Operator - Cutter/Flipper (CR) - Shift 3

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size.

About the role

Accomplish the preparation of frozen cheese made on assigned production lines at the Brunswick facility by performing certain tasks involved in preparing raw cheese to meet quality specifications and production needs. Will be assigned as a Cheeseroom Operator position based on needs of the cheese room and person's physical ability to perform the functions of that position. Contributes to the profitability of the Company by performing tasks in a safe, efficient, quality-conscious, and cost-conscious manner and by working in a cooperative manner with his/her Team Leader and co-workers.

Responsibilities

• Know and understand the right specifications for the product being run on the line.
• Ensure that the correct raw materials are brought to the line; if not, notify Fork Lift Driver to remove and bring the correct ones.
• Set up all equipment so that it will run properly.
• Operate pallet jack or forklift equipment in accordance with methods/procedures set forth in training.
• Assist maintenance mechanics with preventive maintenance of machinery by reporting any problems with operation or suspected maintenance needs; assist with performing other maintenance tasks as requested.
• Perform the physical tasks involved in this specific position.
• Prep raw material ahead of time to keep up with the demands of the lines.
• Remove all plastic from cheese and inspect each block before it goes through the grinding process.
• Operate pallet jack or forklift in a safe manner in prepping and staging raw cheese product to be opened.
• Sweep food debris on the floor into small piles, pick it up with a dustpan, and place it in the proper waste container.
• Dispose of paper, plastic, or other cardboard material into the proper trash container.
• Push trash carts or waste carts of materials to proper disposal area.
• Use a low-pressure water hose to wash the last traces of food debris down the drain, consistent with plant waste water and sanitation policies.
• Use a rubber squeegee to push water off the floor toward and down floor drains.
• Keep track of all cheese tags used for production records to be recorded on batch sheets.
• Take accountability of raw cheese on plant floor at beginning and end of shift when returning material back to Shipping Department.
• Understand mechanical functions of equipment being used in grinding process.
• Understand how to assemble/disassemble all cheese room equipment.
• Safely open cheese blocks with knives and stack raw cheese on table.
• Apply all safe work practices associated with these tasks and work in a safe manner always.
• Apply all GMPs requirements, both personal hygiene and housekeeping, associated with these tasks. Always keep work area clean, in line with plant procedures on housekeeping, wastewater, and solids management.
• Apply all product safety and quality requirements associated with the process at assigned positions.
• Identify product or processing problems on an on-going basis and determine if solution is within his/her training and knowledge; if so, correct the problem; if not or if unsure, communicate to appropriate person for solution.
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with Team Leader and other managers, and co-workers. Resolve problems and conflicts in an acceptable manner that shows respect for the other person(s).
• Work to understand (primarily through gainsharing, team meetings, and general communications) overall impact of his/her job on team productivity and plant profitability; maintain high level of personal productivity and contribute suggestions for work process improvements to Team Leader or at team meetings.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• 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 work attendance.
• Ability to perform basic math functions.

Qualifications

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.