Operator - Blender (CR)

Purpose Statement

Cheese Blender operator is responsible for operating the Mepaco blenders that have the capacity of blending up to 8,000 lbs of raw ingredients per batch.  This position is meant to supply the lines with the proper batch size, ingredient formula, and quality standards regularly and efficiently.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

1. Picking up bags of raw materials ranging from 25 – 50 pounds, inspecting, and placing ingredients into necessary batching totes or directly into the blender.
2. Provides lines with cheese batches within desired time frame and temperature parameters.
3. Required to move large quantities of ingredients via use of manual or electric pallet jack.
4. Utilizing Lock-out Tag-out practices (LOTO) to safely deenergize and trouble shoot the necessary equipment.
5. Inspecting product at various points of the batching/blending process.
6. Perform general sanitation and housekeeping duties
7. Disposes of paper, plastic or other packaging material into the proper trash container.
8. Use a low-pressure water hose to wash down the last traces of food debris down the drain, consistent with plant wastewater and sanitation policies.
9. Use a rubber squeegee to push water off the floor toward and down floor drains.
10. Minimum lifting requirements is 20 pounds, from approximately 6 inches off the ground to up to shoulder height. maximum lifting requirement is up to 55 pounds over the same distance and occasionally above shoulder height, depending on job assignment.
11. Applies all safe work practices associated with these tasks. Works in a safe manner at all times.
12. Applies all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements, both personal hygiene and housekeeping, associated with these tasks. 
13. Keeps work area clean at all times, in line with plant procedures on housekeeping, wastewater, and solids management.
14. Applies all product safety and quality requirements associated with the process at assigned positions to reduce chances of cross contamination.
15. Identifies product or processing problems at his/her assigned work positions at an on-going basis and determines if solution is within his/her training and knowledge; if so, corrects problem; if not or if not sure, communicates to appropriate person for solution.
16. Develops and maintains a good working relationship with Team Coordinator and other managers, team members, and other co-workers.  Resolves problems and conflicts in an acceptable manner that shows respect for the other person(s).
17. Cooperates and shows commitment to team goals and efforts; attends team meetings and participates in them to the best of his/her ability.
18. Works to understand overall impact of his/her job on team productivity and plant profitability; maintains high level of personal productivity and contributes suggestions for work process improvements to Team Coordinator or at team meetings.
19. Follows plant rules and policies and Company code of ethics in performing job.
20. Assists in orientating and/or training other team members on assigned tasks as requested or necessary within similar job function.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to work at fast pace.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated good attendance, punctuality, work habits and personal hygiene.
• Good hand dexterity.
• Basic business requirements: attendance, punctuality, good work habits, good personal hygiene.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior manufacturing experience.

• Trade school, or post-secondary school.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft programs, data tracking software, etc.).
• Experience with similar style food processing and ingredient batching.
• Previous work using touch screen control panels and HMI monitors.
• Willing and able to understand and accept instruction, follow directions, policies and rules.
• Effectively communicate with peers and superiors.
• Work in a safe and efficient manner.
• Work effectively with other people in a work group or team.