Job Description

Who WE Are
We are a leader in the specialty cheese industry serving our consumers by crafting and importing the best cheeses in the world while caring for our employees and our communities.

Who YOU Are
You take pride in the products you produce. You value safety, quality, and consistency. You enjoy a predictable schedule in a climate-controlled manufacturing environment. You don’t mind learning new things and always strive to do your very best at work.

If this sounds like you, we want you to consider joining Emmi Roth!

Summary

The Packaging Machine Operator plays a vital role in the production process, ensuring the efficient operation of packaging machinery and the timely packaging of cheese products. Primary responsibilities include the setup, operation, and sanitation of packaging equipment in compliance with safety and quality standards. Additionally, you will be responsible for various general labor tasks, such as moving materials within the facility. This position requires excellent technical skills, attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor packaging machinery, including filling, sealing, labeling, and wrapping machines, ensuring proper setup, adjustments, and troubleshooting.
• Perform machine setup, changeovers, and basic maintenance tasks to ensure uninterrupted production and adherence to quality standards.
• Trouble shoot mechanical issues & pneumatic components including making adjustments and replacement of parts
• Assist with major preventative maintenance routines
• Monitor the packaging process to maintain product quality, including accurate weights, seals, labels, and overall appearance of packaged cheese products.
• Calibrate and adjust equipment settings as needed to maintain efficiency and meet production goals.
• Conducts regular quality checks and completes quality documentation to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.
• Collaborate with team members, such as quality control personnel and production supervisors, to ensure seamless operations and adherence to production schedules.
• Document production data, machine performance, and any operational issues or deviations.
• Perform sanitation duties, including cleaning and sanitizing equipment, work surfaces, and production areas according to established schedules and procedures.
• Adhere to safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain a safe working environment and comply with food safety regulations.
• Assist in general labor tasks, including moving products within the facility, loading and unloading materials, and utilizing electric pallet jacks.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the packaging area and general production areas.
• Follow proper handling and disposal procedures for waste materials, including packaging waste and byproducts.
• Adhere to ERU food safety policies and all government food safety and sanitation regulations (ex. FDA, HACCP, GMP, OSHA)
• Adheres to safety guidelines and comply with all safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Attends safety and department meetings and completes all required training in a timely manner.
• Identifies and reports any equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or operational issues promptly to ensure a safe working environment.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience operating packaging machinery; manufacturing or food processing environment is strongly preferred
• The ability to safely operate electric pallet jacks.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions.
• Ability to trouble shoot minor equipment issues and problem-solving skills
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of basic machine operations
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality products.
• Physical stamina to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy objects and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adaptable to change.
• Ability to work overtime or extended shifts as needed.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects and controls.
• Occasionally required to carry up to 40 pounds
• Incidentally required to climb
• Constantly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally pushing/pulling max force of 40 pounds
• Constantly reaching
• Constantly required to stand
• Frequently required to walk, bend, twist, and squat
• Constantly required to talk and hear
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus naturally or with correction.

Please note that these physical requirements are representative but not exhaustive. The actual physical demands may vary depending on the specific tasks and work conditions within the facility.

(Occasionally = 1-33% of the time; Frequently = 33-66% of the time; Constantly = 66-100% of the time)

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Constantly exposed to a moderate level of noise that may make it difficult to concentrate.
• Constantly exposed to wet, humid with slippery conditions, cold environment.
• Occasionally exposed to food grade chemicals required for proper sanitation.
• Frequently exposed odors and air particulates related to the cheese make and aging process.

(Occasionally = 1-25% of the time; Frequently = 26-75% of the time; Constantly = 76-100% of the time)

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhausting list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. Management may also request other duties as assigned.

The job description does not constitute a contract of employment, and the employment relationship with the company is at will. Employment with the company may be terminated at any time by the employee or the company for any reason, with out without notice.

Applicants and employees are encouraged to discuss any specific accommodations required to perform the essential functions of the job, as defined in this job description, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other applicable laws.

At Emmi Roth, we love to promote within. Internal candidates will be considered first when applying for this position.