PACKAGING OPERATOR

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:  This position is responsible for the packaging of finished product and transferring of product to various bins to support plant operations, which may include filling both bags and bulk totes.  In addition, this position will perform palletization of product (manual and mechanical), labeling and stenciling of product bags (manual and mechanical), and loading of outbound packaged and bulk product.  This role is also responsible for unloading of ingredients and packaging materials and keeping work area clean and safe.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Safe and efficient use of fork truck (standard forks and slip sheet attachment).
• Operator will be responsible for packaging of all products 5# to 3,000# on both the automatic bag line(s) and bulk tote line(s).
• Perform basic troubleshooting and basic maintenance if needed of pack line machinery (e.g., jammed bags, improperly sealed bags, rejected bags, jammed palletizer, etc.). 
• Operate and make changeovers of Packaging lines.
• Determine and set the code date and lot code properly for each product.
• Load, operate and adjust labeling machine.
• Transfer product to other operating systems in the plant.
• Perform quality checks as necessary.
• Complete all paperwork accurately to comply with HACCP, tracebility, FS, and quality requirements.
• Assure appropriate pallet patterns are maintained for finished product.
• Maintain excellent position in regards to GMP.
• Follow appropriate guidelines in regards to sampling.
• Inventory bin levels as needed.
• House keeping responsibilities shall be maintained in all areas.
• Operate conveying systems for finished product.
• Stretch-wrap finished product as needed.
• Adhere to the Lifeline Foods Code of Team Behavior. In that regard, this position will be expected to perform duties outside the key responsibilities
• Responsible for Food Safety and quality.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment is manufacturing.
• Frequently exposed to airborne particles (dust).
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes and risk of electrical shock and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High School education or equivalent is preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Basic math skills are required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
• Technology proficient to include use of computers, two-way radio communications and Packaging related PLC equipment.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion. 
• Ability to read, write and speak fluently in English is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Regularly required to walk and move about Packaging area.
• Required to sit; use hands to finger; handle, feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; speak; hear, taste and smell.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 32 pounds.
• Must be able to climb ladders and platforms, enter confined spaces and wear all safety equipment.
• Must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time.