Production Worker

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and innovative coatings. We have recently been awarded the Top Workplaces Award by the WI State Journal (No. 2 Large Employer) and the Benefits Award. CQC has been growing double digits annually due to our flexibility, commitment, respect, and integrity. We are a family-owned company where employees wear many different "hats," make a difference every day, and have fun doing it. We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in Southern Wisconsin, offering a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits.

About the role

The primary purpose of a Utility Technician is to mix ingredients, operate packaging equipment, clean equipment and building, and display competency in material handling. All tasks are performed in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures, safety procedures, and material handling standards. The role requires flexibility, multitasking, and a strong team attitude.

Responsibilities

• Mix ingredients by reading recipes and adding them to mixers or bulk tanks by hand or using the plant control system (PCS).
• Perform sanitation tasks using correct cleaning procedures for production and non-production areas.
• Operate packaging machinery to ensure product meets customer standards; complete required paperwork and checks.
• Train and certify in mixing, sanitation, and packaging within designated timeframes.
• Melt ingredients for production orders and assist with making mixes and operating drum and pail filling equipment.
• Set up, tear down, and clean tanks, pipes, pumps, and plates.
• Move ingredients in and out of racking using the RSS inventory management system to maintain proper first in-first out (FIFO) and product rotation procedures.
• Inspect product for color, shape, and size issues on finished products.
• Collect and test samples of product at various stages of the production process.
• Read and interpret production and distribution schedules.
• Use the plant control system (PCS) and human machine interfaces (HMI) competently.
• Complete paperwork and log production information accurately (e.g., labor reports, recipe weights, waste sheets, Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) sheets).
• Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment.
• Cover for other employees during breaks/lunch.
• Attend team, safety, and quality meetings; complete required training/certifications and train others as needed.
• Perform tasks assigned by supervisors while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular attendance and work overtime as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of industrial experience (e.g., machine operation, troubleshooting, mechanical) is required; food manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Experience lifting 55 lbs. is preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Solochain, Microsoft Navision, plant control systems, and label management is helpful.

Skills

• Ability to lift 55 pounds, sometimes repetitively.
• Capability to stand and walk throughout a 12-hour shift.
• Proficiency in communicating, writing, and reading in English.
• Intermediate math skills (multiplication, division, fractions, etc.).
• Ability to work at heights above 10 feet and in extreme heat and cold.
• Comfort working with allergens such as soy and dairy.
• Positive, can-do attitude with flexibility to perform a variety of tasks.
• Strong multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Physical stamina and range-of-motion to safely perform tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to remain alert to safety hazards, stay on task, manage time effectively, and work independently or in a team.

Pay

Pay range is $29.50/hour (includes shift differential) for nights and $26.50/hour for days. A $2,000 sign-on bonus is available for all shifts, with an additional $1,000 bonus for Nights Option 2.

Schedule

Days: 4:55 AM – 5:25 PM.
Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday.
Week 2: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday.

Nights Option 1: 4:55 PM – 5:25 AM.
Wednesday–Friday, every other Saturday.

Nights Option 2: 4:55 PM – 5:25 AM.
Sunday–Tuesday, every other Saturday.

These are full-time positions with 8 hours of built-in overtime during the 4-day workweek. Volunteering for an extra workday (if available) is paid at double-time. The schedule provides more full days off for hobbies and time with family.

Benefits

CQC offers a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits as part of its commitment to being an Employer of Choice in Southern Wisconsin.