This is a DAY SHIFT position on a 12-hour schedule (36 hours one week, 48 hours the next week).

Through committed service and sustainable proteins solutions, Essentia is dedicated to building a better business for our customers.  We do this by holding true to our values: Teamwork, Respect, Agility, Creativity and Knowledge.

The Production Operator assists various areas within the plant while maintaining efficient production processes according to GMP and to meet customer specifications. Primary responsibilities involve operation of the Grind Room.

Base pay starting at $21.50 per hour

Benefits first of the month following date of hire

401(k) with employer match

9 paid holidays

PTO starting at 120 hours per year, prorated based on hire date

JOB DUTIES:Work in various areas of production workflow including all tasks and appropriate documentation of the following:Dumping / Grinding / ProcessingPackaging / FinishingAssist in ensuring fundamental food safety and quality practices are maintained to achieve food safety and quality objectives and to support ongoing improvements of food safety programs.Operate forklifts and /or non-motorized pallet jacks as required.Assist in maintaining a clean, safe and organized work environment. Perform basic maintenance and clean-up activities as follows:Proper storage and care of equipment used during production in accordance with the company safety guidelines and regulations.Regularly sweep and occasionally hose production and other areas.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:General and specific knowledge of machinery and ability to assist in preparing equipment for operation and/or tear down production operations.Accurately and completely abide by company good documentation procedures for recording required data and paperwork related to HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and SQF.Sustained physical effort required to move throughout work areas, climbing steps, ladders as required, and walking around equipment.Must be able to distinguish if food safety violations or product quality issues occur and resolve immediately or, if unable to resolve immediately, contact appropriate plant management (i.e. the Production Supervisor and/or the QC Manager).Knowledge and ability to:Learn how to operate new equipment/machineryRead gauges and record data in legible manner in accordance with established proceduresHandle multiple tasks simultaneouslyInterpret and work from oral and written instructionsPerform basic math calculationsLegibly document data for record keeping purposesImplement all safety techniques and mandated sanitary rules and regulations in accordance with established policies and proceduresCooperate with all Essentia staffRemain calm and professional Work daily and overtime as necessaryAssist in other work-related areas as requiredOperate all necessary plant and office equipment required to accomplish job dutiesProblem-solve

BASIC PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Approximate:       8-12-Hour Day (rotating shifts)

Physical Demand Level: Medium

Frequency Key    

Occasional: 1-33% of workday or 1-12 reps/hour

Frequent: 34-66% of workday or 13-62 reps/hour

Constant: +67% of workday or +63 reps/hour

Job Analysis:

Physical Demand                                 Wt./Force                              Height                    Distance                               Frequency            

Lifting, Waist to Floor                        0-5 lbs.                                   0-50 in.                  NA                                          Frequently            

Lifting, Waist to Floor                        6-50 lbs.                                 0-50 in.                  NA                                          Occasionally        

Carrying, Bilateral                               0-5 lbs.                                   Self-selected         Up to 200 ft.                         Frequently            

Carrying, Bilateral                               6-50 lbs.                                 Self-selected         Up to 15 ft.                           Occasionally        

Pushing/Pulling, Horizontal              0-50 lbs. of force                 60 in.through        Up to 200 ft.                         Occasionally

                                                                                                                self-elected height                                             Occasionally        

Pushing/Pulling, Vertical                   0-25 lbs. of force                 6-60 in.                Up to 48 in.                           Occasionally        

Grasping                                                Up to 55 lbs. of force          NA                          NA                                          Occasionally        

Pinching (2-point/3-point/lateral)    Up to 5/8/10 lbs. of force   NA                          NA                                          Occasionally        

Reaching, Forward/Lateral                 NA                                          0-60 in.                  Up to 24 in.                           Frequently            

Reaching, Above Shoulder                NA                                          61-85 in.                Up to 24 in.                           Occasionally        

Sitting                                                     NA                                          NA                          NA                                          Occasionally        

Standing                                                 NA                                          NA                          NA                                          Frequently            

Walking                                                 NA                                          NA                          Up to 200 ft.                         Frequently            

Stair Climbing                                      NA                                          8-12 ft.                  NA                                          Frequently            

Ladder/Equipment Climbing             NA                                          10-13 ft.               NA                                          Occasionally        

Squatting                                               NA                                          NA                          NA                                          Occasionally        

Bending                                                 NA                                          NA                          NA                                          Frequently            

Stooping                                                NA                                          NA                          NA                                          Occasionally        

Twisting                                                 NA                                          NA                          NA                                          Occasionally        

Physical Demand Summary: Maximum frequent waist to floor lift of 5 lbs.; Maximum occasional waist to floor lift of 50 lbs.; Maximum frequent bilateral carry of 5 lbs.; Maximum occasional bilateral carry of 50 lbs.: Maximum occasional horizontal push/pull force of 50 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional vertical push/pull of 25 lbs. of force: Occasional grasping of 55 lbs. of force; Occasional 2-point/3-point/lateral pinching of 5/8/10 lbs. of force; Frequent forward/lateral reaching; Occasional above shoulder reaching; Occasional sitting; Frequent standing; Frequent walking; Frequent stair climbing; Occasional ladder/equipment climbing; Occasional squatting; Frequent bending; Occasional stooping; Occasional twisting.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

High School Diploma or G.E.D. certification required.

Experience:

Stable work history in areas such as agriculture, production, or manufacturing preferred.