Job Description

Purpose Statement

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

Building on the knowledge of processing learned in a previous position, learns how to operate the batter machines, breaders, and conveyors to coat raw material with the right amount of ingredients to meet quality specifications and production needs. Performs specific tasks associated with this process that must be done for all machines to which he/she is assigned. This includes, but is not limited to:

• setting up all equipment so that it will run properly. This requires knowledge of a wide variety of parts, their function and application.

• assisting maintenance mechanics with preventive maintenance of machinery during non-production periods and by reporting any problems with operation or suspected maintenance needs; assists with greasing bearings and performing other maintenance as mechanic requests

• knowing and having the right specifications for the product being run on the line
• preparing batter machines to run the correct batter needed for the product
• making sure that the correct ingredients are brought to the line; if not, notifying Forklift Driver to remove and bring the correct ones
• unstacking bags of breader or batter mix, opening the bags according to Quality Control procedures, and dumping the contents into the machinery; these bags weigh approximately 50 pounds or less; some of the bags must be lifted and dumped at waist level, in other areas at shoulder level
• periodically checking batter machines and breaders to make sure that levels are correct, and product is being properly coated; notifies Production Team Leader or Group Leader immediately of any problems, and works with QA Auditor and Group Leader to correct problems

• sweeping food debris on the floor into small piles, picking it up with a dustpan, and placing it in the proper waste container

• pushing trash carts or carrying tubs of waste materials to proper disposal area
  using a low-pressure water hose to wash down the last traces of food debris down the drain, consistent with plant wastewater and sanitation policies

• preparing all paperwork required for quality and production records
• regularly monitoring critical control points, taking measures, recording these measures and reacting to them to ensure the process stays within the designed parameters

• assisting in the set-up and operation of other processing equipment as requested by the Team Leader or Group Leader or as production needs dictate

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 - 3 Years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum lifting requirement is 20 pounds, from approximately 6 inches off the ground to up to shoulder height. Maximum lifting requirement is up to 65 pounds over the same distance and occasionally above shoulder height, depending on job assignment.
• Punctual and reliable in their work attendance
• Ability to perform basic math functions
• Applies all safe work practices associated with these tasks. Works in a safe manner always.
• Applies all GMPs requirements, both personal hygiene and housekeeping, associated with these tasks. Always keeps work area clean, in line with plant procedures on housekeeping, wastewater, and solids management.
• Applies all product safety and quality requirements associated with the process at assigned positions.
• Identifies product or processing problems on an on-going basis and determines if solution is within his/her training and knowledge; if so, corrects problem; if not or if not sure, communicates to appropriate person for solution.
• Develops and maintains a good working relationship with Team Leader and other managers, and co-workers. Resolves problems and conflicts in an acceptable manner that shows respect for the other person(s).
• Works to understand (primarily through gainsharing, team meetings, and general communications) overall impact of his/her job on team productivity and plant profitability; maintains high level of personal productivity and contributes suggestions for work process improvements to Team Leader or at team meetings.
• Assists in orienting and/or training co-workers on assigned tasks as requested.
• Since the work requires physically handling cheese and other ingredients on a regular basis, severe allergic reaction to this food material or to any of the ingredients used in processing such as flour, baking soda, baking powder, phosphates and their chemical components would preclude a person from performing the essential functions of this position. Allergy to cardboard (or its dust), latex (used in gloves worn in processing), or chlorine (used as a food and surface disinfectant) would also preclude a person from performing the essential functions of this position.