Processor Operator

Pacific Coast Producers, one of the top food production companies in the U.S., has an exciting opportunity for a Processor Operator to join our team at our Salem, OR facility. Our Salem facility produces maraschino cherries and other cherry products in various styles, colors, and flavors and employs between 70-100 employees.

About the role

The Processor Operator is responsible for the accurate execution of all processes and procedures in the areas of Cold Process, Hot Process, and APV operation. Perform QA tests/monitoring as necessary to clear fruit and syrup for processing.

Responsibilities

• Complete all processes in both CP and Red Room, including various methods of loading tanks, blanching, syruping and syrup making, to proper procedural cleaning and sanitizing.
• Operate APV system which includes efficiently balancing syrup needs plant wide, start-up, shut-down, change overs, CIP monitoring with accurate documentation, and training new processors.
• Monitor syrup levels on a continual basis to ensure that each tank has the correct type of syrup and correct liquid level in both the Red Room and Cold Process.
• Report all discrepancies to the Area Supervisor and follow up ensuring that a satisfactory resolution is in place.
• Coordinate with other processors to make and pump batches of syrups, flavors, and pre-mixes for all areas of the plant as needed.
• Pump product from tanks to Pack Room for both cold and hot process in a manner that will not impede the pack out process. This will include pumping spent and concentrate syrup efficiently into temporary holding, process, or concentrate tanks during production runs or to complete regular processes.
• Maintain knowledge involving fill weights and syrups for the various products (syrup, fruit, and extra syrup).
• Maintain knowledge of filling, staging, sanitizing, pre-syruping, flavoring, and coloring of barrels.
• Empty, fill, clean, sanitize, and label totes and/or barrels of product as needed.
• Responsible for accurately cycle counting chemical inventory.
• Management of railcar syrup from receipt to release.
• Perform QA tests/monitoring as necessary to clear fruit and syrup for processing; record all data on logs.
• Create and apply DSI labels as needed for correct identification once product is produced.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.
• Perform other duties and assignments as directed.

Requirements

• Excellent working knowledge of and ability to follow safety rules and good manufacturing practices.
• Must be Power Equipment certified on forklift with straight forks and dumper attachment.
• Demonstrates good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision and perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to perform all physical aspects of this job without assistance as timely performance is directly related to other concurring processes.
• Demonstrates an ability in working well with others while enabling team members to complete their tasks in an efficient and orderly manner.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent physical activity includes walking, bending, standing, twisting, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., touching, reaching, gripping, finger dexterity, and hearing.
• Moderate physical activity may include stooping, color identification, close vision, and depth perception.
• Under strenuous conditions, employees are still expected to perform their job requirements in a safe manner.

Environmental Factors

• Working conditions include exposure to plant temperature extremes, dampness, humidity, fumes, and high noise levels.
• Work requires wearing proper protective equipment.
• Incumbent may work with rotating machinery and in a crowded area.

Pay

$19.52 per hour with an additional $0.25/hour swing shift differential.

Schedule

Full-time/40 hours per week with some weekend and overtime hours required when needed. Day Shift is 6:00am - 2:30pm and Swing Shift is 2:30pm to 12:30am.

About the company

Established in 1971, Pacific Coast Producers is a cooperative owned by over 165 family farmers that grow and deliver various produce, including tomatoes, peaches, pears, grapes, cherries, and more, to production facilities in California and Oregon for processing and packaging. With over 3,000 dedicated employees, PCP strives to produce the finest quality products for customers across all channels of trade, including grocery retailers and foodservice distributors throughout the United States and Canada.

Location

Our Salem facility is located in Salem, OR, a thriving city in the heart of Willamette Valley, offering a vibrant downtown, strong sense of community, and access to outdoor recreation. As the capital of Oregon, it's only a 45-minute drive from Portland, making it a great location for those seeking urban amenities and a smaller community.