Stuffing Room Operator

About the role

We are a leading manufacturer of premium, ready-to-eat link sausages and hot dogs. Founded in 2004 by four brothers, Chris, Joe, Mark, and Pete Salm, we have grown to operate two production plants with over 1,000 partners in Denmark, WI. In 2023, Johnsonville purchased Salm Partners to expand our ready-to-eat sausage business and the category as a whole. Our mission is to grow and support our partners.

Responsibilities

• Verify the production menu for process and product specifications at the system control panel using the operational parameters and standard work check sheets prior to start-up.
• Set up the Stuffing Room equipment for production operation per the Operational Parameters, including hopper, grinder, pipes, meat pumps, extrusion equipment, crimper, smoke application system, and; components including plates, springs, valves, etc., and tear down at end of production run or for sanitation per the production schedule, and have it confirmed by a Facilitator prior to start-up.
• Set up Tower, closing doors, setting up liquid smoke system, and verify prior to start-up of production per the established Standard Work Check List.
• Set up the brine system; add water and salt to specified parameters.
• Load raw blended meat from hopper to the grinder.
• Load the collagen hopper; ensure appropriate supply is maintained for ongoing application throughout the production run.
• Maintain pressure gauges, tower and; cook chill temperatures and drive time, and computer control system to ensure the process stays within specifications.
• Complete Stuffing Room checks periodically throughout the shift per established procedures; complete length and weight checks, tower and; blender checks, vat tracking, Baader and grinder checks.
• Complete documentation for lot tracking and traceability for collagen and meat vats used in production.
• Conduct a visual inspection of the meat vats, as well as a visual inspection of the meat as it is being dumped into the hopper.
• Monitor the tower to ensure it is operating correctly and that the liquid smoke application is satisfactory; conduct smoke titration and pH testing, and adjust the percent applied as necessary.
• Record and track production and downtime, providing a detailed explanation of downtime.
• Complete Down Time Log to record and track production time.
• Afford backup assistance with packaging and palletizing as needs dictate.
• Perform sanitation duties that include the following: ; sweep, mop and squeegee floors; wipe down equipment, foam and clean belts and conveyors; wash parts and walls; empty and clean bins and barrels; remove and dispose of all waste; mop and clean the stuffing room, coolers and /or the tower.
• Follow all Lockout/Tagout procedures without fail.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as required.
• Exercise safety precautions when using cleaning chemicals; use cleaning chemicals appropriate for the task.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations per established company policies.
• Operate a forklift and pallet jack to pull and move product and supplies.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalency and a minimum of 6 months of experience as a Backup Stuffing Operator is normally required.
• Certification in Industrial Maintenance or Electro-Mechanical Technology or related field is preferred.
• Previous experience in a USDA regulated work environment is preferred.
• Experience with ready-to-eat processed meats is strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Education: A minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalency and a minimum of 6 months of experience as a Backup Stuffing Operator is normally required.
• Experience: Previous experience in a USDA regulated work environment is preferred. Experience with ready-to-eat processed meats is strongly preferred.
• Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude and commitment to working safely. Must be able to achieve forklift certification.
• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the partner is frequently required to stand for extended periods; walk; sit and talk or hear. The partner is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms, with repetitive motions of hands, arms and shoulders. The partner must regularly lift up to 50# and periodically lift and/or move up to 80 #.
• Work Environment: The work environment is wet and slippery most of the time. The noise level in the production work environment is usually loud. Partners are required to wear nitrile gloves, hearing protection, frocks and hairnets, and anti-slip footwear with composite toes at all times while working on the Stuffing Room floor. Goggles, rain suits and face shields will be required at different times in the course of the work being performed.