input from team members is valued and encouraged.
• Provide 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.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Mechanically inclined, drive yourself to continually grow and develop your role.
• Ability to adapt and accommodate 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…