Process Machine Operator I

SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta Inc. is a leader in the plant-based foods and beverages, fruit-based foods and beverages, and organic ingredient sourcing industries. SunOpta is focused on sustainability and specializes in the sourcing, processing, and packaging of organic, conventional, non-GMO food products.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary:

Process Machine Operator I is responsible for processing a variety of liquid products to ensure sterility. Ensures quality and efficiency standards are being met through reduced scrap loss and yield improvements by following written and verbal procedures. Follows all GMP and PPE requirements for the safety of others and oneself. Effectively communicates verbal and written information relevant to the position. Fill in for vacations and or cover if other employees are absent.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Coordinates process set-up of production, CIP, and sanitizing a variety of processing equipment to be completed in a timely manner. Maximizing the quality of products produced and the efficiency of the department.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area setting up the next shift for success.
• Begins to assist with routine maintenance as directed on all processing equipment. This includes but is not limited to: valves, replacing "o" rings, homogenizer packings. Maintains oil level, air lines, sterile air filters and gaskets. Document correctly when filling out maintenance work orders and place into completed work order box.
• Relieves other production team members for breaks and absences as required
• Perform a variety of Critical Control Point (CCP) checks to assure standards are met. For example, verify steam and air pressure gauges as it relates to the process and their importance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving the processing equipment
• Accurately prepares and completes all area paperwork with legible handwriting as required by the FDA Fill and drain Tower water in the correct sequence and turning on the fans.
• Be able to adjust the steam valve for the steam injector as required.
• Understanding of the process flow from Aseptic Mixing through Processing to Filling.
• Effectively communicate with the Aseptic Mixers to coordinate the process and flow of separations prior to initiating a separation.

Key Accountabilities:

Safety

• Adheres to all plant safety rules
• Reports all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor and or HR representative
• Serves an active role the plant safety programs, by participating in monthly safety inspections and reporting any potential safety hazards to the safety committee or Management

Quality:

• Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines
• Follows SOP's and SSOP's (standard operating procedures and sanitation standard operating procedures) when making processing adjustments, to ensure the manufacturing of high-quality liquid-based products.
• Responsible for compliance with GMP's, HACCP and SQF programs
• Identifies all critical control points (CCP) understanding their functions it relates to the process.
• Accurately prepares and maintains processing area documentation. Writing legibly and completely filling out all documents. Operators name must be signed on each document used.

Maintenance

• When Maintenance is occurring in your work area, it is the expectation to assist the Maintenance Technicians in any capacity needed to expedite the repair process.

When equipment is in a state of disrepair these items must be reported ASAP to avoid break downs.

Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Assists all areas of the plant with general housekeeping
• Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors

Communications

As a member of the Production team, ensures effective shift communication and teamwork with other operators occurs each scheduled shift.Maintains effective communication with members of the support group.

• When utilizing the Handheld radios employees are expected to be professional and respectful when communicating.

Teamwork and Training

• Promotes and contributes to the development of a strong team.
• Works well among co-workers as a team.
• Assist in coaching and training employees as requested by the management team.

Personal Development

• Continuously improve your knowledge of the Aseptic Filling process.

Become familiar with SunOpta 360.Completes and adheres to the Annual Alchemy Schedule.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Minimum Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Must be able to run all processors, CIPs, and monitor all surge tanks.
• Understands procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross contamination
• Must be able to perform maintenance on valves, surge tanks, and processors.
• Must be able to prepare and maintain accurate paperwork.
• 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
• Must adhere to all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management
• Understand terminology related to the process and surge equipment
• Must be able 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

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Must be able to run all processors, CIPs, and monitor all surge tanks.
• Understands procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross contamination
• Must be able to perform maintenance on valves, surge tanks, and processors.
• Must be able to prepare and maintain accurate paperwork.
• 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
• Must adhere to all GMP's and Safety Procedures established by Management
• Understand terminology related to the process and surge equipment
• Must be able 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

Education:

Minimum of a High school diploma or equivalent education.

Experience:

Entry level - willing to train.

Knowledge and Skills:

Working knowledge of business, computer, and math, preferred. The candidate must be able to work effectively in a team-based environment, set priorities to meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and make decisions under pressure being able to work with minimal or no supervision. Ability to use critical thinking to plan and problem-solve.

Travel Requirements:

• None

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics/physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to wet and / or humid conditions (non-weather); moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

A 24/7 36/48-hour work week will be considered normal. Extra hours, off hours, and extra workdays may be required to accommodate new projects, product development, and other special situations.

The employee must occasionally sit, lift, push, pull and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, grasp, type; reach with hands and arms; lean, crouch, stoop, kneel, or crawl; climb up and down ladders or stairs. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee is required to climb and operate a three-story machine several times per hour. Frequently talk or listen. Frequently work near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally work in high places, occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

Featured benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED