Helper Blender

Position Overview

1st Shift 6AM - 2PM Monday
- Friday;
Saturdays as needed

2nd Shift 2PM - 10PM Monday
- Friday;
Saturdays as needed

3rd Shift 10PM - 6AM Sunday
- Monday ;
Fridays as needed

2-2-3 Schedule 6AM - 6PM or 6PM - 6AM

Performs activities to support the Blender Operators in the formulation and blending preparation of raw meat product for processing, and sanitation of the Blending, Formulations and Seasoning rooms. Complies with all safety, food safety, SQF, quality, GMP and USDA requirements.

• Verify the production menu for process and product specifications per the Operational Parameters sheet from the MAS
  500 system prior to start-up to determine formulation and blending needs.
• Assemble and set up the formulation and blending rooms' equipment for production operation.
• Identify the spices and additional ingredients for the product to be blended during the shift; gather supplies from the Spice Room and deliver to the Seasoning Room for use.
• Verify and log the raw meat vat information and ingredients.
• Load raw meat from hopper to the blender.
• Add ingredients per the established recipe requirements.
• Monitor the blend during the mixing process; conduct process checks to verify the blend consistency for stuffing.
• Generate and apply blend labels to vats, with date, quantity, ingredients, etc. for lot traceability.
• Complete the required paperwork, including batch sheets, rework usage log, etc.
• Disassemble, sanitize and reassemble equipment as identified on the Changeover Matrix between production blends as required.
• Perform daily and weekly sanitation duties that include the following: sweep and mop floors; wash and; wipe down equipment, wash parts and walls; empty and clean bins and barrels; remove and dispose of all waste; mop and clean the Formulation, Blending, Grinder and Seasoning Rooms; clean the ice machine and raw cooler, and other areas weekly or as needed.
• Exercise safety precautions when using cleaning chemicals, using cleaning chemicals appropriate to the task.
• Follows established equipment Lockout/Tagout procedures as required.
• Operate a forklift and pallet jack to pull and move raw materials, product and supplies.

A minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalency.

A minimum of 6 months experience as a Backup Blender Operator is normally required. A minimum of 3 years work experience in a USDA- regulated environment is strongly preferred. Experience with meat blending operations or ready-to-eat processed meats manufacturing is strongly preferred. Experience with formulating sausage to defined fat and moisture levels, incorporating water/fat‑binding ingredients and inclusions (IQF vegetables, cheese) into sausage is highly desired.

Must possess good verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as product information, process instructions, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Must possess computer proficiency with Excel, Outlook, Salm Wiki and MAS
500 or related integrated ERP manufacturing software system.

Must have strong basic math skills, with the ability to calculate percentages and fractions for recipe quantities and meat formulations.

Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal or diagram form.

While performing the duties of this job, the partner is frequently required to stand for extended periods; walk; sit and talk or hear. The partner is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms, with repetitive motions of hands, arms and shoulders. The partner must regularly lift up to 50# and occasionally carry up to 50#, upstairs.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and depth perception.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. There is a wide variation of temperatures, ranging from 35° F to 100° F in the various other work areas. The work environment in Blending is wet and slippery. The noise level in the…