PRODUCTION OPERATOR I - 2ND SHIFT (391) at NOW Foods

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Operates and performs changeovers on the lines/equipment within required timelines and demonstrates the ability to consistently meet safety, quality and efficiency goals. Follows work instructions, standards and SOP’s for equipment set up and changeover. Identifies and resolves issues during set up and changeover.
• Prepares work area at beginning of shift and cleans up work area at end of shift and/or at end of production run to ensure area is ready for next job. Cleans or sanitizes all food contact surfaces between changes of product. Ensures availability of all required materials and supplies, using the appropriate lift trucks, hand jacks and other equipment once certifications are achieved.
• Operates equipment, including troubleshooting and making adjustments in accordance with established work standards. Cleans and assembles equipment according to standard operating procedures.
• Conducts quality checks at regular intervals; inspects ingredients and finished product to ensure product is processed according to specifications.

• Truthfully and legibly completes required paperwork, written and electric reports. (i.e. Excel, Word, PCDA, Oracle, etc.).
• Reduces downtime by assuring tasks are performed promptly, safely and efficiently.
• Performs operator scheduled maintenance checklist.
• Diagnoses and performs minor machine maintenance and makes any needed adjustments. Works closely with maintenance when escalation to maintenance is needed for a mechanical issue.
• Submits daily report of duties performed and production quantities produced.
• Identifies and submits suggestions to improve efficiencies, quality and safety.
• Actively participates in root cause analysis and other plant continuous improvement initiatives. Recommends and assists with implementing continuous improvement ideas.
• Complies with safety requirements, GMP requirements, and SOP’s/WI’s for work area.

Packaging Area:

• Conducts quality checks at regular intervals; inspects filled containers and finished product to ensure product is packaged according to specifications.
• Assists coworkers set up machine and stacks, marks, packs, and transports finished product.

Processing Area:

• Examines product for identity and any impurities. Weighs out ingredients as listed using scales with printers and mixes ingredients, using appropriate mixing method, carefully and thoroughly.
• Follows batch instructions on BPR or deviation to meet desired specification via use of reactors, blenders, mixers, fitzmill, metal detector, sifter, roller compactor, rotary press, oscillating granulator, tote tumbler, lift truck, hand jack and other equipment. Notifies supervisor, lead or R&D of any concerns with instructions on BPR or deviation.
• Records all item and lot number information on production ticket. Documents and updates mix tickets and log book, ensuring that all information is written truthfully and legibly. Enters all information into computer system for tracking and accountability purposes, ensuring that all information is correct.
• Lifts and places raw materials into appropriate tote or tank equipment or mixers via automatic or manual lifting. Properly labels bulk containers, mixes etc.
• Keeps Quality Control and Research & Development departments informed, to ensure correct amounts of raw materials are used and to recommend improvements to existing products.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe production and exhibits safe work practices. Actively participates in the safety program by engaging in safety activities. Effectively provides and accepts constructive peer-to-peer feedback on safety performance. Adheres to policies, procedures, SOP’s, safe work practices, and safety policies and procedures. Reports ALL workplace incidents to supervisor immediately. Communicates concerns to supervisor, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention. Properly uses, wears, and stores Personal Protective Equipment when required. Participates on safety teams and/or completes safety-related activities as part of regular job responsibilities.

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. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and six (6) months of related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience operating blending/processing and/or packaging machines/equipment preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food or pharmaceuticals, preferred.

PERFORMANCE ABILITY

Certification as a Machine Operator in one (1) to three (3) Packaging and/or Processing areas (any combination).

• Processing areas: (1) Encapsulation; (2) Roller Compactor; (3) Tablet Coating; (4) Tablet Press; (5) Wet and/or Dry Blending (considered certification in one area). Fitzmill is not included.

• Packaging areas: (1) Cloud; (2) Simplex Oil and/or HPC (considered certification in one area); (3) Monoblock Oil (4) Powder and/or Mateer (considered certification in one area); (5) Tea; (6) Vitamin line 4/8 head filler; (7) All other Vitamin lines (not 4/8 head filler).

Proven ability through certification to operate various Packaging and Processing equipment according to set standards; set up, run and adjust machines; conduct timely quality checks; perform minor machine maintenance; accurately complete paperwork; and perform sanitation and changeover of equipment. Solid knowledge of machine capabilities, manufacturing process, and ability to troubleshoot. Demonstrated ability to consistently meet quality, safety and efficiency goals. Good problem-solving skills required. Good time management skills; ability to prioritize and calmly handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment; demonstrate a strong sense of urgency; and flexibility to change tasks frequently and work in different work centers as business needs require. Strong teamwork skills; ability to work and communicate effectively with others; strong attention to detail skills; and demonstrated high quality of work. Consistently follows all company policies and procedures, including all safety policies and procedures. Ability to work in Packaging and Processing at both the 391 and 395 manufacturing facilities in Bloomingdale.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals (S.O.P.). Ability to accurately complete sanitation/production paperwork.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals to understand weights and measures and to use digital and balancing scales. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Good problem solving ability.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Basic understanding of mechanical principles; ability to troubleshoot and adjust machines.
• Ability to operate hand operated electronic lifting equipment (Interthor).
• Basic computer and data entry skills required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends to support the business.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform 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 regularly required to talk and hear; stand and walk; ascend and descend stairs and ladders; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; crouch or half kneel, and reach with hands and arms. Critical demands of the position include moving pallets, moving pallet jacks, lifting and loading product, and changing over and cleaning equipment.

Packaging:

The employee must regularly lift, move (in some cases drag items), slide, raise and/or place:

• Up to 20 lbs. from 5 inches to 47 inches and then returning to 5 inches
• Up to 20 lbs. at 30 inches, turn 90 degrees and place at 30 inches
• Ascend and descend stairs carrying 30 lbs.
• Up to 55 lbs. from floor onto side, move up to 10 ft. and then return to original position
• Push and pull of force up to 35 lbs. at 54 inch height
• Push and pull of force up to 65 lbs. at 36 inch height
• Reach up to 78 inches

Processing:

The employee must regularly lift, move (in some cases drag items), slide, raise and/or place:

• Up to 20 lbs. to 30 inches, turn at a 90 degree angle and place at 30 inches.
• Ascend and descend steps carrying up to 35 lbs.
• Up to 50 lbs. to waist height.
• Up to 55 lbs. from floor onto side, move 10 ft. and then return to original position.
• Push and pull up to 65 lb. force at 36 inch height
• Reach up to 78 inches

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics 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 regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to herbal aromas, dust, and/or airborne particles, some classified as allergens or irritants.

This position works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud, and in some areas where louder hearing protection is required.