Operator - CR

Purpose Statement

Accomplish the preparation of frozen cheese made on assigned production lines at the Brunswick facility by performing certain tasks involved in preparing raw cheese to meet quality specifications and production needs. Will be assigned as a Cheeseroom Operator position based on needs of the cheeseroom and person's physical ability to perform the functions of that position. Contributes to the profitability of the Company by performing tasks in a safe, efficient, quality-conscious, and cost-conscious manner and by working in a cooperative manner with his/her Team Leader and co-workers.  This is a 2nd Shift position.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

Building on the knowledge of processing learned in the Brunswick Plant or operational training at another location, learns how to prepare raw cheese products that meet quality specifications and production needs. Performs specific tasks associated with this process that must be done while he/she is assigned. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Knowing and having an understanding of the right specifications for the product being run on the line
• Making sure that the correct raw materials are brought to the line; if not, notifying Fork Lift Driver to remove and bring the correct ones
• Setting up all equipment so that it will run properly
• Operating pallet jack or forklift equipment in accordance with methods/procedures set forth in training
• Assisting maintenance mechanics with preventive maintenance of machinery by reporting any problems with operation or suspected maintenance needs; assists with performing other maintenance tasks asrequested
• Performing the physical tasks involved in this specific position
• Prepping raw material ahead of time to keep up with the demands of the lines
• Removing all plastic from cheese and inspecting each block before it goes through the grinding process
• Operating pallet jack or forklift in a safe manner in prepping and staging raw cheese product to be opened
• Sweeping food debris on the floor into small piles, picking it up with a dustpan, and placing it in the proper waste container
• Disposing of paper, plastic or other cardboard material into the proper trash container
• Pushing trash carts or waste carts of materials to proper disposal area
• Using a low-pressure water hose to wash the last traces of food debris down the drain, consistent with plant waste water and sanitation policies
• Using a rubber squeegee to push water off the floor toward and down floor drains
• Keeping track of all cheese tags used for production records to be recorded on batch sheets
• Taking accountability of raw cheese on plant floor at beginning and end of shift when returning material back to Shipping Department
• Understanding mechanical functions of equipment being used in grinding process
• Understanding of how to assemble/disassemble all cheese room equipment
• Safely opening cheese blocks with knives and stacking raw cheese on table
• Other tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 - 3 Years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum lifting requirement is 20 pounds, from approximately 6 inches off the ground to up to shoulder height. Maximum lifting requirement is up to 65 pounds over the same distance and occasionally above shoulder height, depending on job assignment.
• Punctual and reliable in their work attendance
• Ability to perform basic math functions
• Applies all safe work practices associated with these tasks. Works in a safe manner always.
• Applies all GMPs requirements, both personal hygiene and housekeeping, associated with these tasks. Always keeps work area clean, in line with plant procedures on housekeeping, wastewater, and solids management.
• Applies all product safety and quality requirements associated with the process at assigned positions.
• Identifies product or processing problems on 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.
• Develops and maintains a good working relationship with Team Leader and other managers, and co-workers. Resolves problems and conflicts in an acceptable manner that shows respect for the other person(s).
• Works to understand (primarily through gainsharing, team meetings, and general communications) 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 Leader or at team meetings.
• Since the work requires physically handling cheese and other ingredients on a regular basis, severe allergic reaction to this food material or to any of the ingredients used in processing such as flour, baking soda, baking powder, phosphates and their chemical components would preclude a person from performing the essential functions of this position. Allergy to cardboard (or its dust), latex (used in gloves worn in processing), or chlorine (used as a food and surface disinfectant) would also preclude a person from performing the essential functions of this position.