Senior Operator, Nights - Farm Plant, Freeze Dry - Van Drunen Family of Companies

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing!

SCHEDULE: Sunday 5:00a-3:00p, Monday to Thursday 7:00p-5:30a. Schedule subject to change based o business need.

WHAT'S GROWING AT VAN DRUNEN FARMS AND FUTURECEUTICALS? WE ARE!

As a global, growing, and vibrant ingredient and nutritional supplement supplier to the world's best companies, Van Drunen Farms and FutureCeuticals are always seeking positive and talented employees to help our company reach the next level. We provide a family- oriented company and an opportunity to grow professionally and personally.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Senior Operator regularly, effectively, and efficiently supports a production area and performs tasks to prepare food production runs following established safety, quality and production standards for drying, freezing, dry processing, wet processing, sifting, grinding, boxing, re-boxing and packaging. The processes and tasks include disassembling, assembling, sanitizing, transporting, loading, unloading, and setting-up materials, supplies and equipment as well as assisting in the tending of various machines used throughout the production process.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support work functions in an area working independently or with operators and production workers.
• Frequently works independently without supervisor oversight and guidance.
• Support peers, operators, and production workers as a positive team member.
• Communicate professionally to ensure all tasks are completed correctly.
• Reports issues with safety, quality, operational procedures, or HR concerns appropriately to the person in charge. Identifies opportunities for improvement. Reminds peers of the correct procedures and reports non-compliance.
• Arrive on time to work and when returning from breaks. Maintain an excellent attendance record. Prepare ahead to ensure items are ready for the next shift. Take ownership over production demands and works the necessary hours to meet production goals.
• Work with supervisor to address attendance issues or issues with punctuality.
• Ensure quick start-ups and efficiency during production time. Understand the production schedule.
• Respond to management instructions, make excellent decisions, and complete tasks on time. Remain actively involved in learning.
• Liaison with other departments occasionally to make decisions regarding equipment operation that may improve efficiency, quality, or safety.
• Responsible for training new staff within a work area to ensure adequate learning of all procedures. Keep others up-to-date on new procedures.
• Start up and operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Move and set up equipment when necessary. Perform minor equipment adjustments as needed during production runs.
• Follow all General Manufacturing Procedures (GMP's) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) while working. This includes wearing masks, safety glasses, protective equipment, ear plugs, etc. Remind co-workers of these expectations.
• Actively identify and report issues with product quality or handling. Complete all training required for these procedures.
• Perform Critical Control Point (CCP) checks and verifications during production processes. Ensure all checks are done properly.
• Follow all required safety standards and participate actively with training to ensure the safety of self and of co-workers.
• Report all safety issues using a computer program and participate in safety audits.
• Know the required Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures. Participate in all LOTO procedures in a work area. Understand LOTO procedures throughout the plant. Verify others in a work area follow all LOTO procedures. Immediately stop any improper LOTO procedures.
• Responsible for completing extensive cleaning and sanitation procedures for production equipment using cleaning chemicals, pressure hoses and other standard cleaning tools.
• Responsible for completing weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual cleaning tasks according to a schedule.
• Lead pre-shift meetings and safety stretches.
• Able and available to work overtime as required in order to meet production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB EXPERIENCE :

• At least 1 year of previous production experience required or equivalent combination of related experience, education, and training.
• Previous forklift experience a plus.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Basic writing/reading skills preferred. Basic computer skills and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) scanner or desktop use may be required in certain plants or work areas.