Process Machine Operator I (Days)

About the role

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Responsibilities

• Covers for other production team members during breaks and absences
• Coordinates process set-up of production, CIP, and sanitizing of processing equipment
• Maintains a clean and organized work area, setting up the next shift for success
• Performs routine maintenance on processing equipment, including valves, o-rings, homogenizer packings, and air lines
• Documents maintenance work orders and places them in the completed work order box
• Performs CCP checks to ensure quality and efficiency standards are met
• Troubleshoots and resolves basic to moderate operating difficulties involving processing equipment
• Prepares and completes all area paperwork with legible handwriting as required by the FDA
• Fills and drains tower water in the correct sequence and adjusts steam valve as required
• Understands the process flow from Aseptic Mixing through processing to Filling
• Wears PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required
• Adheres to all plant safety rules and reports near misses and accidents to the production supervisor and/or HR representative
• Serves an active role in plant safety programs by participating in monthly safety inspections and reporting any potential safety hazards to the safety committee or management
• Follows SOP’s and SSOP’s (standard operating procedures and sanitation standard operating procedures) when making processing adjustments
• Identifies and understands the functions of all critical control points (CCP)
• Assists maintenance technicians during equipment repairs
• Assists in maintaining a clean and organized work area
• Maintains general housekeeping in other areas of the plant
• Maintains effective communication with members of the support group and other operators
• Continuously improves knowledge of the Aseptic Filling process and becomes familiar with SunOpta 360
• Completes and adheres to the Annual Alchemy Schedule

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• Good attendance record
• Ability to perform maintenance on valves, surge tanks, and processors
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate paperwork
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts
• Working knowledge of business, computer, and math
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment
• Able to prioritize, meet deadlines, multi-task, and make decisions under pressure
• Ability to work with minimal or no supervision
• Ability to run all processors, CIPs, and monitor all surge tanks
• Understanding of procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross-contamination
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues associated with the processors and related equipment
• Ability to assess a situation and make quick and accurate decisions that will aid in production
• Adherence to all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management
• Understanding of terminology related to the process and surge equipment
• Ability to stand and work for long periods of time (12) hours and lift a minimum 30-50 pounds frequently and push/pull pallet jacks and lifts with heavy loads