Sr. Production Operator- 4th Class

Balchem; Town of Barrhead; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Balchem in Alberta is seeking a production operator to operate spray drying and packaging equipment, while following GMP/ISO guidelines. You will learn to perform blending, mixing, and quality checks, ensuring accurate documentation and a clean, safe work area.

The role requires forklift operation, adherence to safety rules, and ability to work in a team. A high school diploma and English literacy are required; forklift certification and OSHA/PLС knowledge are valued but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• High school level reading, math, writing and comprehension skills.
• Boiler operations certified preferred and knowledge of OSHA regulations and PLC Skills.
• Must have or be able to obtain forklift operators permit.
• Must be able to understand and follow processing, safety, and quality guidelines written in English.
• WHMIS training is preferred.
• Adherence to GMP, ISO, Kosher, Halal, etc. certification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment and packaging equipment.
• Carry out basic quality and testing checks and document results.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area; follow and read work instructions.
• Use lifting equipment and forklift trucks safely; assist with material handling.
• Follow CIP/COP chemical cleaning procedures and maintain safety practices.
• Learn and adhere to facility WI and GMP/ISO procedures.
• Work effectively in a team to meet annual departmental goals.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Independent work

Safety awareness

Forklift operation

Reading instructions

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Obtain knowledge, training and experience to operate and maintain spray drying equipment in manufacturing facility according to ISO and GMP guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Learn and demonstrate knowledge of:
  • Mixing ingredients into product vessels with accuracy
  • Maintain and monitor critical control points of the process
  • Operate production equipment
  • Operate packaging equipment
  • Carry out basic quality and testing checks
  • Accurately complete process documents
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area
  • Use lifting equipment and forklift trucks
  • Time Management
  • Attention to detail
  • Able to work with minimal supervision
  • Prior experience in a food or other manufacturing environment is an asset
• Learn and demonstrate knowledge of inventory control procedures and production batch records
• Demonstrate willingness to learn and obtain the ability to operate the company’s manufacturing equipment: spray dryer, mixing vessels, packaging equipment, processing equipment
• Learn material-blending procedures and demonstrate ability to perform blending processes
• All employees are required to adhere to all certification compliance requirements, (i.e. GMP, ISO, Kosher, Halal, etc.)
• Must also follow CIP chemical cleaning; COP chemical cleaning, maintaining a clean work environment, following work instructions, reading work instructions, following and comprehension of paperwork, documentation and proper material handling
• Assist with water room duties as yet to be described such as adjusting pH, addition of antifoam, etc.
• Become skilled at operating a forklift in a safe manner while working in and around people and equipment
• Responsible for cleaning equipment and the surrounding work areas
• Learn the process of and assist in the standardization of facility specific Work Instructions (WI)
• Responsible for self-involvement, team involvement and execution of tasks relative to achieving annual departmental goals
• Knowledge of food production GMP is an preferred but not required
• WHMIS training is an preferred but not required

REQUIREMENTS:

• Physically healthy and able to work standing/walking for 12-hour periods
• High school diploma or equivalent, preferred
• Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, Abilities, etc.: High school level reading, math, writing and comprehension skills
• Must be able to understand and follow processing, safety, and quality guidelines written in English
• Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, etc.: Boiler operations certified preferred and knowledge of OSHA regulations and Programmable Logic Controller Skills.
• Must have or be able to obtain forklift operators permit
• Must be able to work in a team-oriented environment
• Must be able to process extensive amounts of documentation legibly

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Position may require walking/standing for long periods; reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting
• Physically able to lift 50 lbs (22.7 kg)
• Exposure to powder and heavy equipment in a loud manufacturing atmosphere
• Manufacturing environment with exposure to powder mineral products, cleaning chemicals, restricted movement, dirty environment, hazardous materials, lifting and carrying heavy objects
• In accordance with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29CFR 1910.134) Balchem employees (Production, Quality, R&D, and Maintenance) are required to successfully complete annual fit testing (clean shaven req.) and medical clearance (respirator medical certification)
• In addition, when required to wear a respirator, wearers must wear it as they fit tested (clean shaven)